St. Louis is home to many prominent leaders in politics, faith and community life. Each year, some of our brightest lights fade, and it is The St. Louis American’s honor to remember several who left us in 2025.
Dr. Alphonso Trottman
Dr. Alphonso Trottman, the first Black orthodontist in St. Louis, died Jan. 6, surrounded by family after a recent illness. Born in St. Louis during segregation, Trottman came of age when discrimination limited opportunity for Black residents. He became a devoted father of three, a former U.S. Air Force officer, and a pioneering orthodontist and dental professor who built thriving practices and mentored generations of professionals.
Carol Ann Clay
Carol Ann Clay, matriarch of one of St. Louis’ most prominent African American families, died Feb. 16 at her home in suburban Washington, D.C. A St. Louis native, she attended Rosati-Kain Academy and graduated from Sumner High School in 1953. That same year, she married William “Bill” Clay Sr. During the height of the civil rights movement, she stood beside her husband as he led the historic Jefferson Bank protests in St. Louis.
Que Prince “Paul” Purnell and Betty Jean Purnell
Que Prince (Paul) Purnell, the steadfast rock of his family, died April 7, just four days after his beloved wife of more than 60 years, Betty Jean (Hayman) Purnell, a 32-year veteran of St. Louis Public Schools, who died April 3. Both were 87. Purnell found his calling in sales, first selling insurance, then working for Sealtest Dairy before joining the St. Louis Post-Dispatch as an advertising executive. By retirement, he was one of the paper’s most recognized sales leaders and a mentor to younger African Americans entering the field.
Linda Lockhart
Veteran journalist Linda Lockhart died May 4 at age 72. A product of Lutheran schools, she became the first African American graduate of Lutheran High School South in 1970. Her journalism career included work at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Milwaukee Journal, St. Paul Pioneer Press, Wisconsin State Journal, The Capital Times, St. Louis Beacon and St. Louis Public Radio. She retired in 2019 but returned in 2020 as interim managing editor of The St. Louis American.
Freeman Bosley Sr.
Freeman Bosley Sr., one of St. Louis’ longest-serving aldermen and father of the city’s first Black mayor, died May 16 at age 90. Elected in 1977, Bosley championed safer neighborhoods and better infrastructure. He backed legislation penalizing brick thefts from abandoned buildings, proposed harsh penalties for graffiti offenders, and fought to restrict tobacco advertising near children. “He was an eloquent orator whose voice was always on behalf of the people who are never heard,” said former Alderman Mike Jones. “He was easily our James Brown, the hardest working man in politics.”
Alice Roach
Alice Roach, founding principal of Carnahan High School of the Future and longtime administrator for The Parsons Blewett Fund, died July 11 at age 75. A former classroom teacher who returned repeatedly when called upon, Roach eventually became SLPS chief of staff. She was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2015 St. Louis American Foundation Salute to Excellence in Education Gala.
U.S. Rep. William “Bill” Clay Sr.
William “Bill” Clay Sr., trailblazing Missouri congressman and civil rights champion, died July 17 at his daughter’s home in Maryland. He was 94. Clay sponsored the Family and Medical Leave Act, advocated for higher minimum wages and secured increased federal funding for HBCUs. “He changed a community, he changed a state, and he changed a nation,” said his son, William Lacy Clay. Clay became Missouri’s first Black congressman in 1968 and co-founded the Congressional Black Caucus. Earlier, as an alderman, he was a leader in the 1963 Jefferson Bank protests, during which he was jailed nearly four months.
Ronald J. Harris
Veteran journalist Ron Harris died following a sailing accident after going missing Aug. 25. His body was recovered off Ossabaw Island in Georgia after a multi-day search. Harris worked for several major newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times and St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Mrs. Mary Ellen Anderson
Mrs. Mary Ellen Anderson died Nov. 23 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. She was 103. Born in St. Louis’ Ville neighborhood, she graduated from Sumner High School at age 16 and Harris-Stowe State University at 20. She became an educator before marrying Dr. John Anderson, a psychiatrist and Washington University faculty member.
Bishop A. John McCoy Sr.
Bishop A. John McCoy Sr., a revered faith leader whose ministry spanned more than seven decades, died Oct. 27 at age 92, just hours after leading his final Monday prayer call. Founding pastor of Grace Apostolic Worship Center in Florissant, McCoy was remembered as a humble, disciplined leader who nurtured pastors across the region. Born and raised in St. Louis, he overcame early hardship — including the loss of a leg at age 3 — before dedicating his life to ministry.