Bradley Washington, beloved son of the late Harold & Bette Washington, younger brother of Darryl and Gregory and uncle to Tamara Toure departed this life on May 18, 2026 in Newark, NJ after a brief illness born well. Although he lived in Atlanta, Georgia, he was born on Sugar Hill and lived in the Lincoln Houses for most of his life. Gone but never forgotten.

Audrey was born on April 19, 1955 in Queens, New York. Audrey attended High schools in Queens, NY, and Hunter College, obtaining her B.A. in Health Education in June 1978. Audrey was a prolific student of the renowned Bernice Johnson Cultural Arts Center (BJCAC) from 1968 to 1981. Having positively impacted the lives of students for many years, Audrey transitioned to heaven on November 17, 2025, The celebration of her life and legacy will be conducted on April 19, 1955, at the South Lake High School, located at 15600 Silver Eagle Road, Groveland, Florida 34736. Send your photos, gifts, reflections to her daughter’s email address at shannonj.lawrence@gmail.com.

Dr. Frank F. Thompson passed away on February 8, 2026 in Washington, DC after a decade long battle with Frontal Lobe Dementia. Frank, also called Tommy by many, was born in Montclair, NJ on October 15, 1946. He was the son of Dr. Frank F. Thompson, Jr., MD and Lela Poole Chavis, and the grandson of Dr. and Mrs. Frank F. Thompson, Sr. of Montclair. Frank graduated from Montclair High School in 1964. He entered Howard University, receiving his undergraduate degree in 1968. He matriculated at Howard University Medical School as did his father and grandfather before him, receiving his Medical Degree in 1972. After internship and residency, he moved to New York City in 1975 where he practiced psychiatry for forty years, with his most recent position, Chief of Psychiatric Consultation at Harlem Hospital. Frank moved to Washington, DC during the pandemic, spending his final years at Maple Heights Senior Living under the care of dedicated staff and professionals. He leaves behind his devoted and loving sister, Mary Helen Thompson of Washington, DC, and her son Matthew Chavis Thompson of NYC. A younger brother, William R. Thompson died in 2022. Frank will be remembered by many close relatives and dear friends who deeply mourn his loss but celebrate his exemplary life.

Marietta J. Tanner, 98, beloved educator, proud AKA, and lifelong champion of community, passed away peacefully on January 22. Born in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, Marietta spent most of her career teaching in the NY City public schools. She also wrote for the Amsterdam News, ran for political office, and organized the after-school program at HARYOU-ACT. Marietta was active in the UN Association, the NAACP, the OIC, and the Schomburg Corporation. She was also the author of Driving in Second, a memoir about her journey through the segregated South in 1954. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Cyrus S. Tanner, a NYC policeman. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Nathan Miller; her children, Stephanie Tanner Weber and David Tanner; four grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends. Two celebrations of life will be held. March 28th, 1:00 pm, Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads, Virginia, and May 9th, 10 AM, Unitarian Society of Germantown, Pennsylvania. For details of the memorials and donations in lieu of flowers, visit: mariettatanner.com

MARION D. BROOKS, JR “BUTTONS”, 72, DEPARTED THIS LIFE ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2025, AT ST, FRANCIS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, MEMPHIS, TN. MARION WAS BORN TO MARION AND PEARLENA BROOKS ON MAY 26, 1953, IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK. HE GREW UP IN HARLEM, N.Y. AND WAS A GRADUATE OF SPAULDING HIGH SCHOOL IN LAMAR, S.C. MARION ATTENDED LEES-MCRAE COLLEGE, BANNER ELK, NC, AND E. TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY, JOHNSON CITY, TN, GRADUATING IN 1978. HE WAS A FAITHFUL MEMBER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY. HE WAS EMPLOYED WITH RIKERS ISLAND CORRECTIONAL FACILITY, AS A PROGRAM SPECIALIST IN EAST ELMHURST, NY, WHERE HE RETIRED AFTER 37 YEARS. AFTER RETIREMENT, MARION MOVED TO ATOKA, TN. MARION REMAINED ACTIVE WITH HIS FRATERNITY AND KING SOLOMON MASONIC LODGE. HE ENJOYED HUNTING, FISHING, COLLECTING CLASSIC CARS AND WORKING WITH THE YOUTH IN THE COMMUNITY. MARION IS LOVINGLY REMEMBERED BY HIS DEVOTED WIFE OF 45 YEARS, MONICA HEMP-BROOKS; SON, MARION D. BROOKS III, OF QUEENS, NY; DAUGHTER, JENNIFER RUSSO; GRANDCHILDREN, MAXWELL AND PHOENIX RUSSO, ALL OF SACRAMENTO, CA; sister-in-law, Margaret Hemp-Harden of Plano, TX, and Adrian Hemp, Jr. of Mason, TN A HOST OF AUNTS, UNCLES, NIECES, NEPHEWS, COUSINS, FRIENDS, AND HIS BELOVED DOG, TANK — ALL OF WHOM LOVED HIM DEARLY. HE WAS PRECEDED IN DEATH BY HIS PARENTS, MARION AND PEARLENA BROOKS, SISTER, MARY E.TOXEY, AND HIS BROTHER, BOBBY D. BROOKS.

In Loving Memory of Nathalia (Thay) Bowser With deep sorrow, our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Nathalia “Thay” Bowser, passed away peacefully at home on April 23, 2025, at the age of 98 (1927-2025). Thay lived a rich and meaningful life. Born in Pickens, South Carolina, the youngest of six children to Bessie and Guy Earle, she moved to New York City in 1944 after one year at Morris Brown College. She married Benjamin Bowser, Sr. Through their union, Benjamin Bowser Jr. was born. Following divorce in 1957, Thay built a distinguished career in federal service, becoming executive secretary in the New York CDC Regional Office. She earned numerous service awards before retiring early. Thay was a woman of conviction, having attended the 1964 March on Washington and remained active throughout her life in Harlem’s civic and cultural life. She was a lifelong member of the NAACP, supported the United Negro College Fund, the Southern Poverty Law Center, the Dance Theatre of Harlem, and several historically Black colleges and universities. She was a long-term member of the board of directors at 160 West 96th Street. Mother Bowser provided support and food to the Occupy Wall Street movement in 2011. She was also a dedicated servant to the Lord, worshipping at Abyssinian Baptist Church, The Holy Name of Jesus (Catholic), and Riverside Churches. An avid traveler, Thay explored the world, visiting London, Paris, Rome, Rio de Janeiro, Jerusalem, Alaska, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, and Bali, and embarking on numerous Caribbean cruises. Above all, Thay was devoted to her family and friends. She steadfastly supported her son, Benjamin, and grandson, Paul. She was thrilled to spend time with her great-grandchildren, Nathan and Imani, and their mom, Natasha. She laid the foundation for her great-grandchildren’s higher education. With Deborah and Ben’s union, she welcomed three additional grandchildren, Sakari, Joseph, and Joshua. After surviving her siblings, she remained in contact with nieces and nephews in South Carolina as long as she was able. Her ashes have been interred at Trinity Church Cemetery and Mausoleum, overlooking the Hudson River in Manhattan, and at Griffin Baptist Church in Pickens, South Carolina. May she rest in peace.