In Memoriam, A Tribute to Those We Lost in 2009

Every year, the earthly roll of golden era gospel singers grows a little shorter as they go on to receive their heavenly reward. To honor their memory, here's a list of those golden era gospel artists who have gone on this year to sing with the heavenly choir. If I have forgotten anyone, please leave me a note in the comments section.

Claude Jeter (The Swan Silvertones)

Hazel Henderson

Willa Mae Dorsey

Bishop Charles Edward Cook (Mighty Gospel Giants)

Ethel Holloway (solo artist, Jessy Dixon Singers, Thompson Community Singers, Ethel Holloway Singers)

Rev. Leroy Taylor (The Soul Stirrers, Christland Singers)

Margaret Aikens-Jenkins

Shirley Joiner (Southeast Inspirational Choir)

Rev. Timothy Wright
(I know that Rev. Wright and Ms. Joiner weren't golden era artists, but because of their influence in the traditional gospel genre, I believe they both merit mention.)

Vera Jean Eskridge Jenkins (The Loving Sisters)

Eugene Smith (The Roberta Martin Singers)

Dr. Horace Clarence Boyer (noted gospel music historian and member of The Boyer Brothers)

Delores "Sugar" Poindexter

Marie Knight (partner with Sister Rosetta Tharpe)

Alexander "Pete" Dixon (St. Paul's Echoes of Eden)

Elder Norvell Woolfork (Clara Ward Singers)

Sister Lucille Barbee

Frances Steadman (Mary Johnson Davis Gospel Singers, Clara Ward Specials, Clara Ward Singers, The Stars of Faith)