Source: Reach Media / Urban One
UPDATED: 5:00 pm EST Oct. 4th, 2025
The Baltimore Ravens are mourning the loss of former defensive tackle Arthur Jones, who passed away suddenly at the age of 39.
Jones played in Baltimore from 2010 to 2013, becoming a cornerstone of the defense and a key contributor to the Ravens’ Super Bowl XLVII championship team. His standout performance in that game included a sack on San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick and a fumble recovery, helping to secure one of the most memorable victories in franchise history.
“We are terribly saddened to learn of Arthur Jones’ sudden passing,” General Manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement Friday. “Arthur’s presence was a gift to everyone he encountered. His big, bright smile, infectious energy, and eternal positivity created a presence that continuously uplifted others. He was kind, courteous, and enthusiastic—always displaying a love for family, teammates, and friends.”
During his four seasons in Baltimore, Jones started 20 games, recording 100 tackles and 8.5 sacks in his final two years with the team. After leaving the Ravens, he went on to play three seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and one with Washington.
Football was only part of Jones’ story. He was also the older brother of former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones and former NFL defensive end Chandler Jones, a four-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots.
Arthur Jones leaves behind a legacy of toughness on the field and warmth off it—a teammate, brother, and friend remembered as much for his smile as his strength.
Learn more below about those in our culture who have passed away so far in 2025 below:
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Rest In Power: Notable Black Folks Who We’ve Lost In 2025 was originally published on blackamericaweb.com
1. Arthur Jones
2. Dr. Earl S. Richardson, Morgan State University’s 9th inaugurated president
3. Rolling Ray
D.C. influencer Raymond Harper, “Rolling Ray,” dies at 28; celebrated for viral moments, TV appearances, and unapologetic authenticity.
4. George Raveling
Raveling’s basketball career began as a player at Villanova from 1957 to 1960. He later served as an assistant coach at his alma mater in 1963 before leading programs at Maryland, Washington State, Iowa, and USC. He earned three Pac-10 Coach of the Year honors and was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013 and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.
After retiring from coaching in 1994, Raveling joined Nike as its global basketball sports marketing director. He was instrumental in convincing Michael Jordan to sign with the brand, a move that transformed sports marketing. “Sonny [Vaccaro] likes to take the credit, but it really wasn’t Sonny—it was actually George Raveling,” Jordan said in 2015.
5. Vivian Ayers Allen
Vivian Ayers Allen, a Pulitzer Prize-nominated poet and mother of entertainment icons Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad, passed away at the age of 102.
6. Reggie Carroll
7. Dr. Danielle Spencer
8. T-Hood
9. Hitman Howie Tee
10. Rahaman Ali
11. Malcolm-Jamal Warner
12. Robbie Pardlo
13. Young Noble
14. Eddie “Supa” Lewis
15. Dave Parker
16. Walter Scott
17. Lynn Hamilton
18. Cavin Yarbrough
19. Esaw Snipes-Garner
20. Ananda Lewis
21. Sly Stone
22. Khadiyah ‘KD’ Lewis
23. Jim Marshall
24. Mike McCallum
25. Niko McKnight
26. Charles Rangel
27. Sacha Jenkins
28. Latonya Pottain
29. Rapper LGP Qua
30. John Edwards
31. Jim Dent
32. Chet Lemon
33. Clarence O. Smith
34. Dick Barnett
35. Eddie Fluellen
36. Armstead Jones
Armstead Jones, the longtime director of the Baltimore City Board of Elections, died at the age of 71 just hours after publicly announcing his retirement.
37. Huey P. Williams
38. Young Scooter
39. Pastor DeJaughn William “Billy” Murphy
Born and raised in Detroit, Billy was the second oldest of five children and a third-generation pastor. He was the proud son of Bishop William H. Murphy Jr. and Elder Donna R. Murphy.
40. Mia Love
Love was the first Black Republican woman and Haitian-American in Congress. A former Saratoga Springs, UT mayor, she championed fiscal responsibility. Love passed away at 49 in 2025 after a three-year battle with brain cancer.
41. George Foreman
42. Donald “Slick” Watts
Donald “Slick” Watts, a cherished Seattle basketball figure, passed away at 73. An undrafted talent out of Xavier University of Louisiana, Watts joined the NBA’s Seattle Supersonics through a tryout arranged by coach Bill Russell. Over five seasons, he became the first player to lead the league in assists and steals in a single season (1975-76), earning First Team All-Defense honors and the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award. Post-retirement, Watts stayed in Seattle, teaching physical education and running a basketball academy with his son. His warm presence at local games and dedication to youth cemented his enduring community legacy.
43. Anthony W. McCarthy
44. Oliver Miller
Former NBA center Oliver Miller, affectionately known as “The Big O,” passed away on Wednesday at the age of 54, following a battle with cancer. Miller’s death was confirmed by Suns analyst Eddie Johnson, who shared the heartbreaking news on social media. The basketball world is now mourning the loss of a player whose presence on the court was as formidable as his personality off it.
45. Junior Bridgeman
Junior Bridgeman, a former University of Louisville basketball star and billionaire entrepreneur, has died at 71 following a medical emergency during a fundraising event at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville. Known for his time with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers, Bridgeman transitioned from the NBA to extraordinary business success, owning over 450 restaurant franchises, a Coca-Cola bottling operation, and Ebony and Jet magazines. Tributes poured in, with Louisville leaders calling him an “icon” for his athletic and philanthropic contributions. Remembered for his generosity and integrity, Bridgeman leaves a remarkable legacy both on and off the court.
46. D’Wayne Wiggins
47. DJ Funk
DJ Funk, born Charles Chambers, was a trailblazing figure in Chicago’s underground music scene and instrumental in defining the ghetto house genre. Known for high-energy hits like “Work Dat Body” and “Pump It,” his bass-heavy sound and party-driven lyrics brought vibrancy to Midwest clubs throughout the 1990s. A leader in the house music movement, DJ Funk solidified his legacy on labels like Dance Mania, which he later owned. Sadly, he passed away at 54 from stage 4 cancer.
48. Luther Keith
49. Harry Elston
Harry Elston, founder of the Friends of Distinction and the voice behind iconic hits like “Grazing in the Grass” and “Going in Circles,” has passed away at 86. Elston formed the group in 1968, delivering a unique blend of pop and soul with unforgettable harmonies. Their music, including hits like “Love or Let Me Be Lonely,” graced the charts in the late 60s and early 70s. Managed by NFL star Jim Brown, the group became a vital part of the California soul sound. Elston’s influence extended beyond his vibrant musical career, earning admiration for his kindness, optimism, and lasting legacy in soul music.
50. Roy Ayers
Roy Ayers, the iconic jazz vibraphonist celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to jazz-funk and neo-soul, passed away on March 4, 2025, in New York City at the age of 84 after a prolonged illness.
51. Sylvester Turner
A Houston native, Turner began his career in law after graduating from Harvard Law School. In 1983 he founded Barnes & Turner, his own law firm in addition to his duties as a professor and lecturer at several law schools.
His move to the political arena would see Turner serve two terms as mayor of the City of Houston after being elected in 2016.
52. Angie Stone
Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Angie Stone was killed in an auto accident Saturday morning (March 1) at the age of 63. Her daughter, Diamond, confirmed the news on social media, simply saying “My Mommy is gone.” The singer’s rep, Deborah R. Champagne, confirmed to TMZ that the singer was killed on her way home from a show in Montgomery, Alabama.
53. Dr. Alvin Poussaint
Dr. Alvin Poussaint studied the tendrils of systemic racism and Black self-sufficiency along with serving as a consultant to hit TV shows.
54. Chris Jasper
Chris Jasper, who played a key role in the Isley Brothers’ success in the 70s and 80s, passed away on Feb. 23 from cancer at age 73.
55. Kevin Braswell
56. Roberta Flack
57. Gwen McCrae
Gwen McCrae, legendary soul and disco singer, known for her 1975 hit “Rockin’ Chair,”, passed away at 81.
58. Voletta Wallace
The cause of death has been reported as natural causes, according to Monroe County Coroner Thomas Yanac.
59. Jerry “Iceman” Butler
Jerry initially gained fame as the lead singer of the R&B group The Impressions, a groundbreaking act that included iconic names like Curtis Mayfield. Together, they created influential tracks such as 1958’s “For Your Precious Love,” which Butler co-wrote and which became their defining hit.
60. Chelsea Reject
Chelsea Reject, born Chelsea Alexander, was a Brooklyn-based indie rapper known for her introspective lyrics and experimental artistry. Emerging in the 2010s, she gained recognition with her mixtape “Cmplx,” collaborating with members of Pro Era and sharing stages with artists like Mobb Deep and Talib Kweli. Her music often reflected themes of anxiety, self-discovery, and resilience, blending laid-back production with fiery energy.
Chelsea was also celebrated for her independent spirit, self-releasing projects like “This Is Not My Final Form” and touring internationally. Her work resonated with fans for its authenticity and emotional depth, making her a prominent figure in New York City’s underground rap scene.
61. Gene “Groove” Allen
Gene “Groove” Allen, a Hip-Hop pioneer and actor, gained fame as part of Groove B. Chill, known for their 1990 album Starting From Zero. He shone in cult classics House Party and its sequel, blending music and film.
62. Tim Tooten, Beloved Baltimore Journalist
Source:The Baltimore Banner
Tim Tooten, one of the longest-tenured and best-recognized education reporters in the region, retired in 2023 after 35 years with WBAL and more than 40 years in journalism. tim tooten,one of the longest-tenured and best-recognized education reporters in the region,retired in 2023 after 35 years with wbal and more than 40 years in journalism.
63. Irv Gotti
Source:Getty
Irv Gotti, the influential record executive, producer, and entrepreneur best known for founding Murder Inc. Records, has passed away, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed Wednesday. The cause of his death remains undisclosed.
64. Retired Lt. Col. Harry Stewart, Jr
Stewart, Jr. was a retired U.S. Air Force officer and one of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American military aviators in the United States Armed Forces. Born on July 4, 1924, Stewart served during World War II as a fighter pilot in the 332nd Fighter Group, famously known as the “Red Tails.”
65. DJ Unk
66. Reatha “Rose” Grey
67. Yolanda Halley
68. Barry Michael Cooper
Journalist and author Barry Michael Cooper wrote the films New Jack City (1991) , Sugar Hill (1994) and Above the Rim (1994)
69. Actress Dalyce Curry
Dalyce Curry was an actress known for her role in “Blues Brothers.” She recently passed away at the age of 95 due to the Los Angeles wildfires. Her remains were found at her home in Altadena, California
70. Former NBA All-Star Gus Williams
71. Sam Moore
Born in Miami, Florida, in October 1935, Moore grew up immersed in gospel music, singing in church choirs before his path led him to rhythm and blues. His life changed in the early 1960s when he met Dave Prater at a Miami nightclub. Together, they formed Sam & Dave, and the pair quickly became a driving force in soul music. Signed to the legendary Stax Records, their partnership with the songwriting team of Isaac Hayes and David Porter resulted in some of the genre’s most enduring classics.
72. Singer, Brenton Wood
Born Alfred Jesse Smith in Shreveport, Louisiana, Wood’s family relocated to California, where his artistic talents blossomed. Drawing inspiration from legends like Sam Cooke, his unique blend of soulful vocals, piano-driven instrumentation, and playful lyrics brought a fresh vibrancy to the R&B genre. His work captured universal experiences of love, heartbreak, and connection, resonating deeply with listeners.
Wood rose to fame in the 1960s with hits like “The Oogum Boogum Song” and “Gimme Little Sign.”
