Those Who Have Passed...
From the Reverend Dyanne Corey: Beloved Family and Friends, It is with a heavy heart I share the sad news that my husband, friend and soulmate Jeffrey Corey died one day after his 67th birthday on June 13, 2026. Jeff was the love of my life for 48 years. We laughed, cried and journeyed this life joined at the hip since we met at Boston University. When diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last September, we knew his time would be short. Nonetheless, as time passed, all we wanted was for him to be here longer. I don't know why our loving God called Jeff home so soon. I can only now trust that Jesus will keep me and my family in his divine care as we move forward - one day, one hour, one minute at a time. My heart aches for Jeff to be here. Yet there is great comfort knowing, with full assurance, that one day we will be together in Christ in the beautiful home we call Heaven. A memorial service for Jeffrey will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Peoples Baptist Church, 830 Tremont Street, in Boston, Massachusetts.
Bryan Russell Garfield, a.k.a. Bryan Rasul Isra EL (as he began calling himself at the age of 18 in 1971), loved by a host of family, friends and Boston University classmates, died from cancer at a hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, Monday morning, June 2, 2025. Bryan was born and raised in New York City. He was the son of Julian I. Garfield, Senior, an NYC Transit Authority employee, community leader and political associate of Percy Ellis Sutton. His mother, Doris W. Garfield, worked as a psychiatric registered nurse. During Bryan's years at Boston University from 1976 to 1980, he collected artifacts of BU's Black campus life and photographically documented many of his BU classmates in various settings. With the introduction of internet social media platforms, such as Facebook, in the early 2000s, Bryan began sharing his precious gallery of recorded memories as a commercial archivist. His photographs from the era are an eternal treasure trove for his BU peers. A Celebration of Life service for Bryan was held, Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Lucas Memorial Chapel, 9010 Garfield Boulevard, in Garfield Heights, Ohio. He was interred at Evergreen Memorial Park, 5505 Northfield Road in Bedford Heights, Ohio, following the service.
Linda Lifsey Hughes, a radiant force of love and creativity, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on December 3, 2024. Known to many as "Mama Linda," she connected hearts, built bridges, inspired dreams, and leaves a legacy of joy and kindness, faith, and beloved community.
Born in Harlem on March 30, 1959, Linda's life was a symphony of passions. From her early years in the Ralph J. Rangel Apartments, she learned ballet and flute - earning admission to the Music & Art High School. She danced with the Dance Theatre of Harlem. She played flute as a soloist at Carnegie Hall, with jazz-great Hubert Laws, and in the orchestras on Broadway. After high school, Linda studied music education at Boston University and City College of New York, where she also co-captained its tennis team.
A semi-professional tennis player, skilled photographer, mindful gardener, and ardent connoisseur of world cuisines, Linda embraced the fullness of life, plunging headlong into new challenges. She took up skiing as an adult and persisted, despite ending up on crutches after her first trip – soon introducing dozens of family and friends to new sacred places: Attitash, Bretton Woods, and Deer Valley. When the snow melted, she cherished morning walks along Martha’s Vineyard’s Ocean Avenue, chatting up strangers doing yoga. As they did their sun salutations, Linda captured the golden light of morning with her camera. Such moments of connection and wonder with people and nature were signature Linda.
Despite a shy streak, Linda had an irrepressible sense of adventure. When she finally faced her fear of whitewater rafting, she was ejected from the raft on a class 5 rapid, and broke a leg. Yet, she treasured the trip and happily recounted her exploits. After a Jackson 5 concert in Manhattan, Linda and a friend met the Jacksons, who, learning they were flutists, insisted they bring their instruments to the group’s hotel. A memorable jam session ensued.
As special assistant to the president of Wellesley College, Linda was point person for commencement speaker Oprah Winfrey.
In 1985, Linda relocated to Boston, beginning a career in higher education at MIT, and later working at Wellesley. Yet, Linda discovered her true professional calling in education and diversity work at The Chestnut Hill School and Walnut Hill School for the Arts. Linda’s varied roles—from music director and founder of the Chestnut Hill School for Music, to inaugural Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging at Walnut Hill — allowed her to meld her passion for arts with her gift at creating spaces where everyone felt welcomed, valued, and heard.
At the center of her many passions, Linda was the heartbeat of her family, cherishing her roles as daughter, wife, mother, aunt, sister, and godmother. Married for 35 years to Bill Hughes, their steadfast love and partnership encouraged and inspired many. Together, Bill and Linda raised two remarkable daughters, Sara and Alyson – the light of Linda’s life.
Linda’s faith in Christ was her foundation, and she joyfully served her faith communities in myriad ways. Her jazz flute “Amazing Grace” and singing, “People Need the Lord” were standouts. At New Covenant, Linda founded a tutoring program that helped countless young people access and thrive in college.
As a non-smoker, athlete, and singer, Linda’s 2014 lung-cancer diagnosis was a shock. Her team at the Massachusetts General presented hopeful yet risky ways to battle the disease – amputation of a lung and experimental medicines in clinical trials. Despite harsh side effects, Linda persisted through chemotherapy.
Facing the challenges of her illness, Linda remained steadfast in living and giving. She constantly sought out how she could inspire and bless others - and allowed her story to be featured in a photo gallery of cancer challengers at Boston’s City Hall. Through it all – even when the cancer resurfaced and the treatments became unbearable – Linda helped others embrace life fully, listen intentionally, and find beauty even amidst hardship.
Linda is survived by her beloved husband, Bill; cherished daughters, Sara and Alyson; devoted sister Raven Mills and brother-in-law Hampton Mills; niece Jade Mills-Little; nephews Hampton Mills, Jr. and Nigel Lifsey; godchildren and an extended network of family and friends who were touched by her warmth and wisdom. She now joins her Savior, whom she trusted wholeheartedly.
The celebration of Linda's extraordinary life was held at Bethel AME Church, 38 Walk Hill Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, at 11AM on December 18, 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family invited donations to Walnut Hill School for the Arts, care of the Linda Lifsey Hughes Endowed Fund for Equity and Access (https://givebutter.com/Z752CO) ensuring that her commitment to community and education endures.
Linda taught us all to see beauty, to listen with intention, and to live with purpose. Her light will forever illuminate the path for those of us blessed enough to have known her and be known by her, to have loved and been loved.
"In loving memory of my dear friend, Mykelle. I will miss your upbeat, positive cards, calls, and text messages. Prayers to the family." Boston University classmate Valerie Mayo
"Sorority sister Mykelle Warren, RIP. Another great soul! Much love, David & Terri Dixon and family." Boston University classmates
"I will always love and remember my soror Mykelle Warren." Boston University classmate Michele Brierre
Michael James Pattillo was born on December 4, 1961, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Marva Beatrice (Parks) and Roland Anthony Pattillo. He died, Wednesday, October 5, 2022. His mother often told the story that Michael’s first words were “No, I didn’t.” From an early age, he was headstrong and full of love. Michael attended several schools in Milwaukee and made lasting friendships wherever he went. Saint Agnes school and church, and the Northside neighborhood where he spent most of his childhood, held cherished memories. Whether Michael was singing in the church choir, jumping off the second floor back porch on 21st and Roosevelt, checking books out at Atkinson library, sledding down the Electric Company hill, playing Monopoly for hours with neighbors, heading to family reunions with beloved cousins, working at ShopRite, participating in cultural and social justice activities, or getting into things that will remain unsaid, he always made his own way. He graduated from John Marshall High School in 1979, and followed his sister Cathy to the East Coast, where he attended Boston University.
Michael’s determination to define himself and defy boundaries continued throughout his life. He grew a circle of friends in Boston who had come from as far as Venezuela and as close as Newton, MA. They celebrated life together, exploring the world and challenging what others thought was possible for young Black and Brown people. Michael left Boston in 1984, and headed to the homeland, New Orleans, Louisiana. His deep love for family, culture and music drew him there, and he lived with his grandmother Florine Parks, Aunt Alzina Boutte, and in the garage of the Francis family. His unconventional approach to life ultimately lead him to Mexico City and then to Guatemala City, where he put down roots and lived for more than 30 years.
Michael grew a family in Guatemala. His oldest son Daniel Alexander Fajardo Pattillo was born in July 1989. Soon after, Michael met Silvia Castro and they wooed each other. Silvia’s outward sweetness was matched by her inner strength, and they formed a bond of respect, love, and faith. Silvia, Alvaro, Alejandro, Michael, and Danny shared many adventures climbing volcanoes, hanging out at the beach, and celebrating the milestones that children and parents experience together. In 2014, Michael’s son Carlos Cisneros joined the family circle and blessed Michael with his first grandchildren, Carlitos and Ariana, and daughter-in-law, Vicki. Michael’s life in Guatemala was full of love. There, he was the son of Rolando and Blanca Castro, and the brother-in-law, uncle, friend, and co-worker to so many. He was thrilled to welcome Mae (Alvaro), Rachel (Danny) and grandson Daniel Thiago Pattillo into the last years of his life.
Michael built a business that balanced his commitment to making money and sharing money. He was instrumental in catapulting Guatemala's textile industry forward. He owned maquilas (textile manufacturing factories) and screen-printing shops that provided jobs to thousands of Guatemalans. In 1985, he established the Central American Sourcing Agency and supervised production in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, Venezuela, and Colombia. Some of the brands he worked with included: North Face, American Eagle, Tommy Bahama, Columbia Sportswear and Reebok. Look in your closet and you will be surprised to find Michael there, in the many garments that his businesses created. Second only to his dedication to family came his dedication to work, which was the subject of many conversations with his sons, or the reason why a trip was cut short. He had to run back to work!
Jacqueline, or “Jackie” as she was affectionately known, was educated in the Union School system. She excelled in all subjects and was an exceptional athlete, competing in basketball and softball. She also participated with the band-sponsored “color guard”. She had a true zeal for life and was a fierce competitor from a “fun” game of Spades or Monopoly to a match of tennis - her favorite sport later in life.
Upon graduating with honors from Boston University, she worked for several years as a tax systems supervisor in Florham Park, NJ. She wanted to further challenge herself, so she attended NYU-The Stern School, earning her MBA in Information Systems. Upon graduating, she took a job with Xerox in Rochester, NY, where she met the love and partner of her life, Alex Eggleston. They were married 2 years later with “Conceived in Heaven, manifested on Earth” inscribed in their wedding rings. They were an inseparable couple and often referred to each other as “Sweetie”. They celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary in August 2021. Their bond was solidified, enhanced and, yes, sometimes challenged by raising their three children - Rachel Alexandra, Jordan Hayes and Robin Janette.
Jackie had a promising career working at Xerox until she voluntarily retired several years later to care for the children full-time. A short time later, the family relocated to Charlotte, NC where Jackie (and the other four Egglestons) successfully established and operated E5 Alliance, LLC, a business consulting and servicing company for 17 years.
Jackie loved and stayed devoted to her extended family and would often pack-up the “babies” for a road trip to see relatives in New Jersey, Maryland, D.C, Pennsylvania, and Florida. There were also frequent trips back to Rochester, NY to visit her sister and friends. Her travels with Alex went to far-reaching places, like Helsinki, Finland and London, England, and exciting excursions like Caribbean cruises and family ski trips were routine.
Jackie had a beautiful smile and she opened her heart to all people. Her warm and infectious personality spread from her immediate family to her church family. At a very early age, she loved and received the Lord and was later baptized at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Vauxhall, NJ. She participated in Sunday School, the Youth Choir, and served on the Usher Board. Her commitment was demonstrated through her continued service to her churches in Rochester and Charlotte where she served as a Vacation Bible School instructor, a student tutorial, and a Meals-on-Wheels deliverer for elderly home-bound church members. Wherever Jackie served, her children were just as involved.
Jacqueline Hope died April 14, 2022, leaving behind to cherish loving memories: devoted dad, John R. Hayes, Jr. (Vauxhall, NJ); surrogate-sisters/cousins, Shawn Spottswood (Rahway, NJ) and Stephanie Pierce (Maplewood, NJ); loving husband, Alex Eggleston (Harrisburg, NC), two daughters, Rachel Alexandra (26) of Raleigh, NC and Robin Janette (22) of Harrisburg, NC and one son, Jordan Hayes (25) of Atlanta, GA. Also, mother-in-law, Ramona Jordan, father-in-law Robert Eggleston, two sisters-in-law, Bobbi Willoughby (Herman) and Arlene Jones (Curtis) and one brother-in-law, Wayne Jordan, Jr; and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Clyde was extremely proud of his family and was a doting grandfather. At the time of his passing,Clyde was employed by Ivy Tech State College as Adjunct Faculty and at Guion Creek Middle School in the Metropolitan School District of Pike Township where he taught special education. Previously, he was the Chief Operating Officer at Ministry Inc., where Elder Nick designed youth programs targeting educationally needy and challenging students. For more than a decade, he worked at Youth Ministries Inc. There, Elder Nick wrote and developed funding programs, expanded the organization's regional footprint, and mentored youth.
Indiana Avenue: Black Entertainment Boulevard and Bridging the Gulf: Understanding and Ministering to Hip Hop Youth. For many years, he wrote articles for The Indianapolis Recorder and The Indiana Herald newspapers highlighting disparities in the community. In a quote from his October 6, 1990, article in The Recorder, he states, "Nothing curls my flesh more than the analysis of sociologists as it pertains to the black community."
He concludes by saying, "The uneducated and unemployed must never lose faith in their inward abilities to progress from hopeless into anything they desire."
Servant of God, Well Done! Servant of God, well done! Thy glorious warfare is past; the battle is fought, the race is won, and thou art crowned at last.
Janice Lyons was born on May 13, 1960 in Brooklyn, New York. Her parents were Roosevelt and Nancy Lyons. She grew up with three brothers and two sisters on, and near, Tompkins Avenue in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. She graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1978. From there, she attended Boston University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Finance in 1982. After graduating from college, she worked as a financial analyst, a senior accountant, and as controller for corporate entities such as Equitable Life Assurance, BlueCross/BlueShield of the National Capital Area, Avery Dennison, and for non-profit organizations such as the Business and Professional Women's Foundation, the American Association of Community Colleges, and the National Association of Public Hospitals during a career which spanned more than 20 years.
While at Boston University, Janice became close to a fellow BU student named Marcus Jones. On November 11, 1979, the two began officially dating and were married one year after graduating from BU on May 28, 1983. Their one and only child, Nathan, was born January 31, 1990.
Inspired by her mother's departure from her Baptist upbringing in the south, Janice began studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. On May 27, 1984 she made the decision to publicly dedicate her life to Jehovah by means of water baptism. She faithfully worshipped Jehovah for the remaining 36 years of her life.
In 2004, she suffered a stroke which left her unable to use her gift of speech for a period of time. However, with hard work and determination, she was able to regain her speech, although it was limited. During the last 16 years of her life she reminded all who knew her just how strong she was. She did not let her impairment stop her from enjoying life.
Friends and family would say Janice had a larger-than-life personality. She lived her life the same way she played cards and monopoly - Go Big or Go Home! She marched to the beat of her own drum and her presence was always felt when she entered the room. She was full of life, fun, laughter and, most importantly, love.
Janice was outspoken and one-of-a-kind. You never had to guess what was on her mind. You also never had to guess if you were loved by her. She was a dedicated family member and friend to almost everyone she ever met. It didn't matter what your background or status was in life, if she chose to spend time with you, she gave you her all. Many of those who knew her could write a book full of the experiences, memories, and jokes she enjoyed sharing through the years.
After a second series of strokes, beginning Monday, October 26, 2020, Janice (Lyons) Jones peacefully fell asleep in death Thursday morning, November 12, 2020, at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia. She will be remembered as a loving daughter, a kind sister, a faithful wife, an adoring mother, and more. She passed away with her faith and hope intact. She loved the Bible’s promise of a resurrection of life on a paradise earth. She finished her course faithfully and will be looking forward to finding all her loved ones again when she returns. When the time comes, we expect there will be a party to welcome her back and there’s no doubt who the life of the party will be!
*Authored by Janice's son, Nathan Aaron Alexander Jones, and edited by her husband, Marcus Edmund Jones
“It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of Cynthia McDonald. She died on Thanksgiving day (November 28)… Cynthia will be missed by many.” Boston University classmate Colleen Branch
“She was like a big sister to me and I will miss her greatly.” Boston University classmate Letcher C. Eley II
"As a freshman at Boston University, I was introduced to Cynthia McDonald in her dormitory room at Warren Towers where she and others were hosting a Pina Colada party. I had never heard of the drink but I became an instant fan. Forty-one years later, the experience of discovering that cocktail is still my strongest and most endearing memory of Cynthia. Like the drink, I always thought of Cynthia as one of the sweetest people I have yet to encounter.
And, even though I haven’t seen or spoken to Cynthia in nearly four decades since leaving BU, news of her passing strikes me as hard today as it might have if I had last seen her yesterday on the way to the dining hall at Warren Towers.
Cynthia, for all of us who enjoyed your company in what we affectionately referred to as “The Ghetto,” I say sleep well. When we remember with fondness the days of our youth and our time at BU, yours will be one of the faces that will come to mind and conjure a smile." Boston University classmate Marcus E. Jones
"Cynthia was among my first friends at Woodbury, and our
friendship continued at Boston University where, for one crazy summer, we were
roommates along with Colleen Branch and Carla Ford. Cynthia was part of every
significant event in my life, from meeting Ian (in) junior high school to our
wedding 11 years later. Throughout the years, she would always drop by whenever
Ian and I were visiting Cleveland, and she never forgot my birthday -- always
sending a belated card because she thought they were funnier than the on-time
ones. With her big personality came uncontrollable laughter, the latest dances,
and a fierce game of backgammon or bid whist (which despite her best efforts, I
never learned to play). I will always remember her delicious cooking, her
beautiful soprano voice, and the fun of accompanying her on piano in high
school talent shows. Her bright smile and encouraging words made my day, even
during the toughest times. Whenever we got together, it was as if no time had
passed at all, and we picked up right where we left off. It was great to see
her at our Shaker class reunion. Ian and I send our condolences to Diane, Devon
and the rest of the family. We miss Cyn already." Boston University classmate Aurelia (Percy) Grayson
"Cynthia was my life-long friend since 7th grade. We saw each other every day at school and then talked for hours most evenings. I don't know what occupied us for all those hours, but it was as if she was a part of me. I miss her so and all the good times we had together." Boston University classmate Carla Ford
"I am so very sorry to hear of this sad news. I remember her from our high school years as your dear friend Colleen, and of course as part of that amazing group of Shaker women who were at Boston University along with me. I pray comfort and strength for her family." Boston University classmate Derrick Harkins
"Blessings all around. So so sorry for our loss. Let us celebrate her life and kind ways. She shall rise and guide us and live in our HEARTS. Ciao...be strong and keep the faith. All love." Boston University classmate Constant Jean Baptiste, Junior
Cynthia will rest in eternal peace at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in Bedford Heights, Ohio.
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of William E. Beavers IV (Hartsville, South Carolina), born in Bronx, New York, who passed away on October 28, 2019, at the age of 60, leaving to mourn family and friends.
A Life Member of the Teaneck (NJ) Volunteer Ambulance Corps since 1997, Bill (Batman) Beavers joined the TVAC after he stopped during a violent thunderstorm to render much-needed aid to a child struck by a car. The responding crew observed and appreciated his willingness to help others so they asked him to join the team, which he did. He became a long-time crew chief who served in numerous leadership positions and was influential in establishing the electronic map system and driver training. Bill's 1,783 calls, racked-up during his 22 years with the Corps, included CPR Saves, Stork (baby delivery), and Meritorious Service Awards. Bill served Teaneck with honor, dedication, and loyalty - like "Batman" his colleagues would say.
Bill also served simultaneously as a member of the Teaneck Police Department Auxiliary Police Unit.
A memorial service for Bill was held in Teaneck on Sunday, November 10, 2019 at the Richard Rhoda Center.
Talise Darcel Moorer - 2015
Anita (Seymour) Franklin - 2014
Steven Henry Sindos 1959 - 2013
Legal Aid Society defense lawyer dies as he exits crowded court
BY OREN YANIV / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Tuesday, September 17, 2013, 8:28 PM
JESSE WARD FOR NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Steven Sindos, 53, suffered a massive heart attack when he collapsed after a hearing involving an argumentative defendant.
A Brooklyn defense lawyer suddenly died Tuesday as he was walking out of a crowded courtroom, officials and witnesses said.
Steven Sindos, 53, who's been working for the Legal Aid Society for the past 26 years, suffered a massive heart attack when he collapsed after a hearing involving an argumentative defendant.
"It's just a horrible tragedy," said Steven Banks, chief attorney for Legal Aid. "Steve was a beloved colleague, a terrific lawyer and someone who was respected by judges, court personnel and everybody involved in the criminal justice system."
Sindos had just finished a routine appearance at about 11:30 a.m. in which a burglary suspect asked the judge for a new lawyer - a request that was denied after some back and forth, witnesses said.
"I said to him, 'If it was me, I'd get rid of that defendant," said James Medows, an attorney who chatted with Sindos before he got up to leave the room. "He said, 'No.' That just shows you what kind of lawyer he was."
Seconds later, Sindos was on the floor.
Court officers, who are trained as EMTs, immediately tried to revive him, using a defibrillator
Sindos wasn't married and had no kids, sources said.
"He's been an exceptional lawyer dedicated to his clients," said Banks.
Carl A. Harris 1960 - 2006
Alonzette Bridget Chappell 1960 - 2002
Elisabeth A. (Mason) Hopkins 1959 - 1989
Anthony Akers
Arturo Brown 1961 - 1982
While playing a game of pickup basketball with his Terrier teammates in the Case Gymnasium, September 17, 1982, BU senior Arturo Brown collapsed and died of a heart attack.
The Terriers’ leading scorer and rebounder in 1981-82, Brown had tallied 1,007 points through his first three years. Yet, his departure was not viewed in terms of what the team had lost, but what the university had lost.
A dedicated student and a delightful young man, the respect and admiration his peers had for him was evidenced when he was elected a team co-captain in his junior year.
Former Terrier head coach Rick Pitino said it best: “I told my players, when you have trouble deciding what’s right and what’s wrong, just follow Arturo Brown.”
Arturo's jersey number 44 was retired at Boston University in 1983, the year he was scheduled to graduate with a degree in business.