Marian Robinson (1937–2024), mother of First Lady Michelle Obama

Marian Robinson was the mother of former First Lady Michelle Obama and basketball executive Craig Robinson, instilling in both the importance of education. 

Amitai Etzioni (1929–2023), influential author and sociologist 

Amitai Etzioni was an influential author and sociologist who advocated for societies built around the common good.

Jacky Oh (1990–2023), star of Wild 'N Out

Jacky Oh was a model, entrepreneur, and social media influencer who starred on the MTV show “Wild 'N Out” for five seasons. 

Andrée Geulen-Herscovici (1921–2022), Holocaust hero who saved children

Andrée Geulen-Herscovici was a Belgian teacher who hid hundreds of Jewish children during the Holocaust, saving them from concentration camps.

Kelly Joe Phelps (1959–2022), acclaimed slide guitar player  

Kelly Joe Phelps was a celebrated slide guitarist and singer-songwriter who played blues, country blues, folk, and Americana music.

Dave Smith (1950–2022), synthesizer pioneer

Dave Smith was an engineer known as the “Father of MIDI” for his innovations in electronic instruments.

Mike Marshall (1943–2021), Cy Young Award-winning pitcher

Mike Marshall was an MLB pitcher who was the first relief pitcher to win the Cy Young Award.

Lil Loaded (2000–2021), rapper known for “6locc 6a6y”

Lil Loaded was a rapper who had a viral hit in 2019 with “6locc 6a6y.”

Arlene Golonka (1936–2021), played Millie on “Mayberry R.F.D.” and “The Andy Griffith Show”

Arlene Golonka was an actress best known for playing Millie Hutchins/Swanson on “Mayberry R.F.D.” and “The Andy Griffith Show.”

Jim McMullan (1936–2019), “Dallas” and “Downhill Racer” actor

His many credits included “Barnaby Jones” and “Shenandoah.”

Roky Erickson (1947–2019), pioneering psychedelic rocker

Roky Erickson was a pioneering psychedelic rocker who founded the Texas band the 13th Floor Elevators as a teenager. The band had a regional hit song in the Southwest in 1966, “You’re Gonna Miss Me,” which made the lower levels of the national charts. Their debut album, The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators, is a highly influential psychedelic garage rock masterpiece featuring Erickson’s vocal wailing. Erickson struggled with mental illness and spent some time in a mental hospital after an arrest for marijuana possession. He recovered enough later in life to release a couple of albums and perform live with various backing bands, reuniting for a show with the 13th Floor Elevators in 2015.

Ella Brennan (1925–2018), New Orleans restaurateur

Pioneered nouvelle Creole cuisine at the iconic Commander's Palace.

Jan Crouch (1938 - 2016), TBN co-founder

Jan Crouch, the religious broadcaster and co-founder of the Trinity Broadcasting Network, died May 31 following a massive stroke. She was 78. The Crouch family released a statement on the network’s website. “Laurie and I have just watched the transition of our precious Mother from this world to the next; watched her step into the presence of Jesus and into her heavenly reward. Jan Crouch, known around the world as Momma Jan, has gone home,” the statement said. “Those who battled for the Kingdom of God knew her as a fighter – someone who didn’t give up, someone who fought relentlessly” to spread the Gospel message worldwide,” the statement continued.

Jean Stapleton: No Dingbat

We loved Jean Stapleton as Edith Bunker, but don't pigeonhole her as the Dingbat.