In Memoriam 2024

Austin Layne

Austin Augustus Layne, Jr. was a remarkable figure, epitomizing unwavering commitment to faith, family, and community. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1936 his journey encompassed service in the U.S. Army, where he excelled as a medic and computer specialist. A devoted member of the Temple Church of Christ, Austin’s deep faith guided his path. Beyond military service, he earned acclaim as “The Man with The Velvet Voice,” and was a celebrated gospel recording artist inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. His influence extended to mortuary science, where he founded the Austin A. Layne Mortuary, Inc., setting a standard of excellence. Known for integrity and care, Austin mentored many and left an indelible mark on the St. Louis community. His legacy, defined by love, faith, and service, continues to inspire generations. Austin Augustus Layne, Jr. passed away on October 1, 2023, leaving behind a cherished memory that resonates far beyond St. Louis.

Carol Randolph

Newscaster Carol Randolph was born in St. Louis on February 10, 1941, and grew up in nearby Pagedale. She received a bachelor’s degree in biology in 1962 from Fisk University, an HBCU in Nashville, and a master’s degree in science education in 1965 from Washington University in St. Louis. Randolph, who spent 17 years as the host of morning and public-affairs programs aimed at African American viewers in the Washington DC TV market, passed away on August 5 at her home in DC. She was 82.

Carolyn Lesorogol

Beloved Brown School professor Carolyn Kornfeld Lesorogol, dedicated for 20 years, passed away on May 17, 2023, at 58. As a distinguished scholar and former associate dean, she influenced lives as a teacher, mentor, mother, wife, and friend.

Joining the faculty in 2003, Lesorogol served as associate dean for global strategy and programs from 2014 to 2020. A leading scholar in international social development, she specialized in community change in rural northern Kenya, leaving a lasting impression on the Brown School community.

To honor her legacy, colleagues and friends established The Carolyn Lesorogol Global Student Endowed Scholarship. Survived by daughters, grandsons, sons-in-law, father, sister, and brother, Carolyn Lesorogol’s impact endures, leaving a profound legacy in academic and personal spheres. She will be deeply missed.

Clarence Avant

Clarence Avant was a trailblazing American music executive, manager, and producer. Among those who credit him with providing guidance and support are Quincy Jones, Jay Z, Whitney Houston, Lionel Richie, Snoop Dogg, Queen Latifah, and Pharrell Williams. Starting his career in the 60s, Avant founded two record labels, which helped to launch the careers of Little Willie John, Lalo Schifrin, Sarah Vaughan, Bill Withers, and Sixto Rodriguez, to name a few. He also aided athletes Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, and record-breaking baseball player Hank Aaron. Clarence Avant joined the ancestors on August 13, 2023 at the age of 92.

Elmore Nickelberry

Sanitation worker Elmore Nickelberry was a dedicated civil rights champion. He stood alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the pursuit of improved wages and working conditions. Nickelberry, was one of the last surviving members of the 1968 Memphis sanitation strike. Often photopgrahed holding the iconic “I AM A MAN” sign, he marched alongside Reverend King during the historic protest that tragically culminated in King’s assassination. After an extraordinary 64-year tenure with the Memphis Sanitation Department, Elmore Nickelberry retired in 2018. Nickelberry joined with the ancestors on December 30, 2023 at the age of 92. He leaves behind a legacy of resilience and unwavering commitment to justice.

Gena Gunn McClendon

Gena Gunn McClendon was the director of the Brown School’s Community Engagement at the Center for Social Development. She was also CSD’s director of the Voter Access and Engagement Initiative and codirector of the Financial Capability and Asset Building initiative. Dr. McClendon’s nationally recognized work focused on issues related to voter suppression and civic participation of low- and moderate-income households and marginalized populations. As director of the Center’s Voter Access and Engagement initiative, McClendon sought people to join in the work of strengthening democracy and ensuring that every eligible voter could exercise their right to vote and have that vote counted.

Gena Gunn McClendon left us to cherish her memory on October 21, 2023 at the age of 65. She will be deeply missed.

Harry Belafonte

Belafonte was born Harold George Bellanfanti Jr. in Harlem, New York in 1927 to Jamaican immigrants. He became a Hollywood star in the 1950s with his hit songs “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” and “Jump in the Line”. He has also won a Tony award for acting and appeared in many films including the seminal all-Black 1954 production of Carmen Jones with Dorothy Dandridge. Belafonte was a key figure in the Civil Rights movement and helped organize the March on Washington. In February 1968, during heightened racial tension in the country, powerhouse Tonight Show host Johnny Carson turned over his entire program and complete control of the guest list to Harry Belafonte for one week. As host, Belafonte interviewed Martin Luther King Jr., Robert Kennedy, Sidney Poitier, Paul Newman, Dionne Warwick, and Lena Horne, among many others. The groundbreaking success became the subject of the Peabody award-winning 2020 documentary The Sit-In: Harry Belafonte Hosts The Tonight Show. Following Belafonte’s appearance, Johnny Carson himself changed the tenor of his show to include the news, politics, and great thought leaders along with entertainers and comedians of note. Within a few months of their appearance, two of Belafonte’s guests — Kennedy and King — would both be assassinated. Belafonte sat next to Coretta Scott King at the funeral of her husband. Throughout the years, he came to St. Louis to break the color barrier at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel, and to help organize and participate in protests following the shooting by a police officer of unarmed Ferguson teen Mike Brown. In 1987, he was named a UNICEF goodwill ambassador and remained so until his death. Belafonte left us on April 24, 2023 at the age of 96 from congestive heart failure at his home in New York City.

JIm Brown

In addition to being considered the greatest professional football player of all time, Jim Brown will also be remembered as on of the most outspoken athletes, actors, and activists of the 20th century. Throughout his life, he was dedicated to helping Black youth improve themselves; he also created numerous Black economic empowerment programs, and prison reform programs designed to teach life skills to formerly incarcerated. In 1992, Brown was instrumental in the seminal Watts truce between the Crips and the Bloods. Upon learning of Jim Brown’s passing, NBA star LeBron James wrote in tribute that “We lost a hero today. Rest in Paradise to the legend Jim Brown. I hope every Black athlete takes the time to educate themselves about this incredible man and what he did to change all of our lives. We all stand on your shoulders Jim Brown.”

Jim Brown died May 18, 2023 at age 87.

Rudolph Isley

Rudolph Isley was a renowned member of the famous Isley Brothers. The sibling trio’s first in a long line of hits was “Shout” in 1959. In 1969, the group secured a Grammy for their song “It’s Your Thing.” Their other hits were covered by iconic artists such as The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Rod Stewart, and sampled by influential rappers like Ice Cube and Notorious B.I.G. Apart from his musical career, Rudolph Isley was also a minister. He passed away from an apparent heart attack at his home on October 11, 2023, at the age of 84. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elaine Jasper Isley, children Rudy Jr., Elizabeth, Valerie, and Elaine, and his younger brother Ron Isley.

Tina Turner

For generations, Tina Turner, born Anna Mae Bullock, has reigned supreme as an icon of epic proportions. Hailing from Nutbush, Tennessee, she blossomed into a musical force while still a student at Sumner High School in St. Louis. Her electrifying stage presence, raw vocal power, and boundless energy cemented her place as the undisputed queen of rock and roll. Beyond the glitter and roar, Tina Turner was a survivor of generational trauma and domestic abuse who gave courage to others to break free from abusive relationships. Turner embraced a life of spiritual devotion as a devout Buddhist. On May 24, 2023, at the age of 83, her incredible journey came to a peaceful end, leaving behind an enduring legacy of strength, grace, class, and style.

Tony Bennett

In a remarkable life and career that spanned nearly a century, Tony Bennett will always be remembered as an unwavering advocate and ally for civil rights, as well as one of the greatest singers in American history. He shared the stage with iconic artists from various eras, including Lady Gaga, Frank Sinatra, Amy Winehouse, Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder, and Aretha Franklin.

Bennett’s commitment to the Civil Rights Movement was unwavering. He actively participated in the historic 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches and even performed at the “Stars for Freedom” rally, which took place the night before Martin Luther King Jr.’s powerful “How Long, Not Long” speech. Furthermore, Bennett took a stand against apartheid in South Africa and refused to perform there.

In 2016, Bennett received the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, which affected various aspects of his life. However, his memory for music and song remained remarkably intact, allowing him to continue recording and performing alongside Lady Gaga until 2021.

Tony Bennett died on July 21, 2023 at the age of 96.

Wayne Shorter

Wayne Shorter, the saxophone maestro and composer, wasn’t just a musician who left his mark; he sculpted a legacy that stands as a monument to artistic imagination. His remarkable five-decade career saw his compositions not only define distinct eras in jazz, but also evolve alongside them. Examining his journey reveals arranging as a cornerstone of his musical identity, starting from his days with Art Blakey. Profound influences shaped Shorter’s evolution: his deep connection with John Coltrane, his groundbreaking collaborations with Miles Davis, his tenure at the legendary Blue Note label, his innovative years with Weather Report, and his solo exploration after. Wayne Shorter’s music fell silent on March 2, 2023, at the age of 89.