
Shirelle Henderson
Mar 08, 1973 - Jul 22, 2024
BRONX, NY
In Memory of Shirelle Henderson
This obituary is managed by Rell Truehart
Share a Condolence
Related Obituaries
Clarence O. Smith
Jul 06, 1933 - Apr 20, 2025
BRONX, NY
The visionary co-founder of "ESSENCE Magazine," Clarence O. Smith, passed away at the age of 92 He was among the four founders of the Magazine, which they launched in May 1970. Being a great communicator and strategist, his contributions helped redefine not only the magazine industry but the broader economic and cultural landscape for African Americans. All through Smith's more than 30 years at Essence Communications, he served as President, leading the marketing and advertising efforts that fueled its growth. His fantastic leadership established what we now know as the "Black Women's Market," a concept that acknowledged and celebrated the unmatched influence and spending power of the Black women. It was something long overlooked by many advertisers. Clarence's strategic brilliance diverted the advertising realm's attention, shifting investment toward Black audiences with a new level of understanding and respect. His legacy extended long before the pages of ESSENCE. Smith's work helped lay the building blocks for an empire that included the ESSENCE TV, ESSENCE Awards, hosiery, a line of ESSENCE-branded eyewear, travel offerings, and most importantly, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture, an annual gathering that remains the largest gathering of Black people in the nation. Beneath his strategic mind, he possessed a heart devoted to uplifting Black culture with dignity. His work was not only about business, it revolved around empowerment and love. His wife, Elaine, and their family survive him.
Billie Inzar
Apr 20, 1964 - Feb 24, 2023
BRONX, NY
Billie Inzar, 58, of BRONX, NY, died Feb, 24 2023, in BRONX, NY. Billie was born Apr, 20 1964 in Newark, NJ. Arrangements are by Brown & Brown Funeral Service.