obituary Archive — Page 1 of 10

A laboratory worker in a white coat holds open a blue binder containing printed diagnostic recipes in a clinical laboratory.
October 23, 2026

Vanderbilt mourns loss of laboratory legend Howard Price

One of Mr. Price’s more notable contributions came during the COVID-19 pandemic when a supply chain crisis led to a shortage of the viral transport media necessary for COVID-19 testing.

By Jill Clendening
Man in a white medical coat standing outside the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital Emergency entrance; the coat is embroidered “M. Burr, M.D.”
October 7, 2026

Vanderbilt mourns the loss of pediatrics leader and children’s health advocate Ian Burr

Former Pediatrics department chair and pediatric endocrinologist helped shape generations of children’s health care, research and education at Vanderbilt.

By Christina Echegaray
Dolly Parton and a red-haired woman smile beside broadcast microphones in a Seacrest Studios room; the “Seacrest Studios” sign is visible behind them.
August 26, 2026

Vanderbilt Health mourns passing of global icon Dolly Parton

Legendary songwriter, singer, actress, author and businesswoman, Parton will be remembered for her lasting impact on the lives of millions through her support of everything from pediatric cancer care to infectious disease research at Vanderbilt Health.

By Rebecca Warren
Bronze statue of Martha Rivers Ingram seated in a chair on Vanderbilt University’s campus, with two flower bouquets at its base and campus buildings and lawn behind it.
August 7, 2026

Vanderbilt mourns the loss of leader, benefactor and friend Martha Rivers Ingram

Martha Rivers Ingram, chairman emerita of the Vanderbilt Board of Trust, philanthropist and arts patron, died Aug. 6 in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 90. 

Three men in suits pose onstage while holding a glass award together. The center man wears a name badge reading “Phillip Gorden.”
June 29, 2026

Distinguished VUSM alumnus, NIDDK director emeritus Phillip Gorden dies at age 91

For more than 50 years, Dr. Gorden was a national leader in the field of diabetes, metabolism and obesity research.

By Jill Clendening
Formal portrait of a smiling middle-aged man with glasses and a gray goatee, wearing a blue plaid suit, white shirt, and patterned tie against a brown background.
June 9, 2026

Vanderbilt Health mourns loss of pediatrics research leader James (Jay) Wilkinson

Renowned physician-scientist, mentor and servant leader leaves enduring legacy in pediatric clinical and translational research.

By Christina Echegaray