Below we celebrate the life of fallen 79ers and reflect on their lives. Many of us wonder and carry questions as we seek to know why our friends have passed on. On this page, we further honor our fallen and share information about their lives and their passing. We share this information about their passing, not for the purpose of meaningless gossip or to sensationalize, but to provide information that can allow others who care so deeply about them to have a measure of closure. The following McK 79er names are posted as evidence that true love never really dies..................
We don't deny. We simply recognize that true love is never-ending.................
Banks, Wendell
We are told that apparently Bro. Banks had a tragic mishap while riding his motorcycle. The irony to this tragedy is that he had already been in one near fatal crash on his motorcycle on a previous occasion. His fatal accident happened in early February of 2006 just a few weeks before his 45th birthday. Do you remember ever seeing this guy sad or unhappy? Probably not. He was always quick to smile. He was one of the real good guys.
Bennett-Briggs, Patricia
Passed away on January 1, 2024 which was her birthday. In high school at McKinley and later as an adult, Patricia was always a quiet, pleasant, and positive human being. Never too high, never too low -- always even-tempered and calm. That type of personality served her well. Patricia had a long and successful career as a real estate professional in the Baton Rouge area. She was also very active in her community -- she ran for a seat on the City-Parish Council in 2016. We can all be proud of how she lived. Her goodness, intelligence, and beautiful personality will not be forgotten. Rest in peace Patricia.
Beshears, Karen "Peaches"
Peaches served as the President of the McKinley High student body in her senior year of 1978-79. She is fondly remembered as a person who probably never missed a game, never missed a meeting -- always involved in some way in productive school activities while a student at McKinley. Over the years she remained strongly supportive of McKinley and South Baton Rouge. In later years she lived in the Atlanta area. We are told that while traveling out of state she fell ill and died suddenly of an apparent stroke or brain aneurysm in late February of 2013. We know that in heaven there is a loud and proud voice dressed in royal blue and white singing the McKinley alma mater. She was truly always proud to be a Panther. We remain likewise proud of her.
Brandon, Katherine "Kittye"
So very missed for her kindness, charm, and absolute LOVE for '79. If she were with us now, she'd probably have her hands all over the next reunion in her own joyful and spirited way -- doing all she could to help out. She was the coordinator of the very successful 20th year reunion and showed us all just how great our events could be! Sadly she was the victim of a tragic murder-suicide in Baton Rouge in December of 1999, just three days after many 79ers saw her very happy at the appreciation luncheon to honor her and her committee. To say that she is missed by many is an understatement. May she rest in peace.
Brown, Clayton
Clayton Brown had suffered from minor health challenges off and on for much of his life, but he never let it slow him down. As an adult he developed major health issues, especially with his heart. He was a proud 79er! He would relentlessly keep in touch with so many members of the class via email. If you wanted to know how to reach a certain 79er, just ask Clayton! He usually knew how to point you in the right direction. He was very touched by Kittye's passing. The irony is that he was the next 79er to pass away after Kittye just a few short months later in 2000.
Brown, Terrence "Nank"
Nank suffered from an illness and had been sick "off and on" for the months leading up to his passing. People had heard he was ill, but few realized it was so severe. He died at age 42. He was quite a character. Here he comes: Panama straw hat (cocked just right to the side), wide pin-striped suits, 49er sunshades, a full length fur coat, and on some days maybe even a walking cane. This cat was one of the original South Baton Rouge Mack Daddy's back in the late 70's. But don't let the image fool you, it was just part of Nank's playful game back in school days. Inside, he was one of the nicest guys you'd ever want to meet. He was always 100% down with McK and South Baton Rouge. One word describes him best: TRUE. There was nothing phony about him. He was a true brother, indeed.
Burrell, Frank
We were saddened to learn that our beloved classmate passed away in August of 2024. Frank was always positive. Did he ever have a bad day? It sure seemed as if he never did. He seemed to clearly know both when to take things seriously and when to exhale and let things go. That is a skill we all could use more of. Frank was well liked and well respected. If he had any enemies we sure didn't know about it. Who could not like him? He was always good natured, easy to befriend, and a joy to be around. He was that way until the end. He will surely be missed. Rest in peace and joy, Brother Frank.
Butler, Charles
Bro. Charles passed away in February of 2009 at age forty-seven. The word was slow to get around among '79ers. We are not sure of the circumstances surrounding Charles' passing. It was surprising and sad news for many 79ers that had not seen or been in touch with him in recent years. He was a long-time member of the marching band in high school and just the all-around good guy.
Burton, Idella
Always smiling. Always playful. That was Idella back in school days. Sister Idella passed away in June of 2002 in Baton Rouge. Apparently Idella had a few difficult years during adulthood and had been ill for a while, though we are not sure as to the exact circumstances surrounding her passing. It really doesn't matter; let's remember her as that smiling, happy-go-lucky girl that made us all fill with joy and laughter in the halls and classrooms at McKinley. May she rest in peace.
Carney, Doris
Doris Passed away in October of 2018. She was not a person to talk much back in school days but she ALWAYS had a smile. She was quiet but so very friendly. In school she was the type of student that was quiet, but smart and hard-working. You would have to search far and wide to find someone that could say one bad word about her. She was such a genuinely nice, meek, and easy-going soul. Since high school Doris had proudly and successfully served her country in the United States Army as well. She is now a part of God's Army and resting at peace with the Lord after living a good life.
Casey, Alvin
Casey had such a zest for life. He was never a dull moment. He was also a guy with many talents. Alvin passed away in early 1993 in a tragic automobile accident in the Dallas, Texas area where we are told he had settled down. It happened less than a week after he turned 32 years old. He was really doing well in life and on his way to very good things. A couple of classmates had recently spoken to him and were planning to go to Texas to visit him right around the time that he died.
Chaney, Hezekiah
The little man with the big heart! Hezekiah was a quiet guy and a good guy. He was also very talented in school with the artistic gift to draw and sketch that impressed many. He had been living in the Houston area at the time of his death. It has been said by several 79ers that he was the victim of a homicide / manslaughter in Texas back in 1990 at age 28. The little man with the big heart is surely missed.
Colbert, Tangie
Tangie passed away in early November of 2022 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Hospital in Baton Rouge. A popular and well-liked member of the Clas of 1979, she was a quiet but happy person. She was a small person with a big personality. She was also a good student. And that smile! That wonderful smile that could light up a room. That beautiful smile gave a glimpse into the positive type of person that she truly was. According to her obituary in the local newspapers, Tangie had at one point been an educator and was retired at the time of her passing. Although many classmates had not seen her in a while, all indications are that she lived a happy, positive and productive life in recent years. There is a new glow in heaven. It is Tangie flashing that beautiful smile for the other angels. A beautiful person inside and out, she is now gone but never forgotten. Bye for now, Tangie. We'll see you smiling in heaven one day for sure!
Dogan, Sandra
We are not sure of the circumstances surrounding her passing. As far as we can remember she was the first person that we heard about from '79 to pass away after we graduated. She died very shortly after we graduated. She was a quiet girl and a smart girl and we believe she was from Port Allen. Because she was so quiet, most 79ers never realized for many years that she had apparently passed away.
Drake, Anthony
Anthony was truly a good guy. He had love for the community. He never forgot old classmates and friends, even if he hadn't seen them in a long time. He devoted a lot of his time to service as he had become a deacon at New Ark Baptist Church on Terrace Street in Old South Baton Rouge. Anthony was part of the McKinley Classs of 79 for several grades in high school before eventually graduating in 1980. He went on to work for many years in the facilities department at Southern University. Sadly, Anthony was stricken with the COVID-19 virus in August of 2021 and passed away not long thereafter. His pleasant, peaceful personality and his commitment to service to the community shall be greatly missed. Job well done, Anthony. May you rest in peace.
Flowers, Darryl "Tamp"
On August 16, 2021 we learned that Darryl Flowers has passed away. Who could not like Tamp? Great friend, great athlete, hard worker, great husband, father, fun to be around, businessman, man of faith. Yes, "Tamp" was all these things bundled into one fine human being. He was just an all-around good guy. Super confident but never annoyingly cocky, Darryl was one of the great athletes to ever wear the blue and white on the basketball court and went on to play collegiately at what is now University of Louisiana. He was also a loyal friend to many. Perhaps his greatest accomplishment was how he inspired so many people with the way he fought so graciously and faithfully during a prolonged period of health challenges in his final years. He remained joyful and never complained. His life was a portrait of success in so many ways, and he was surrounded by family and friends who loved him until the very end. Heaven has welcomed home one of the truly good guys (and who's probably schooling them on heaven's basketball court!) Thanks, Tamp, for showing us a lot about how to live with grace. May you rest in peace.
Folse, Daryl
Daryl Folse was a friend to many. He was in South Baton Rouge for his entire childhood -- a true Southsider. He was the nephew of legendary McK and pro hoopster Cincy Powell. The 79ers that attended South Boulevard Elementary will remember him as a playful, happy, athletic kid. He was that way when he got to high school as well. Daryl or "Goldie" as he was called, was always quiet but never quiet in a negative way. Quiet was simply his nature. He was a positive, happy, and loyal friend to many. Unfortunately many of us lost track of him after we got into adulthood. We surely wish we could have been in touch more, but that's OK. We'll certainly cherish the times we did have with him. He passed away in Baton Rouge on Memorial Day weekend of 2016 at age 55.
Kenneth "Li'l Pop" Green
"Pop" passed away in March of 2020. Kenneth had some health challenges at various times throughout most of his life and those challenges became more serious in his later years. He was a friendly and unassuming type of guy. He also participated in basketball at various times in junior and high school. He was very true to McKinley High and always proud of his South Baton Rouge roots, as he attended Reddy Elementary, McK Junior, and McK Senior. He will certainly be missed.
Hatch, Calvin Jr.
Our beloved brother Calvin Hatch passed away in Baton Rouge on September 16, 2024 at the age of 63. He left a wife and several children among his immediate family members. Calvin was the quiet type of fellow during school days. He was comfortable being to himself while also being loyal to his friends. He was always pleasant and peaceful. A lot of classmates did not run into Calvin as much as we would have liked in recent years but we cherish the moments when we did. Because of his good nature he will always occupy a special place in the hearts of his fellow classmates.
Hayes, Marve Paul
Paul was a likeable and carefree spirit back in school days. By every measure he was a popular member of the Class of 79. We learned that Paul had suffered from cancer in the later stages of his life and lost his battle in early August of 2016. He was just three weeks shy of his 55th birthday. Although many 79ers had lost track of Paul over the years, he remained in our hearts and thoughts. He will remain in our hearts as we remember him as the good natured, happy person from back in the day.
Haynes, Mary
Wow, such a brilliant and talented girl! She was truly one of the gifted ones and so very far ahead of herself intellectually. Mary's life took a tragic turn and those of us who would see her in the old neighborhood from time to time would have a hard time dealing with seeing such a beautiful and gifted person in such a horribly troubled condition. She passed away in 1986 at only age 25. We know that God knows best, but losing such a talented person at a young age is tragic beyond words. We can't help but think of how great Mary could have been had certain circumstances in her life been avoided. We can be comforted in knowing that she is no longer troubled and is now at peace. God is good.
Henderson, Elizabeth
Liz Henderson. So fine, so kind, so sweet, so meek. She was a good athlete, too, back in the day. We recall her on the volleyball team. All of the fellas kept a "sweet eye" on Liz, too. She had it going on like that. Only a few 79ers had ever heard that Liz Henderson had passed. It was several years later and some classmates were still learning about it for the first time. We guess that over the years she had simply fallen out of touch or rarely ran into many 79ers. We do not know the circumstances or time frame of her passing; we believe from what we have learned that it was sometime in the early 2000's.
Henry, Charlie
Charlie. Yes, good ole Charlie! Everybody knew him and it seems that everybody loved him, too -- students, teachers, and administrators. He always had a smile or a joke. He was a great athlete and a good student. And he never forgot you! Charlie had a degree in accounting from Southern University and had served his country in the first Iraq war. He had just come home from the war and was preparing to get his professional life started after the military. Not long afterwards, he was involved in a street incident that resulted in his death in September of 1991. He was the victim of a homicide in South Baton Rouge. He was primed and ready for greatness but his life was taken away so very young. He is truly missed by many.
Horton, Christopher
Perhaps many forgot or overlooked that he actually graduated "officially" with the McK Class of 79 (and is part of C/O 79's official graduation list) although up until the very last year of high school he had been in a grade ahead (Class of 78). Although he may be considered in many ways a member of '78, we also lovingly and joyfully recognize him as officially one of our own. Chris was a true "character" and a source of laughter and friendship to so many. He was also known as a very good athlete. We are told that Chris, also known as "Drip" passed away on June 1 of 2016 after a period of illness worsened and finally claimed his life. May Christopher rest in peace.
Jack, Darrayl
Always easy to laugh and easy to like, Darrayl was truly a positive member of the Class of 79. Almost as certain as the sunrise was Darrayl's smiling face! He wore it often as he never seemed to be the type of person to have a down day. As an adult he became a minister at Bethany World Prayer Center in Baker and later the lead pastor at Gateway Community Church in Plaquemine for many years. His pastoral works took him to Central and South America as well as throughout the U S. His life was one of good works for the Lord. He passed away on April 16, 2021. Now that his life on earth is done we can simply say "Well done, Darrayl. Well done."
Jackson, Joseph
Joseph Jackson was a tough and strong guy. He was tough on the outside but a real easy going guy on the inside. His toughness served him well on the football field during the seasons when he played. Off the field, he was playful and easy going. Sadly, our buddy Joseph didn't live very long after we graduated. It is said that he was involved in a street altercation in South Baton Rouge which cost him his life in late August of 1979.
James, Gerald
This cat was smart. He was quiet but he was smart. He was really a laidback and peaceful kind of dude. He was cool with everybody, and never had a problem with anyone... just always easy going and cool. As an adult, Gerald had established an extremely successful career in the automotive business where he was one of the top car salesman in the local market. Matters of the heart can affect us in many different ways. It was reported on the local news at the time that Gerald was depressed about a failed relationship and shot his fiancee' then killed himself on a busy street in Baton Rouge. This happened around 1993 or '94. Let's not let this tragedy diminish our memory of the quiet, smart, and good-natured guy that we knew Gerald to be. May he rest in peace.
Johnson, Cordis
Kindness and service to others. That was Cordis Johnson. He was super active in clubs at McKinley High School that focused on service, especially the Key Club where he was an officer. For most of his school days he was a shy fellow that kept to himself, but when he got involved in service organizations he blossomed into an expressive and outgoing leader. His passion for service to others stayed with him for the rest of his life. Cordis was a classmate with the 79ers at McKinley Junior and Senior through 10th grade, though he later graduated from McK with a another class. No one ever had a problem with this quiet , friendly fellow. He was a loyal friend to many and he never forgot old classmates and childhood friends. He passed away in January of 2021. Rest in heavenly peace to this kind and peaceful soul.
Jones, Clarence
Clarence was a star football player and all-around fun guy at McKinley. He was known as a tough guy on the athletic field. This toughness apparently served him well during the latter stages of his life when he was faced with a major illness. We learned that Clarence had been stricken with cancer. Being the fighter that he was, he certainly fought back very hard against his illness. Clarence was actually scheduled for major cancer-related surgery on Octeber 12, but God thought it best that he be welcomed into eternal rest instead. Our beloved brother and 79er Clarence passed away on October 10, 2017. Somebody has on a McKinley jersey and playing along the defensive line in heaven. It's Clarence Jones.
Jones, William "Chucky"
Our beloved "Chucky" passed away on June 7, 2020 in Baton Rouge following a period of declining health. He is remembered as always laughing and smiling and a really good natured guy. Many 79ers first met him at Perkins Elementary back in the early school days and reconnected with him at McKinley Junior and later at McKinley Senior. He also at one time had a great reputation as a basketball player. In his adult years, Chucky had a long and successful career of over twenty-five years in the food services industry. He was laid to rest on June 13, 2020. We will never forget his smiling and happy personality.
Kinchen, Gloria
Gloria passed away on October 22, 2020. This is being posted on October 23 and we shall post more in coming days as we learn more. But we can say for sure that she was such a nice person with a lot of determination and a strong will. That's the kind of person you want for a friend.
Kirkland, Alvin
If you ever were around the old East Boulevard projects in the late 70's you'll certainly remember bro. Alvin! He would always be out and about in that area where he lived. Alvin Kirkland was the kind of guy that never forgot you. Years could pass without seeing him, but when you did he would still remember you and show you love and respect. He was good people. We are not sure of the circumstances surrounding his death. He passed away around 2003.
Lafayette, Gremell
We are not sure as to the circumstances or exact timeframe surrounding his passing but it has been many years now. Life was just one big ball of fun for Gremell back in school days. He was really happy-go-lucky. It seems like he was one of those persons that enjoyed life and never took things overly serious. Things didn't bother him. Worrying wasn't something that Gremell did a lot of. His carefree attitude made him a very likeable guy.
Mack, Alton "Lee Lee"
We were saddened to learn of the passing of Alton Mack on June 30, 2015. We learned that his health had deteriorated in recent months and he finally lost the battle after a faithful fight. In losing "Lee Lee" we know that we've lost some one that was so very proud to be a graduate of McKinley and to be part of the class of 1979. We are equally proud to have had him among us. He was truly one of us in every way. True to South Baton Rouge. True to McKinley. A true friend to so many. A tragic and shocking addendum to the death of Alton: one day after speaking at Alton's funeral, his son passed away as well. This was a shocking and sad series of events that is almost beyond words.
Matthews-Cummings, Goldie
On the morning of May 9, 2020 we received word of Goldie's passing. We understand that she had recently dealt with illness. Goldie was always joyful and ALWAYS ready to laugh. From school days and up until many classmates last saw her she was always that way. People sometimes say a particular person never changed as years move along, but in Goldie's case it was true! She always maintained that same positive vibe. She was fun to be around. She attended several class reunions over the years and was always committed to the Class of 79. Her beautiful smile and playful nature will rest in our hearts and minds always.
McKnight, Linda "Mae Mae"
Word was received on May 20th of 2017 that Linda had recently transitioned. She is remembered as always being a joyful person. She was easy to smile and quick to laugh. She was a friend to many. "Mae Mae," as she was affectionately known, was what many might refer to as "real people" in that she was honest, frank, and down to earth. Those are some of the reasons why she was loved and appreciated by so many. She shall be greatly missed.
Monget, Errol
Brother Monget was 100% certified and officially COOL! This guy was truly the coolest. He was cool with the fellas and the ladies loved him, too. He was a "stress-free" kind of guy. He was a face you would always see at the parties and clubs around town. He made the rounds. He really had a zest for life. Many of us expected him to really roll in life and do big things. However, we could not have foreseen the tragic and premature ending to his life as a result of an accident on a construction site in Dallas where he was working. It happened in the late 1980's. Errol was a very young man still in his late twenties.
There is certainly one smooth and cool angel in heaven. His name is Errol Monget!
Moore, Nathan
Maybe the fastest smile that God ever made! No matter what was happening, Nathan was always very, very quick to flash a smile! That happy "school boy" face was a pleasant sight to see around school. He was a quiet, bright, hard working guy, too. "Ricky" as he was widely known was a good businessman as well. Always helpful and supportive of the class, he hosted a Friday night class reunion function at one of his properties back in the 1990's, and it was perfect for the occasion. Classmates were always appreciative of his contributions. We were blessed to have his peaceful demeanor and positive spirit as part of our class. That smiling, school boy face and joyful personality will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.
Moore, Stephen "Mo"
Stephen "Mo" Moore passed away in December of 2022. He was truly a happy-go-lucky type of person. He was always joking around and being playful with friends. He loved to laugh and always greeted people he knew with a hearty laugh or a big smile. He also had a great natural talent for mechanical tasks and endeavors. Even while still in high school he began to develop a reputation in the community for his great talent as an auto body repair specialist. This talent served him well in life as he later operated his own successful auto repair business. We don't know if there are car wrecks in heaven but if so, "Mo" is getting it all taking care of! And he's doing it with a laugh and a smile. May he rest in peace.
Morris, Peggy
Word was slow to come in about Peggy's passing. It appears that Peggy was no longer regularly connected to many classmates, so unfortunately the word of her passing was not immediately known. By word of mouth we learned that Peggy apparently was stricken with cancer which led to her untimely passing in August of 2017. Peggy always had "attitude" and we mean that in a positive way. She was very expressive, joyful, and had a wonderful sense of style. We know that those qualities allowed her to have a joyful adult life. A little bit of style has left the 79er Family now that she is gone.
Payne, Anthalete
The little miss lady! So tiny but with a HUGE heart. This lady was so very courageous. She endured so much but never gave up. She suffered from sickle cell and perhaps other ailments. The fact that she had the strength to make it through high school is a testament to her courage. Back in the 70's the ability to treat the disease was very limited and persons with SC back then simply had to endure many long episodes of illness. Little Anthalete was a fighter, but she did so with a smile. Sadly, her fragile health finally got the best of her and she passed away in January of 2000.
Richardson, Marsha
Marsha Richardson-Bell passed away in late July of 2016 after having been hospitalized and in poor health for several weeks prior to her passing. All 79ers will remember her precious and peaceful disposition. She had that calm yet playful and positive demeanor about her. She is remembered as someone that could easily laugh and strike up a conversation with anybody. There was always a kindness and relaxed nature with her. That's the Marsha we remember. That's the Marsha we will never forget. When she passed away a wonderful spirit returned to heaven.
Russ, Bobby
Oh my! What a character! We mean that in the most positive way. Bobby had a personality that made him unforgettable. He was always ready for a good conversation or a playful argument. He was comfortable being teased or teasing others. No matter what, his outlook stayed positive. He had a few personal struggles at times in adulthood but always seem to overcome them in the end. That is a testament to his strength of character. Let us not forget that Bobby was also extremely bright in school. You only needed to have a one-to-one conversation with him to realize how bright he was. Bobby was truly his own man. He did things his way. Never causing harm to others but simply living life to the fullest on his own terms. This is perhaps why he was loved by so many. A lover of animals, he became a successful dog breeder in his later years. He was found dead on September 20, 2024. Bobby Lee Russ: gone but never forgotten.
Sam, Anita
Extremely quiet. Soft-spoken. Calm. Those are just a few of the ways to characterize Anita Sam. She was a kind and easy-going person as well. Anita started high school as a part of the Class of 79. Her brother Anthony Sam is also a part of the 79ers and graduated with the Class. Most 79ers did not know of her passing for four or five months afterwards. As far as we can tell Anita's quiet nature carried on throughout her adult life as well. Her quiet, productive and peaceful life ended on March 6, 2023 just a month shy of her 62nd birthday. Anita was such a peaceful soul. God bless her. May she rest in peace.
Schaffer, Queenester
One of the most interesting things about her was her unique name, Queenester. Whenever anyone asked her about it she was always quite happy to explain the origin of her name. It was in honor of Queen Esther from the Old Testament book in the Bible. Queenester was a quiet soul throughout her years in school. She was truly the quiet type but was always very pleasant . She was very intelligent and a productive student. We trust that her intelligence served her well later in her years after high school. We understand that she lived for a period of time in the Las Vegas area in her adult life. She also lived in Baton Rouge. She passed away in September of 2009 at age 48.
Scott, Dennis
On July 29, 2021 a couple of classmates received news that Dennis had been hospitalized with COVID-19 whereby he was on a ventilator. During this time he also experienced a heart attack. He fought the good fight but succumbed to his illnesses on August 1, 2021. Dennis Scott was a quiet, intelligent, peaceful and steady friend to so many. He proudly served the community for many years as a business owner and air conditioning service technician. His kindness and goodness will be greatly missed among classmates and others in the community that had the pleasure to know him. Good guy Dennis Scott! Rest in peace.
Scott, Valencia "Lynn"
Lynn was a well-liked person as she was a reliable friend to many. She is fondly remembered as someone who had a kind of quiet side but who also knew how to enjoy life. Her death was sudden and unexpected. She was found dead in her Baton Rouge home on July 24, 2013. At the time she was living a busy and productive life, employed with both the Baton Rouge General Hospital system and Associated Grocers. She was a regular participant in 79er activities who always supported and attended class reunions. She was proud to be a 79er. Likewise, we were always proud to have her as part of our school family. Lynn Scott: gone but never forgotten.
Thomas, Fran
Fran Thomas- Collins passed away on August 15, 2016 after a having experienced a period of illness and declining health. Fran's sister is Jan and her brother is Melvin..all of them were in school with us over the years. Fran was pleasant, quiet, and a hardworking person. She was "good people" as the saying goes. In school she always seemed serious, but that really wasn't seriousness; it was actually meekness! She had a humble spirit. She was actually one of the most approachable and friendly people you could ever know. Fran Thomas: truly one of the meekest and certainly one of the most humble personalities in the entire Class of 79! Fran is loved and her quiet goodness will be missed.
Thornton, Cheryl
Cheryl was one of the really widely liked members of '79. She was very athletic (a long-time cheerleader), articulate, and extremely self-confident. She was also consistently an honor roll student. Most 79ers remember her as a kind-hearted person. In her adult life she was stricken with cancer. Being the positive person that she was, she fought the good fight for several years. The illness finally got the best of her in the mid 1990's. She passed away at 33 years of age. Goodness gracious, she was truly a woman with such a beautiful spirit! She always seemed like the kind of person that would touch many lives some day. In her own way, perhaps she did. May God rest her soul.
Toussaint, Reginald
Passed away on the morning of January 15, 2021. He was a great track athlete and football player at McKinley. He was truly one of the people that everybody liked. He was always the true "mellow fellow" as he forever had a calm and cool demeanor. He was a friend to practically anyone that knew him. That's because Reginald was easy to like. He was never about drama or stress. Back in school days he always appeared to have no care in the world! Some 79ers had not seen him in recent years but those that did would say he was always the same Reginald: friendly, likeable, and a "mellow fellow". May God rest his soul.
Variste, William
William passed away on the morning of March 5, 2023 in Baton Rouge after a long fight with cancer. And he truly was a tough fighter! He actually came back from his illness to the point where he went back to work. "William James" refused to let his illness stop him. However, after a long fight his health declined beginning in late 2022 and he passed away the following March. He was a very fine athlete in high school where he won a football scholarship to New Mexico Highlands University. Upon retuning to Baton Rouge he embarked on a long career as a tradesman in the appliance repair field. A meek and quiet guy, he was always positive. He was also always committed to anything that was positive and productive for the Old South Baton Rouge community, especially for the youth. He was a very good guy that loved God. He will be greatly missed by his classmates and his community.
West, Anthony
He passed away on Christmas Day 2013 while living in Opelousas. Anthony was always hyper, full of energy, and easy to laugh. He also always had a strong love for South Baton Rouge, oftentimes involved with volunteering use of his truck for neighborhood clean-up activities in SBR in the 1990's as the leader of Concerned Citizens of South Baton Rouge (a group he actually founded). A member of the Eames family, a family with long-time roots in South Baton Rouge, he was a hard-working guy that regularly worked multiple jobs. It is widely known that he had a couple of personal struggles in early adulthood but overcame them. He was a classmate with the 79ers at McKinley Junior and Senior although he later graduated with another class. Friends remember him as a guy with the best memory; he could remember names and faces forever. He never forgot anybody -- even people from childhood! Now that he's gone, we won't ever forget him either.
Williams, Denise Green
On the very same day that 79er Clarence Jones was buried another classmate's life was called to an end. Denise Green (also known by last name Green-Williams) was killed in what at the time of this posting appears to be another senseless act of gun violence. It was reported in various local media that she was shot by someone on foot while she was a passenger in a car that was stopped for a traffic light on the evening of October 19, 2017 in Baton Rouge. It is our prayer that the pieces of the puzzle regarding her murder can one day be answered. Many of us had not seen Denise lately but fondly remember her as having a long and productive career managing fast food restaurants in the local area. In this role we are sure she touched the lives of many including her customers and co-workers. Of course, the shock of her sudden and violent death will eventually disappear in time. Our fond memories of her never will.
Williams, Frankie
Frankie passed away in the early 2000's. It was maybe sometime around 2005/2006. She was successful in her chosen field and had a very happy and productive adult life. We heard that Frankie unfortunately had some health problems with her heart and she died of natural causes in a Baton Rouge hospital. She was a strong-willed type of person who "didn't take no mess" and we mean that in a very good way. She was kind and playful, but she never had a problem speaking up for herself when the situation called for it! As far as we're concerned, that's the best way to be! Yes, indeed, good ole Frankie...gone but not forgotten.
In Memoriam.
We are forever thankful for the joy of having had them as part of us.
www.mck79ers.org