Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper

Journalistic Excellence, Service, Integrity and Objectivity Always

October 9th, 2025

Obituaries

Remembering community leader Wallace White

Born ~ May 28, 1933 • Departed ~ June 11, 2022 Wallace White, a long-standing community leader, passed away on Saturday, June 11, 2022, after a long illness. He was born on May 28, 1933, to George Cornelius White and Janet White in Chicago, IL. Wallace spent his childhood in Chicago and later went on to further his education earning a BA in social psychology from Roosevelt … [Read more...] about Remembering community leader Wallace White

Tribute for José Antonio Mantilla

José Antonio Mantilla, 65, of Elm Grove, WI and Hernando, FL peacefully went to his eternal home on March 3, 2022, after a hard-fought battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. José was born on October 25, 1956, to Félix and Delores Mantilla in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. He lived in Puerto Rico and Milwaukee as a child and graduated from Messmer High School. After … [Read more...] about Tribute for José Antonio Mantilla

Singer Traci Braxton of ‘Family Values’ dies of esophageal cancer at 50

Singer Traci Braxton, who appeared on the reality series "Braxton Family Values" with her sisters, including Grammy- winner Toni, died Saturday, March 5, 2022, at 50, her family said. "We have come to a time where we must inform the public that after a year of privately undergoing a series of treatment for esophageal cancer, our beloved Traci Braxton has gone on to glory," … [Read more...] about Singer Traci Braxton of ‘Family Values’ dies of esophageal cancer at 50

Grass roots dynamo Cassie Downer dies

During Black history month, attention is focused on famous national Black luminaries like W.E.B Dubois, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Malcom X and Shirley Chisolm. Often overlooked are local grass roots leaders who were the foot soldiers in the movement for racial justice and equality. Recently, one of Milwaukee’s own, Cassie B. Downer, a fearless Black woman, passed … [Read more...] about Grass roots dynamo Cassie Downer dies

Local health icon Dr. Lester Carter, Jr., passes at 90

On Monday, January 31, 2022, longtime local health advocate and pharmacist, Dr. Lester Leon Carter, Jr., passed away at the age of 90. Born on August 10, 1931 in Omaha, NE during the start of the Great Depression, Dr. Carter was mostly raised by his father, Lester L. Carter, Sr., a meat cutter. Later his father would marry Essie Taylor and Dr. Carter credits her for showing … [Read more...] about Local health icon Dr. Lester Carter, Jr., passes at 90

Legendary Vogue editor André Leon Talley dies at 73

The larger-than-life figure was hugely influential both at American Vogue, where he worked for three decades, and in the fashion world at large. André Leon Talley, former Vogue editor and a force to be reckoned with in the world of fashion, has passed away at the age of 73. Reports state that Talley died at a hospital in White Plains, NY. Talley’s career is … [Read more...] about Legendary Vogue editor André Leon Talley dies at 73

Rosa Lee Hawkins, singer in ’60s pop group The Dixie Cups, dead at 76

Rosa Lee Hawkins, a member of the '60s girl group The Dixie Cups, has died. She was 76. Her sister and bandmate Barbara Ann Hawkins told The New York Times that Rosa died after experiencing internal bleeding caused by complications related to surgery performed at Tampa General Hospital. "When the audience smiled and applauded, it made her happy because she knew she put a … [Read more...] about Rosa Lee Hawkins, singer in ’60s pop group The Dixie Cups, dead at 76

Sidney Poitier, first Black actor to win best actor Academy Award, dies at 94

Sidney Poitier, who broke through racial barriers as the first Black winner of the best actor Oscar for his role in "Lilies of the Field," and inspired a generation during the civil rights movement, has died at age 94, Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis said on Friday, January 7, 2022. "It is with great sadness that I learned this morning of the passing of Sir Sidney … [Read more...] about Sidney Poitier, first Black actor to win best actor Academy Award, dies at 94