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In Memoriam
Many of the opportunities and successes for black professionals in the accounting profession today were paved by NABA trailblazers who are no longer with us. We honor those legacy trailblazers and difference-makers, not just for what they have done for the NABA community, but for black professionals and the profession at large.
~~~ FY21 ~~~
(July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021)
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Gary Lamont Burke
October 4, 1955 - November 19, 2020
Gary L. Burke was born on October 4, 1955, in Baltimore, Maryland to the late William Albert and Gwendolyn Irene Burke. He attended and graduated from Loyola BlakefieldLoyola Blakefield High School where he participated on the football and basketball teams. After graduating high school in 1973, Gary attended Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. After switching industries in the late 1980s to work at USF&G, Gary joined the Fidelity & Guaranty (F&G) Life Company in 1993 where he served as Senior Vice President. It was at F&G Life where Gary became a titan in the life insurance industry. He negotiated numerous opportunities and mergers for the company as one of only a handful of African American SVPs in the industry. He was a true pioneer. Throughout the remainder of his career, Gary held leadership roles at many other organizations, culminating as President of The Union Labor Life Insurance Company (ULLICO). |
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Everett Roosevelt Bassie July 5, 1952 - May 31, 2020 Everett R.Bassie was a valued Lifetime Member of the National Association of Black Accountants and a member of the Houston Chapter. He was born on July 5, 1952, in Boynton Beach, Florida to Nathalee Bassie Weatherspoon and the Late Deacon Moses Weatherspoon. Everett was educated in the Palm Beach County public school system and graduated from Carver High School in 1970. He attended Florida A&M University and was a member of the infamous "Marching 100 Band." He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in accounting, joined the United States Army, and then received his master's degree in Business. Everett was a Certified Public Accountant for both the State of Florida and Texas. Throughout his professional tenure as a self-employed CPA, Everett was a mentor to many young professionals through their careers in accounting. |
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Anne R. White March 25, 1941 - September 11, 2020 Anne R. White was a Past Chapter President and Professional Member of the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants, Inc. and a highly respected and avid supporter of NABA and an advocate for your people. She was also a graduate and NABA Student Member of Temple University. Through her commitment and passion for serving others and her profession, Anne was a true inspiration. She will be truly missed by her family, friends, the accounting profession, and her NABA family. |
~~~ FY20 ~~~
(July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020)
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Marvin C. Allmond February 6, 1950 – April 26, 2020 Marvin was a graduate of Windsor High School where he was a member of the baseball team. In 1972 Marvin obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Virginia State University and a Master’s Degree in Management from Central Michigan University in 1976. He was an Assistant Professor of Accounting at the University of the District of Columbia for eighteen years, an adjunct professor at Prince George’s Community College for ten years and at Bowie State University for one year. Marvin began his professional career working in the Federal Government where he served as an auditor and supervisory auditor for thirteen years. As a recognized authority on Auditing, Marvin practiced as a CPA for over thirty-five years, licensed in the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia. In 1985 he founded Allmond and Company LLC, a certified public accounting firm with offices in Prince Georges County where he served as owner and managing member until his passing. Marvin was an active member and supporter of several professional organizations: National Association of Black Accountants, American Institute of CPA’s, Maryland Association of CPA’s, Greater Washington Society of CPA’s, Association of Government Accountants, Ardmore Enterprises.org, and National Association of Fraud Examiners. In addition, Marvin was a donor and a loyal son of Virginia State University. In April 2019 Singleton Hall Auditorium was renamed after Marvin for his financial contributions to the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business and for his dedication to hire and train VSU students. |
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Richard Jacob McNamee, CPA August 4, 1937 - April 9, 2020 Richard McNamee, a father, brother, friend, and NABA Founder. In 1969, Richard and eight of his colleagues founded the National Association of Black Accounts (NABA) was founded in New York. In that year, there were only 136 African-American Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) out of a total of 100,000 in the United States. The NABA Founders wanted to establish an organization to address the concerns of minorities entering the accounting profession and to make a commitment to professional and academic excellence. Richard was a brilliant accountant and was very involved with NABA. He was the ultimate professional and was noted for his work ethic. During his career, Richard became a partner at a few prestigious accounting firms. He mentored many upcoming accountants and CPA’s and was always willing to share a story, a word of advice, or encouragement. |
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Jazmine Rea Henderson Memorial Service: July 18, 2019 Jazmine Rea Henderson was a valued NABA member, a forward-thinking leader, visionary, and a caring and knowledgeable mentor. She served with excellence on the board of the National Association of Black Accountants Inc., San Francisco Chapter and maintained a life-long commitment to facilitating the success of all people of African American descent by enriching their professional lives, creating connections, and promoting environments that welcome, value, and leverage diversity and inclusiveness. In addition, she had a profound effect on the many students and professionals she mentored. |
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Milton L. Scott November 21, 1956 – December 8, 2019 Mr. Scott was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and raised in St. Francisville, Louisiana. After graduating from Southern University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, he moved to Houston and began his career at Arthur Andersen, LLP where he became a partner in the Audit and Assurance Practice. In 1999, after 22 years in public accounting, Mr. Scott joined Dynegy as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer. He left Dynegy in 2002 to become an entrepreneur. He was also Past President-NABA Houston. Mr. Scott received numerous awards for his service, including Top 100 African Americans in Business by Savoy magazine, Texas Legislative Caucus Outstanding Texas Awards and Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants – Outstanding Council Chairman Award. |
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Jezel Best May 26, 1976 – November 20, 2019 Jezel Best, a Mother, Sister, Friend, Entrepreneur, and Woman of God, was an integral member of NABA starting as a student member at Medgar Evers College where she served as Chapter President. Her dedication, passion to uplift, and strong leadership earned her the NABA Student of the Year award while attending Medgar Evers College. As a professional Jezel continued to uphold NABA's motto of “Lifting As We Climb” through her commitment to our student members. After completing her undergraduate studies, Jezel completed an executive MBA program while working on several entrepreneurial projects. She found time to coach our students to win multiple championships in the NABA Case Study Competitions. In addition, as an active NABA volunteer, Jezel supported, guided, and mentored students as they transitioned to become professionals. Jezel was also a very active business leader in her community. In 2017, she received the Young Gifted and Black (YGB) Strategic Business Development Award for her entrepreneurial achievements as an Operation’s Director of TVT Group and CEO/Founder of JB Advisory - a financial wellness coaching firm. She wrote a book titled “My Wealthy Place,” which was scheduled to be published a few weeks after her death. Her vision was to provide a wealth building and money management framework based on biblical principles. On February 26, 2020, there was a special presentation made to her son, Negus Kesean Chen Best; YGB re-named their Mission award to the ”Jezel Best Power-N-Motion Mission Award.”
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Sheila Shears October 10, 1948 – November 13, 2019 Sheila Diana Dean was educated by the parochial and public school systems of Chicago and continued her education at Central State University in Wilberforce Ohio, where she received a B.S. in Accounting, and then at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, where Sheila received an MBA. At Central State Sheila was initiated into the Delta Kappa Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and met the love of her life, Frank Shears, who she married in 1969. Sheila was a highly accomplished professional with a career of over 40 years. Sheila became a Certified Public Accountant and, upon moving to the Washington, DC area, joined the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company of Maryland, breaking professional ground for African American women who followed her path. More than 20 years later she retired as Controller and Treasurer of the Verizon Communications Company of Washington, D.C. Sheila served as Interim Vice President for Business and Fiscal Affairs at Tuskegee University, and served in executive leadership roles at the United Planning Organization, Fort Lincoln Realty, Inc. and Blunt Enterprises. Possessing a generous spirit, Sheila was always present to support, encourage, motivate, coach and mentor young professionals. Over the course of her career, she was instrumental in the operational and financial success of many organizations and sharpened her saw through her participation in the National Association of Black Accountants and in Leadership Washington and Montgomery County. Sheila also served as Treasurer of the Washington Area Better Business Bureau and was a member of its Executive Board and was a 20-year Board member of the Anthony Bowen YMCA.
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Victor Reginald "Reggie" Hopkins November 15, 1952 - August 9, 2019 Victor Reginald Hopkins (Reggie) was born on November 15, 1952, in Cairo, IL. He died on August 9, 2019, in Dallas, TX. He graduated from Cairo High School in 1970. He went on to earn an Associate’s degree at Elgin Community College, followed by earning his Bachelor of Science degree in business from Northern Illinois University. He held various positions at several corporations before becoming a successful entrepreneur, enjoying a 31-year career as the Founder and CEO of Hopkins & Associates. Reggie was a NABA Lifetime Member. His interests included traveling and being a surrogate father to many youths, who affectionately called him “Uncle Reggie.” He was involved in several community organizations and programs. He was most passionate about serving Young Life - an organization that introduces adolescents to Jesus Christ and helping them grow in their faith and the Hamilton Park Pacesetter Magnet, a school that prepared PreK to 6th-grade students to become leaders in high school and as adults. Reggie is survived by his wife of 44 years, Cheryl Lorraine Hopkins; his son, Dedric Ramon Hopkins; Samantha Chandler; granddaughter, Nicole Noel Hopkins; sister Linda Strickland; brothers Elmer McPherson and Glenn Hopkins; mother-in-law Annie Lee Johnson; sister-in-law Luella Ivy; brothers-in-law Russell Johnson and Howard Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, including his special and dearest friend, Woodrow Howard.
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~~~ FY19 ~~~
(July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019)
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Dr. Hubert Darnell Glover April 16, 1957 – May 6, 2019 Dr. Hubert Darnell Glover was born April 16, 1957, in Elmira. NY to Minnie Lee and Gilbert Jenkins Glover. He died on May 6, 2019, in Silver Spring, MD. He graduated from Elmira Free Academy High School in 1974 and went on to complete his undergraduate studies at the University of Southern California with a concentration in journalism. He then earned his MBA in accounting at Clark Atlanta University and his PhD in accounting at Texas A&M University. Dr. Glover has written more than 50 articles for trade publications, professional organizations and academic journals, published a book of poetry and co-authored a leadership book. He was a devoted father and a friend to many. He was a Lifetime Member of NABA and a member of the NABA Washington, DC Chapter. Dr. Glover is survived by the mother of his children, Dr. Roni M. Glover; his son, Jason Glover; daughter, Chanel Glover; daughter-in-law, Amal Nait Hammou; brother-in-law, Dr. James Simples; and sisters-in-law, Mildred Glover, Dr. Patricia Simples, Kelli Simples, and Arlette Salmond. |
~~~ FY18 ~~~
(July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018)
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Ernest Charles Terry June 28, 1943 – October 15, 2018 Ernest Charles Terry was born June 28, 1943, in New Orleans, LA to the late Rev. Edward Terry, Sr. and the late Mrs. Bernice Jackson Terry. He died on July 1, 2018. Ernest graduated from George Washington Carver High School, in New Orleans, in 1960 and graduated from Southern University with a degree in accounting in 1964. While at Southern University, he also became a charter member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Epsilon Upsilon Chapter. Ernest earned a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Houston Law School in 1991. He was employed as an accountant at Kaiser Aluminum in Baton Rouge, LA, Johnson & Johnson in Sherman, TX, and Exxon Mobile in Houston. After 40 years of service as an accountant, CPA, and attorney, he retired from Exxon Mobil in 2004. He worked post-retirement as an attorney at McGinnis, Lochridge & Kilgore Law Firm for five years. Ernest was a member of the Houston NABA Chapter. Ernest is survived by his wife Mamie Dell Terry, his children Darron C. Terry and Donna Terry Newsome, and grandchildren Amanda Christine Newsome, Robert Newsome, Jr., and Melody Cherise Newsome. He was the brother of the late Edward Terry, Jr., Barbara Belcher, Earl Terry, Bernice Williams, the late Brenda Hutton, Beatrice Terry, Erskine Terry, and Eric Terry. He also had many nieces and nephews. |
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Fred "Freddie" Anderson November 1, 1952 - August, 2018 Fred “Freddie” Anderson was born November 1, 1952, and died August 24, 2018, at the Levine & Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville, NC. He is a graduate of Hampton University and was appointed by the White House, under President Barack Obama, as Chief Risk Officer and Senior Advisor to the Chief Operating Officer of Federal Student Aid (FSA) of the U.S. Department of Education in 2010. He previously held senior leadership roles at Wells Fargo, Bank of America, PwC, BNY Mellon and the former Arthur Andersen & Co. He is survived by a host of family and friends. |
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Samantha DeCambre
March 9, 1970 – August 2, 2018
Samantha DeCambre was born March 9, 1970, in London, England To Millicent & Melbourne DeCambre. She died on August 2, 2018, at Putnam County Hospital in New York. Samantha attended Harry S. Truman High School in the Bronx, NY and Pennsylvania State University. She was employed by PepsiCo for more than 20 years.
Her interests included home decor, health and art projects. She was a devoted mother, daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend. She was a lifetime member of NABA and a member of the NABA New York Chapter.
Samantha is survived by her daughters, Maia & Macie Thompson; father, Melbourne DeCambre; brother, Howard DeCambre and sisters Gillian Whiteloche, Angela Whiteloche and Bridgette Wilson. She was preceded in death by her mother, Millicent DeCambre.
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Tomara LaChelle Johnson-Thompson January 17, 1984 – July 1, 2018 Tomara LaChelle Johnson-Thompson was born January 17, 1984, in Houston, TX to Shirley and James “JJ” Johnson. She died on July 1, 2018. She graduated from Westbury High School in 2002 and was recognized her senior year as the City of Houston’s Female Athlete of the Year. She earned a BS and an MBA, with a concentration in accounting, at Florida A&M University in 2007. Following her passion for accounting, Tomara joined KPMG after graduating from Florida A&M and became a Certified Public Accountant in 2010. She worked in the firm's Energy and Chemicals group, where she led teams as a Senior Audit Manager. She was a dedicated member of the NABA Houston Chapter and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Tomara is survived by her husband, Derrick Dwayne Thompson, her daughter, Rian, her parents, her brother, Trey, as well as a host of cousins, sorority sisters, friends and co-workers. |
~~~ FY17 ~~~
(July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017)
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Walter D. Davis, III, CPA
April 24, 1951 - November 20, 2017
Walter D. Davis, III, CPA, founding chairman of the Division of Firms, passed away on November 20, 2017. Mr. Davis, who operated a CPA practice in Houston, Texas, established the Division of Firms in 1986 under the leadership of NABA's first woman president, Ramona Pearson, CPA.
Mr. Davis was honored on March 25, 1987, with an Outstanding Texan Award from the Texas Legislative Black Caucus. Mr. Davis also served on the Texas Fifth Year Scholarship Advisory Committee for nearly 20 years. He was an instrumental member in negotiating the scholarship program with the Texas Legislature in the law requiring a fifth year of college for the CPA Exam. Texas is one of two states with such a program.