Baller Alert Entertainment & Lifestyle 
2018 was like a gift and a curse. While there were many vast accomplishments and memorable moments shared by our favorite celebrities, the entertainment industry also suffered some low blows and devastating losses.
Too many of our shining stars unexpectedly departed from their loved ones and fans way too soon. From trailblazers like Aretha Franklin and Stan Lee to the talented Mac Miller and beloved model, mother, and entrepreneur Kim Porter, each shared their wonderful gifts and talents with the world, leaving behind incredible legacies and everlasting impressions on our hearts. Here’s a look at celebrities we’ve lost in 2018, may all their souls Rest In Peace.
Rasaul Butler (May 23, 1979 – January 31, 2018) and Leah LaBelle (September 8, 1986 – January 31, 2018)- former NBA player and wife.
Edwin Hawkins (August 19, 1943 – January 15, 2018) Gospel Singer best known for “Oh Happy Day”
Ora Denise Allen aka Denise LaSalle (July 16, 1934 – January 8, 2018) – R&B Singer/Songwriter also referred to as “Queen Of the Blues”.
Olivia Cole (November 26, 1942 – January 19, 2018)- American Actress best known for her role as Maltida, Chicken George’s wife in the “Roots” miniseries.
Chameka Scott (May 9, 1984- January 21, 2018)- former WNBA player
Oscar Gamble (December 20, 1949 – January 31, 2018)- professional Major League Baseball player
Dennis Edwards (February 3, 1943 – February 1, 2018) – singer from The Temptations
Lerone Bennett Jr (October 17, 1928 – February 14, 2018)- former Ebony Magazine Editor and African American History Author
Billy Graham (November 7, 1918 – February 21, 2018)- World renowned Christian Evangelist
Ensa Cosby (April 8, 1973- February 23, 2018)- Bill and Camille Cosby’s daughter
Floyd Carter Sr. (date of birth unknown 1923 – March 8, 2018)- one of the last remaining Tuskegee Airmen
Hubert de Givenchy (February 20, 1927- March 10, 2018)- Famed Fashion Designer
Craig Mack (May 10, 1970 – March 12, 2018)- 1990’s Rapper best known for “Flavor in Ya Ear”
Stephen Hawking (January 8, 1942- March 14, 2018)- British Astrophysicist
Charles Lazarus (October 4, 1923 – March 22, 2018)- ToysRUs founder
DuShon Monique Brown (November 30, 1968 – March 23, 2018)- American Actress is best known for her role in “Chicago Fire”
Linda Brown (February 20, 1943 – March 25, 2018)- Kansas school girl at the heart of the 1954 Brown vs. Topeka Board of Education case that ended school segregation
Winnie Mandela (September 26, 1936-April 2, 2018)- anti-apartheid activist and ex-wife to Nelson Mandela
Yvonne Staples (date of birth unknown 1936- April 10, 2018)- member of the Staples Singers, best known for their hit song “I’ll Take You There”
Hal Greer (June 26, 1936 – April 14, 2018)- NBA legend
Barbara Bush (June 8, 1925 – April 17, 2018)- former United States First Lady
Verne Troyer (January 1, 1969 – April 21, 2018)- American Actor best known for his role as Mini-Me in the Austin Powers movie series
Kate Spade (December 24, 1962 – June 5, 2018)- Fashion Designer
Anthony Bourdain (June 25, 1956 – June 8, 2018)- Food Writer and Celebrity Chef
XXXTentacion (January 23, 1998 – June 18, 2018)- Rapper
Koko (July 4, 1971 – June 19, 2018)- Gorilla who learned how to communicate with humans via Sign Language
Joe Jackson (July 26, 1928 – June 27, 2018)- patriarch to the Jackson Family
Charlotte Rae (April 22, 1926 – August 5, 2018)- American Actress best known for her role as Mrs. Garret in “The Facts of Life”
Aretha Franklin (March 25, 1942 – August 16, 2018)- Queen of Soul, American Singer
Senator John McCain (August 29, 1936 – August 25, 2018)- American Politician
Burt Reynolds (February 11, 1936 – September 6, 2018)- American Actor
Mac Miller (January 19, 1992 – September 7, 2018) – Rapper
Stan Lee (December 28, 1922 – November 12, 2018)- founder of Marvel Comics
Stephan Hillenburg (August 21, 1961 – November 26, 2018)- founder of Spongebob Squarepants
George H.W. Bush (June 12, 1924 – November 30, 2018)- Former President of the United States
Nancy Wilson (February 20, 1937 – December 13, 2018) – Grammy Award-winning Singer
Kim Porter (December 15, 1970- November 15, 2018)- Entrepreneur, Model
Penny Marshall (October 15, 1943 – December 17, 2018)- Actress/Director
Check out the entire list here.
