Alexander, Margaret Abigail b. July 7, 1915 d. November 30, 1998 Author. Using her maiden name, Margaret Walker, as her pen name, she published works in almost every genre, and is best known for "Jubilee", her widely acclaimed novel based on her own family's experiences in the years during and after slavery. Her poetry, including the prize-winning "For My People", alos has gained acclaim. Growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, she attended undergraduate school at Northwestern University and graduate school at the University of Iowa. She then taught for more than...[Read More] (Bio by: NM) Garden Memorial Park, Jackson, Hinds County, Mississippi, USA
Banks, Willie b. 1929 d. February, 1993 Gospel Singer, Entertainer. Early in his over 30-year career, he was recording with HSE (standing for Hoyt Sullivan Enterprises) Records, recording songs such as "God's Goodness," and "Mother Why." He later signed to Malaco Records, where he recorded a remake of "God's Goodness," and recorded several other hits, like "Things I Can't Change," "God Is Still In Charge," "Too Late," and more. Willie had a unique sound that was bluesy, yet stirring and story-telling with the guitar backup. At the...[Read More] (Bio by: Jimmy) Cause of death: Heart failure Garden Memorial Park, Jackson, Hinds County, Mississippi, USA
Bridges, Marshall "Sheriff" b. June 2, 1931 d. September 3, 1990 Major League Baseball Player. The left-handed pitcher is best remembered for going 8-4 with a 3.14 earned run average in 52 games with 18 saves for the 1962 World Series champion New York Yankees. The 6-foot-1, 165-pound southpaw made his big-league debut with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1959 and went 6-3 with a 4.26 ERA. He split time with the Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds the following year, going 6-2 with a 2.38 ERA. Injuries limited him during the Reds' 1961 National League pennant season...[Read More] (Bio by: Ron Coons) Garden Memorial Park, Jackson, Hinds County, Mississippi, USA
Williams, Franklin Delano b. June 27, 1947 d. March 22, 1993 Singer. He was a member of the singing group "The Jackson Southernaires," which included his brother Huey Williams. He collapsed and died of a heart attack at an airport on the way back from a concert. Garden Memorial Park, Jackson, Hinds County, Mississippi, USA
b. July 7, 1915 d. November 30, 1998