In Memoriam 2020-2022: Remembering family and friends of Black Women in Sport Foundation
BWSF remembers with fondness, pride, and gratitude, our friends, family and supporters who have transitioned.
(L-R) Basketball Hall of Famer Lusia Harris-Stewart & BWSF Co-Founder Dr. Alpha Alexander (standing)
LUSIA “Lucy” HARRIS-STEWART
Lusia “Lucy” Harris, the pioneering women’s basketball player who became the first female to score a basket in the Olympics, one of the only women to be drafted into the NBA and later the first female collegiate player inducted in the National Basketball Hall of Fame, died unexpectedly Tuesday, 1/18/2022, in her native Mississippi. She was 66.
“The world of women’s basketball has lost a giant today.” — Dr. Alpha Alexander, BWSF Co-founder
Harris-Stewart is featured in the Ben Proudfoot-directed short documentary titled The Queen of Basketball, which debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival and was recently shortlisted for the Oscars. The Queen of Basketball Trailer
Learn More:
Good Morning America (GMA) - The Queen of Basketball Segment by Robin Roberts
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame :: Lusia Harris-Stewart (hoophall.com)
'Queen of Basketball' Lusia Harris, First and Only Woman Officially Drafted by the NBA, Dead at 66
Mervyn H. Jones
Photo Courtesy of Central High School of Philadelphia
Mervyn H. Jones of Wilmington, a TV and film writer, director, and producer, and a former Temple University professor, assistant athletic director, and 30 year public address announcer, transitioned June 1, 2020, of cancer. He was 54.
Although his multifaceted career in entertainment and academia featured many achievements, it was Mr. Jones’ ever-present friendliness and humanity that impressed people most. The words smile, humor, and passion are used often by those who knew him.
Tina Sloan Green, BWSF co-founder, former Temple lacrosse coach and Hall of Famer, was very impressed with Jones’ overall knowledge in sports. “He did so much not only for basketball, but football, women’s and men’s sports,” she said. “He was very creative. He was loved and respected.”
“Merv Jones was the only voice I’ve ever known or remembered while coaching on the TU sideline,” said Dawn Staley, who is now the head women’s basketball coach at the University of South Carolina, in a written statement. “His voice was heard by so many, but his heart touched so many more, including mine.”
“All of Temple Athletics is in mourning due to the loss of a great man and Owl, Merv Jones,” Director of Athletics Patrick Kraft said in a written statement.
BWSF offers our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Andrea, and two children Merven and Jayna.”
Read More:
Mrs. Mildred White
Mother of Debbie White. Mildred transitioned 2020.
Mildred was an avid supporter of women-of-color’s rights and the advantages of sport. An outstanding sportswomen herself, she introduced countless numbers of children, boys and girls, to a wide variety of sporting opportunities. She also broke through the gender barriers of sports by becoming the coach of her son Michael's Connie Mack team and leading it to the Championship. Mildred held a special fondness for the Black Women in Sport Foundation and their mission to use sport to improve lives. She is missed by all of us who had the pleasure of her energy and presence.
Mrs. Beatrice Tomlinson
Mother of BWSF Co-founder Dr. Nikki Franke
A faithful volunteer at many of the BWSF functions, Bea transitioned on April 19, 2020. “Beatrice Elaine Tomlinson was born on Nov. 5th, 1925 in New York City. She was a longtime supporter of BWSF, helping with many events and spent her life helping and guiding youth. She was on several civic and church boards and worked tirelessly to help improve the lives of those in her community.
Dr. Joseph B. Oxendine
Member of the Lumbee Tribe, transitioned on Tuesday, April 14, 2020.
He was chosen to serve as the first dean of Temple’s new College of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (HPERD). Oxendine was a supporter of women’s intercollegiate sports and an advocate for the improvement of recreation facilities in the North Philadelphia community and served as president of the Indian Rights Association.
