In memoriam: Memphians and Mid-Southerners lost in 2023
Classical guitarist Lily Afshar, who taught at the University of Memphis 34 years before retiring, died of cancer Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023 in Iran. She was 63. (Courtesy Archer Recording Studio)
In 2023, Memphis lost artists, activists, coaches, athletes, entrepreneurs, medical professionals, restaurateurs, public servants and the area’s “unofficial LGBTQ historian.”
Today, we remember them once again.
Kambui Bomani
Kambui Bomani is the general assignment and breaking news reporter for The Daily Memphian. He is a graduate of Jackson State University’s multimedia journalism program and earned a master’s degree in digital journalism from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School. His work has been published in Pro Football Focus, The Southside Stand, HBCU Legends, FanSided and Wisconsin Sports Heroics.
Holly Whitfield
Holly has more than 13 years of experience in publishing and digital content, including 10 years at the helm of the I Love Memphis Blog. She began her career at The Commercial Appeal and is author of Secret Memphis.
Abigail Warren
Abigail Warren is a lifelong resident of Shelby County and a graduate of the University of Memphis. She has worked for several local publications and covers the suburbs for The Daily Memphian.
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