The well-known men and women who died in 2024 made a difference in the worlds of civil rights, religion, politics, justice, journalism, education, art, entertainment and sports. Though they are no longer with us, many of their contributions will last for years to come.
ALLEN ALDRIDGE – Head coach of Bush High School died Sept. 8 at age 52. He was a University of Houston LB and played pro for the Broncos and Lions.
JOHN AMOS – Actor who played the family patriarch on the 1970s sitcom “Good Times” died Aug. 21 at age 84. His film credits included “Coming to America.”
BRUCE AUSTIN – Longtime Houston Community College trustee and retired Harris County official died Aug. 13 at age 71. He was HCC Board chair twice.
BEATKING – Houston rapper whose real name was Justin Riley died Aug. 15 at age 39. His hits included “Then Leave” and “Crush.”
FRANKIE BEVERLY – Leader of Maze, known for his soulful voice, died Sept. 10 at age 77. His well-known songs included “Before I Let Go” and “Love is the Key.”
ZINETTA BURNEY – Houston attorney, justice of the peace and activist died Sept. 22 at age 83. She served on the UH Board of Regents in the 1990s.
JEWEL BROWN – Houston jazz and blues singer died June 25 at age 86. Born in Third Ward, she joined Louis Armstrong’s band in the 1960s and toured the world.
SANDRA CROUCH – Grammy-winning gospel singer died March 17 at age 81. She often collaborated with her twin brother, the late Andraé Crouch.
ABDUL “DUKE” FAKIR – Last surviving original member of Motown’s the Four Tops died July 22 at age 88. The group’s hits included “Reach Out, I’ll Be There.”
NIKKI GIOVANNI – The renowned poet, author, professor and activist died Dec. 9 at age 81. She wrote more than two dozen bestselling poetry collections.
LOUIS GOSSETT JR. – First Black man to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor died March 29 at age 87. He won for 1982’s “An Officer and a Gentleman.”
CISSY HOUSTON – Gospel/soul singer and mother of the late Whitney Houston died Oct. 7 at age 91. She won Grammys in 1997 and 1999.
JESSE HURST – Longtime Texas Southern University educator died Jan. 26 at age 82. He was a professor, offensive line coach and decorated Army veteran.
JUDITH JAMISON – Dancer and choreographer died Nov. 9 at 81. She was a member and later artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
QUINCY JONES – Multitalented musician, composer and producer died Nov. 3 at age 91. He collaborated with artists from Ray Charles to Michael Jackson.
JAMES EARL JONES – Award-winning stage and screen actor died Sept. 9 at age 93. He lent his commanding voice to “The Lion King” and Darth Vader.
DEXTER KING – Youngest son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. died Jan. 22 at age 62. He was chair of the King Center in Atlanta and president of the King Estate.
WILLIAM “BILL” LAWSON – Houston religious leader and civil rights icon died May 14 at age 95. He was founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church.
TITO JACKSON – Member of the Jackson 5 brothers’ group died Sept. 15 at age 70. He was the third of nine children, including superstars Michael and Janet.
SHEILA JACKSON LEE – Houston congresswoman and former councilmember died July 19 at age 74. She represented the 18th Congressional District for nearly 30 years.
WILLIE MAYS – Electrifying baseball star died June 18 at age 93. He played 21 seasons with the Giants and was a two-time MVP and 24-time All-Star.
ROBERT MORELAND – All-time winningest head coach in TSU history with 406 victories died July 29 at age 85. He guided TSU to five SWAC championships.
DIKEMBE MUTOMBO – NBA Hall of Famer and former Rocket died Sept. 30 at age 58. He spent 18 seasons in the NBA and played for five other teams.
FLOYD NEWSUM – Noted artist, UH-Downtown art professor and co-founder of Project Row Houses died Aug. 14 at age 73. His career spanned 50 years.
MORRIS OVERSTREET – First African American elected to statewide office in Texas died March 3 at age 73. He served on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals from 1991-98.
ROBERT REID – Former Rockets star died Feb. 19 at age 68. He helped lead the team to two NBA Finals appearances in 1980-81 and 1985-86.
RON SCALES – Co-founder and managing director of the Community Music Center of Houston died May 2 at age 77. The Third Ward center was established in 1979.
O.J. SIMPSON – The Hall of Fame running back and actor died April 10 at age 76. In 1995 he was acquitted of murdering his former wife Nicole and her friend.
VERNUS SWISHER – Retired Career & Recovery Resources CEO died June 3 at age 79. He was a pastor, exemplary board member and former Foley’s manager.
DUANE THOMAS – Dallas Cowboys star running back died Aug. 4 at age 77. He was with Dallas for two tumultuous seasons in 1970-71.
JAMES WASHINGTON – Champion of the Black Press and president/GM of the Atlanta Voice died April 2 at age 73. He was publisher emeritus of the Dallas Weekly.
F.N. WILLIAMS – Houston religious and civil rights leader died Sept. 27 at age 95. He was pastor of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Acres Homes for 66 years.