Family sought for 5 who died recently in Jefferson County
The Jefferson County Coroner's Office is looking for family members of Ernest Ray Holmes, Richard M. Williams, Carmen Lee Musgrove, Deedra Smith Murphy, and Varatta Qonoria Vedamon.
Ethan Parker 
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office is currently seeking the public’s help in locating relatives for five individuals who recently passed away. Their remains are ready for burial, but authorities have been unable to reach next of kin to coordinate the necessary arrangements.
Ernest Ray Holmes
Ernest Ray Holmes, 67, was discovered deceased on May 15 at a boarding home in the 2600 block of First Street in Center Point. While his cause of death is still awaiting lab results, officials have confirmed there was no evidence of foul play or trauma. Holmes did not leave behind emergency contact information and had previously maintained addresses across several states, including Louisiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, and California, as well as Bessemer, Alabama.
Richard M. Williams
Richard M. Williams, 80, died of natural causes on April 2 at Baptist Health Princeton Hospital. A long-time Birmingham resident of at least 50 years and a former student at Phillips High School, Williams had been a resident at Oak Crest Health and Wellness of Bessemer. Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates noted that Williams had no surviving parents, siblings, children, or spouse. He is believed to have been born in Georgia.
Carmen Lee Musgrove
Carmen Lee Musgrove, 78, also known as Carmen D. King, passed away from natural causes at UAB St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham on May 15. A Bessemer resident, she is believed to have surviving adult children who may reside in the Clay or Trussville areas of northeast Jefferson County.
Deedra Smith Murphy
Deedra Smith Murphy, 66, of Sylacauga, died on May 22 while an inpatient at UAB St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham. Coroner officials reported that she died of natural causes and had been a resident of Sylacauga since at least 2004.
Varatta Qonoria Vedamon
Varatta Qonoria Vedamon, 78, a resident of Diversicare of Bessemer, passed away on May 8 at UAB Medical West. Her death was attributed to natural causes occurring during her hospitalization.
For more information or to assist the coroner, please refer to the original report via 205focus.com.
