The region and the nation said goodbye to a remarkable cross section of leaders, artists, and cultural icons this year—each leaving behind a legacy defined by service, creativity, or groundbreaking achievement.
Roy Ayers, 84, evolved from jazz vibraphonist to global architect of the funk-soul sound. After rising to prominence in the 1970s with genre-defining hits and collaborations, he became one of the most sampled musicians in hip-hop and a beloved touring icon for generations of music lovers.
Dr. Anita Lyons Bond, 95, pioneering educator and civil rights advocate. She graduated Sumner High School at 15 and was the first Black woman to graduate with honors from Saint Louis University. She earned a master’s from Washington University and fought for educational equity, including a landmark 1965 lawsuit reshaping Missouri’s Board of Education elections. Bond later served as president of the St. Louis Board of Education and lectured widely on Black Studies.
Junior Bridgeman, 71, transitioned from NBA standout to billionaire entrepreneur. After a successful career with the Milwaukee Bucks, he built a restaurant empire of more than 250 Wendy’s franchises and became co-owner of Ebony and Jet magazines. His business acumen and philanthropy made him a respected national figure.
Carl Carlton , 72, Detroit-born R&B and funk singer, best known for “Everlasting Love” and the Grammy-nominated “She’s a Bad Mama Jama.” Starting as “Little Carl” Carlton in the mid-1960s, he became a defining voice of post-Motown Detroit soul.
Jimmy Cliff, 81, reggae pioneer known for “The Harder They Come” and “Many Rivers to Cross.” His music helped introduce reggae to global audiences and influenced generations of artists. Cliff’s legacy remains central to the genre’s international rise.
D’Angelo (Michael Eugene Archer), 51, reshaped modern R&B and soul and was a defining force of the neo-soul movement. He became a touchstone for musicians across R&B, hip hop, and alternative soul. He was revered for his musicianship and uncompromising artistry.
Doug Eason, 90, a pillar of St. Louis Black radio. Known for his signature greeting—“Hiya, Baby!”—he spent over 40 years on air, including leadership roles at KATZ and WESL. A veteran of Armed Forces Radio, he mentored young broadcasters while hosting a daily show on WGNU.
Roberta Flack, 88, Grammy-winning singer behind “Killing Me Softly With His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” Her elegant vocal style and emotional depth made her a celebrated voice for generations, including her duets with St. Louis’ own Donny Hathaway.
George Foreman, 76, two-time heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist. He cemented his place in boxing history with his 1973 knockout of Joe Frazier and 1994 comeback victory at age 45. Beyond the ring, he became a household name through the George Foreman Grill.
Irv Gotti, 54, hip hop producer and Murder Inc. co-founder. He shaped early 2000s R&B and rap through artists like Ashanti and Ja Rule, leaving a significant influence on hip hop production and label culture.
Lynn Hamilton, 95, actress best known as Donna on St. Louis native Redd Foxx’s beloved sitcom “Sanford and Son.” Her career spanned decades across stage and screen.
Ananda Lewis, 52, media trailblazer who shaped a generation of Black youth. Starting as a host on BET’s “Teen Summit,” she became a trusted voice for young viewers. Later an MTV VJ on “Total Request Live” and “Hot Zone,” she blended music, politics, and identity with authenticity and unapologetic Blackness.
Jellybean Johnson, 68, celebrated guitarist, drummer, and producer who helped define the Minneapolis Sound. A founding member of The Time, he shaped the funk-driven aesthetic that influenced Prince’s musical universe and produced hits across R&B and pop.
Sam Moore, 89, soaring tenor behind soul duo Sam & Dave, known for hits like “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’.” A Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, he influenced generations.
Patricia Ann “Ms. Pat” Penelton 74, devoted servant leader whose faith guided over four decades of community work. She served at Centennial Christian Church and held leadership roles with the National Convocation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Phyllis Wheatley YWCA, and Hylton Point Senior Living. A charter member of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s IN UNISON Chorus, she died as a result of the devastating tornado that touched down in St. Louis on May 16, 2025.
Charles B. Rangel, 94, longtime congressman and civil rights advocate. As a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, he shaped national policy for decades with contributions to healthcare, tax reform, and veterans’ rights.
Assata Shakur, (JoAnne Deborah Byron), 78, activist and former Black Panther. Living in political exile after asylum from Fidel Castro in 1984, she remained a symbol of Black liberation worldwide.
Danielle Spencer, 60, actress who played Dee on “What’s Happening!,” a cultural touchstone for Black television audiences of the 1970s. She later worked as a veterinarian.
Angie Stone (Angela Laverne Brown), 63, Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and hip hop trailblazer. Co-founder of pioneering all-female rap group The Sequence, she became a voice of 2000s neo soul with hits like “Wish I Didn’t Miss You.”
Sly Stone, 82, revolutionary bandleader and architect of modern funk. As the creative force behind Sly and the Family Stone, he fused rock, soul, and psychedelic music into a defining sound. His innovations earned him a space within the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Hank Thompson, 80, veteran journalist and radio host whose sharp commentary and deep community ties made him a trusted fixture for decades. He used his platforms in radio, television, and print to amplify issues affecting Black St. Louis.
DJ Unk (Anthony Leonard Platt),43, Atlanta DJ and rapper best known for the club hit “Walk It Out.” His music helped define the snap era of Southern hip hop, with dance-driven hits remaining staples of 2000s party culture.
Malcolm Jamal Warner, 54, Emmy-nominated actor best known as Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show.” He earned acclaim for roles in “Malcolm & Eddie,” “Sons of Anarchy” and “The Resident.”
For additional notable deaths specific to the St. Louis region, visit The St. Louis American’s 2025 Year In Review section.
Living It content is produced with funding by the ARPA for the Arts grants program in partnership with the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis and the Community Development Administration.
