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BORN
1940
DIED
2022
FUNERAL HOME
1003 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW
Atlanta, Georgia
Booker Izell Obituary
Izell changed the face of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and its parent company Cox Enterprises by championing diversity, attracting more employees of color and mentoring a generation of Black journalists.
As head of diversity and inclusion, he guided those changes with a combination of affability, compassion, ability to communicate and directness - when necessary.
"Booker was no pushover," said retired senior managing editor of the AJC James Mallory. "And he had a way about him of getting his point across."
Booker Izell, 82, died Feb. 16 after an extended illness. He is survived by his wife Birdie, daughter Gwendolyn, sisters Ethel Jenkins and Betty Clay and a number of nieces, nephews and goddaughters. A funeral service was held Feb. 24, 2022.
His first newspapering job at the Dayton Daily News in Ohio involved supervising youngsters who threw the paper onto doorsteps.
Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home West End Chapel is handling arrangements.
Read more about Booker Izell on AJC.com
Memories and Condolences
for Booker Izell
8 Entries
Robert Lee
October 3, 2023
I just learned of Bookers passing. He had a huge influence on my life. I had the honor to work with Booker @ the AJC, Booker brought me on to the board @ Clayton State University. Booker was a good, just & decent man. I´ll never forget the time he took me as his guest to the Commerce Club. I ask God to not only watch over Birdie & Gwen but to welcome this Angel into your arms. Birdie & Gwen I am always at your side.
Tim Hughes
March 16, 2022
I've just learned that my old friend from CEI days has gone to his reward.
What a friend and what a coach was he when it was my honor to work with him, and I was a better manager and am a better person for having had him in my life.
Birdie and Gwenn, he was so very proud of you both, and you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
peace,
Tim
Malcolm L Hardy
March 10, 2022
My sincere condolences to the family during this time of loss...
The Staff of Willie A. Watkins, Inc.
February 28, 2022
Offering our deepest condolences during this time.
Veronis Mason-Heggs
February 26, 2022
"Gone from our sight but never our memories
Gone from our touch but never our hearts ".
Praying God brings you and your family comfort, strength, understanding and healed hearts through you loss journey.
Greg Moore
February 24, 2022
Booker was one of my first professional role models as a rookie reporter at the Journal herald in Dayton Ohio. He was the circulation manager and was always professional and accessible. He was the first black man I knew who played golf and he was always willing to be frank about how the corporate game was played. That was gold to the ears of someone just starting to climb the corporate ladder. He was always on time, on point and elegant. Like with all of my mentors, a took a piece of Booker with me as I built my 40 year career, including being managing editor of the boston globe and editor of the denver post. Thanks Booker for showing me how to do it at the highest level. Rest In Peace. Condolences to friends and family.
Hendrix Nowells
February 22, 2022
Many years ago I met Booker Izell who was the Corporate Human Resources Manager for Cox Communications at the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) convention in Atlanta. I was a very young and eager journalist looking for an opportunity in television news.
I drove down to Atlanta from Detroit with some friends and a briefcase full of resumes and demo tapes. I would met Mr. Izell at one of the NAB´s sessions on hiring. The opportunity came to ask the guest panel questions on hiring, trust me I didn´t hesitate. After the panel discussion Mr. Izell and I spoke and I gave him my resume and I asked for his business card.
Once back home in Detroit I would sit down and write Mr. Izell a letter thanking him for our conversation at the NAB convention. Back then there was no internet or email, we actually wrote letters and sent them in the mail.
Several months passed when I got a phone call from the Human Resources Manager at WKBD-TV Fox 50 in Detroit. They were looking to hire a photojournalist and wanted to interview me. Initially I couldn´t figure out how WKBD got my resume then it hit me, WKBD-TV was owned by Cox Communications, Booker Izell had forwarded Ch-50 my resume.
I was hired in January of 1990 at WKBD-TV. I called Mr. Izell to thank him. I had a excellent good career in TV News which spanned 24 years. Booker Izell opened a door for me. I would win 19 nominations and awards during my career as a TV Photojournalist.
Today for whatever strange reason I Googled Booker Izell and was shocked to hear that he passed away last week at the age of 82.
RIP Mr. Izell thanks for looking out for a young man with ambition. May your family rest in knowing you were respected and loved by many.
Rodney & Sheila Brooks
February 22, 2022
We are sorry for your loss. He was a friend and mentor to many of us across the country.
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
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Memorial Events
for Booker Izell
Feb
24
Service
1:00 p.m.
Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home, Inc. - West End Chapel1003 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
Funeral services provided by:
Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home, Inc. - West End Chapel1003 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
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