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Willie James Merrell

1/31/2018

Mr. Willie James Merrell, age 59, passed on January 25, 2018.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., February 3, 2018 at First Salem Baptist, 191 Twin Churches Road, Montezuma, Georgia. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Byromville, Georgia.

Life had its beginning for Mr. Willie James “Shine Bone” Merrell on April 8, 1957 in Dooly County, Georgia. He was born to the late Little Lewis Merrell and Sarah Hardrick Merrell. He was a very caring and loving person. He was not only loved by his family, but loved by many people and that love was reciprocated. At an early age he joined Bay Point C.M.E. Church in Dooly County.

He was educated in the public school system of Byromville Elementary and Vienna High School in Dooly County. For many years, he worked for Southern Frozen Foods in Montezuma, GA, Gold Kist in Cordele, GA and Herbert Saliba in Byromville, GA. Shine Bone leaves a legacy of love from all of his family, friends and people who met him. He will be remembered for the service of supplying fresh vegetables and fruits, homemade pepper sauces, boiled and baked peanuts, turnips and collards greens, and plums. Shine Bone added warmth to many homes by supplying firewood during the winter months.

He will be greatly missed. People could always count on riding down Dooly Street and he would be there. Some people would just stop for good conversation.

On Thursday, January 25, 2018, a life was gone and Mr. Willie James “Shine Bone” Merrell will be greatly missed. A precious one from us is gone; a voice we love is still. A place is vacant in our hearts that can nevermore be filled. We thank God for embracing us and allowing us the opportunity to share moments in his life that will never be forgotten.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother; his paternal grandparents, Mr. Lewis Merrell Sr. and Roberta Postell Merrell; his maternal grandparents, Wilbert Hardrick and Annie Lou Hardick; and his cousin who was raised like a brother, Jerome Merrell.

Left to cherish his memories are his devoted siblings, Lewis Merrell Montezuma, Georgia, Wilbert Merrell (Linda), Montezuma, Georgia, Paul Merrell (Evonnoe), Atlanta, Georgia, Arthur L. Merrell (Denise), Stone Mountain, Georgia, Ricky Merrell (Tomica), Unadilla, Georgia, Bobby L. Merrell, (Jackie), Pinehurst, Georgia, Antonyo Merrell (Andrea), Hinesville, Georgia, Doris Merrell, Vienna, Georgia; a loving stepson he loved and cared for very dearly, Michael Wilcox (Mary), Spanaway, Washington; four grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Patricia Merrell, Chattanooga, Tennessee; uncle, RC Merrell and aunt, Sally Merrell Lilly, Georgia; aunts, Annie Mae Hardrick, Mt. Vernon, New York, Mamie Sanders (Lewis) Lilly, Georgia, Maenell Hardrick Vienna, Georgia, Mary Merrell, Vienna, Georgia, and Shirley Mathis, Vienna, Georgia; a host of beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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Matthew Cross, Jr.

1/31/2018

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Matthew Cross, Jr., age 80 passed January 25, 2018 at Montezuma Health and Rehabilitation Center, Montezuma, Georgia.

Matthew, Jr. was born November 19, 1937 to the late Matthew Cross, Sr. and Lillie Pearl Hill Cross in Montezuma, Macon County, Georgia. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Kissie Cross; sister, Betty Cross; and brothers, Connie Mack Cross and Alfonso Cross.

He acquired his High School training from Macon County High Training School and his Christian training from Bethel A.M.E. Church. He retired from Southern Frozen Food, Inc., after many years of dedicated services.

He leaves a legacy of love and many fond memories to two children, Pebbles Baldwin, Ideal, Georgia and Teressa Cross, Miami, Florida; one brother, Walter Cross, Montezuma, Georgia; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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Chester Field Hartage

1/23/2018

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Mr. Chester Field Hartage, age 82, passed on January 19, 2018.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M., Friday, January 26, 2018 at the Josh B. Gibson Center, 20 Gibson Way, Buena Vista, Georgia. Burial will follow at New Fellowship Primitive Baptist Church, Hwy 41 South, Buena Vista, Georgia.

Chester was born February 1, 1935 in Schley County to the late Annie Clara Hartage Milliner Times. He was preceded in death by siblings, Mary Ann Milliner Hicks and Ocilla Milliner Williams. He was educated in the public school system of Schley County. At an early age he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. He was a faithful member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Buena Vista, Georgia for over forty years, where he served as Deacon and Church Treasurer. He was employed as a forklift driver with Kings Custom in Ellaville, Georgia.

Chester was joined in holy matrimony to the late Alberta Times Hartage November 4, 1954.

He leaves to cherish his memories: a son, Ray Hartage (Gabriele), Hinesville, Georgia; three grandchildren Lauren Holloway (Donovan), Lisa Reynolds (Bradley), Ramon Hartage (Rosa); six great grandchildren; four siblings, Arlena (John) Warmington, Hartford, Connecticut, Winifred (Mary Ann) Milliner, Robert (Bobbie) Milliner, Windsor, Connecticut, and Nathaniel (Katie) Milliner, Bloomfield, Connecticut; sisters/brothers-in-law, Irene Smith, Walter Hicks, Arthur Times, Milton Minter, Allen Times, Charlie Kelley, and Essie Times and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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Donald Eugene Brown

1/17/2018

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Donald Eugene Brown, age 63, of 202 Roland Avenue, Americus, Georgia passed on January 14, 2018.

A wake service will be held from 3:00 – 5:00 P.M., Sunday, January 21, 2018 at the Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc., 607 Kaigler Street, Oglethorpe, Georgia. Burial will be 2:00 P.M., Monday, January 22, 2018 at the Andersonville National Cemetery, 496 Cemetery Drive, Andersonville, Georgia.

Donald Eugene Brown was born May 7, 1954, in Dawson, Georgia to William B. Brown and Ethel Shannon Brown.  He was preceded in death by his father, William B. Brown, and sister, Sharon Green, of Americus, GA.  At an early age, Donald confessed his life to Christ and joined Jerusalem Baptist Church in Dawson, Georgia.  Donald graduated from Americus High School in 1973 and joined the United States Army in 1974. In the military, Donald received high accolades and honors.  He was recognized for being from the same home town as our 39th president Jimmy Carter. He was given the high honor of sounding off the gun during the president’s inauguration.  He later furthered his education and became a licensed master barber and earned his Culinary Arts degree in California.

Donald enjoyed cooking and was well known for his famous “Monster Burgers,” Butter Roll, and Bar–B-Que sauce.  If grilling was in the plan, Donald was definitely the man. He enjoyed working within the food industry.  Therefore, he decided to relocate to Atlanta, Georgia, where he opened and managed Johnny Rockets.  He not only wanted to manage, but he wanted to show off his skills in the kitchen as well.

Donald was dearly loved by his family and close circle of friends, and he loved them back. He was the life of the party that didn’t start until he arrived.  When he walked in your home, the atmosphere changed because “Chef D” was there. He continued to cook, love on his family, and make his weekly phone calls to his mother, kids, and nieces.  Donald’s loving disposition blessed the lives of everyone he touched and will be missed at every gathering from now on.

On January 14, 2018, the Lord called Donald home.  Donald leaves to cherish his life: wife Versa Washington Brown, Savannah, GA; mother Ethel Shannon Brown, Americus, GA; former wife Wandra Boynton Brown; children Torris Lundy (Natasha), Windsor, CT; Kimberly Brown Newsome (Corey), Brandy Hammonds (Virgil), Angela Farley, Kenya Brooks all of Atlanta, GA; and Travis Walters, Americus, GA; fourteen grandchildren; eight step-children Alea, Terrance, Denson, Timothy, Candace, Crystal, Christophen (Sacoya), and Shavantis (Keion) all of Savannah, GA; and nine step-grandchildren.

His siblings: Lorenza Brown (Phyllis) Albany, GA; Timothy Brown (Kim) Alexander, AL; Alicia Harvey (Frank), Marie Walker (Willie), Ethel Finch, all of Americus, GA; Jimmy Williams (Barbara) Columbus, OH; George Rogers, Tuskegee, AL; Carolyn Tell, Dawson, GA; Johnny Rogers and Vincent Rogers both of Atlanta, GA.

His aunts: Mary Alice Holloway (Henry) Albany, GA; Ozella Murphy, Orlando FL; Flora Jean Holloway, Frankie Brown, and one uncle John Brown all of Atlanta, GA.

Sisters in law: Sally Gilly, Atlanta, GA; Tansy Edwards and Betty Law (Wayne) both of Boston, GA. Brothers in law: James Houston (Jewell), Kenneth Washington, and Appollo Gilly all of Thomasville, GA; Lawrence Washington, Savannah GA; Joseph Lawrence, Boston, GA and Eddie Gilly, Cairo, GA.  A loving and devoted niece, reared as his own, LaDonna Brown (Bobby), Albany, GA.  A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends also survived.

The family will receive friends for fellowship, Monday, Jan. 22, at the Masonic Lodge, Hwy 49, 1209 Crawford Street in Americus, GA, immediately following the ceremonial burial service at the Andersonville National Historic Site.

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Minister Gloria Golphin Varner

1/17/2018

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Minister Gloria Golphin Varner, age 69, passed on January 14, 2018 at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, Americus, Georgia.

A wake service will be held from 4:00 to 5:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at the Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc., 607 Kaigler Street, Oglethorpe, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Sunday, January 21, 2018 at New Corinth Baptist Church, 340 Spivey Street, Ellaville, Georgia. Burial will be at 12:00 P.M., Monday, January 22, 2018 at Andersonville National Cemetery, 496 Cemetery Road, Andersonville, Georgia.

Minister Gloria Golphin Varner was born August 16, 1948 to the late Henry Smith Golphin and Lillian Wilcher Golphin. She was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Minister Alma Marie Golphin. Minister Varner was educated in the public school system of Schley County were she graduated in 1966 from John Lewis High School. She was employed with Fox Wood Casino for 12 years where she retired as an Administrative Assistant.

At an early age she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. She was a former member of New Corinth Baptist Church of Ellaville, Georgia and later a member of Shiloh Baptist Church of New London, Connecticut. After returning to her native home, she joined Little Creek Baptist Church of Lily, Georgia. She became a licensed Minister in 2014.

She was married to Charlie H. Varner on April 1, 1967 and to this union they were blessed with three children.

She leaves to cherish her memories a husband Charlie H. Varner Americus, Georgia; three children, Jeanettia Varner, Valerie Varner Williams (Ricardo) all of New London, Connecticut and Charlie H. Varner, Jr. (Ann) Delaware; Nine grandchildren and five siblings; Willie Golphin (Elma) Americus, Georgia, Janace Golphin Davis (Donnie) Byron, Georgia, Reverend Freddie Golphin, Oglethorpe, Georgia, Lonzia Golphin (Helen) Americus, Georgia and James E. Golphin, Memphis, Tennessee and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends including a special friend Sister Pearl Law, Perry, Georgia.

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Gary Lorenzo Hubbard

1/16/2018

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Mr. Gary Lorenzo Hubbard, age 54, 128 Martin Luther King, Jr., Court, Buena Vista, Georgia passed on January 14, 2018 at the Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, Americus, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held at 12:00 Noon, Saturday, January 20, 2018 at the Nazarene Church of God in Christ, Pineville Road, Buena Vista, Georgia. Burial will follow at Mount Zion A.M.E. Church Cemetery, Oliver Street, Buena Vista, Georgia.

Mr. Gary Lorenzo Hubbard was born on April 10, 1963 to the parentage of the late Leila Virginia McDougald Hubbard and Lester Hubbard in Sumter County, Georgia. He was educated in the public school system of Muscogee County and was a 1981 graduate of Spencer High School, Columbus, Georgia. He was a Construction Worker with various companies. He attended New Hope Church of God in Christ, Fort Valley, Georgia.

He leaves to cherish his memories: two brothers, Darrell (Ann) Hubbard, Bobby Hubbard all of Buena Vista, Georgia; one niece, Kiara Bridges, Cusseta, Georgia; cousins, Bobby (Monique) Bradford, Lawrenceville, Georgia, Elaine (Clifford) Pough, Tazewell, Georgia, and Devin (DeRamesia) Davis, Buena Vista, Georgia; Tony Davis, Buena Vista, Georgia; and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

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Eliza Beatrice Lloyd Sanders

1/12/2018

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Mrs. Eliza Beatrice Lloyd Sanders, age 68 passed on January 11, 2018 at the Houston Medical Center, Warner Robins, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M., Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at Zion Grove Baptist Church, Whitehouse Road, Montezuma, Georgia. Burial will follow at Champ Waters Cemetery, 191 Twin Churches Road, Montezuma, Georgia.

Eliza Beatrice Lloyd Sanders was born on March 28, 1949 in Montezuma, Macon County, Georgia to the late Bessie Mallard and James Davis. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Alicia Lloyd; siblings, Shirley Lloyd, Freddie Mallard, Sammie Lloyd; an aunt, Dorothy Beal; and mother/father-in-law, Gussie & A.C. Sanders. She was educated in the public school system of Macon County and was a 1968 graduate of the historic D.F. Douglas High School in Montezuma, Georgia. Eliza was member of Second Salem Baptist Church where she once served as the Church Secretary and on the Missionary Ministry. She was employed as an inspector at Forrest Mill in Montezuma, Georgia. After many years of dedicated services she retired from Southern Frozen Food as a QC Inspector. Eliza was joined in holy matrimony to Thomas Sanders.

She leaves to cherish her memories a devoted husband, Thomas Sanders, Montezuma, Georgia; three loving and caring children, Eric Chastine, Montezuma, Georgia, Marica Sanders, Perry, Georgia, Latinia Hubbard (Timothy); five grandchildren, Tequier, Quionne, Kingston, Zy’ Mauria, and Quimahd; four stepchildren, Thomas Oliver (Dorothy), Lisa Tuff, Angela Mathis (Willie Joe), and Tonya Sanders; eleven step grandchildren; a sister Elsie Martin, Warner Robins, Georgia; an uncle, Dock Davis; sister-in-law, Ossie Lomen, Montezuma, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends, including a close cousin, Annie Smith.

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Barbara Jean Turner-Daniels

1/9/2018

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Barbara Jean Turner-Daniels, age 66, passed on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at the Montezuma Health Care Center, 506 Sumter Street, Montezuma, Georgia.

The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, January 13, 2018 at the Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, 6425 Jalappa Road, Byromville, Georgia. Interment will follow in Mt. Olive Baptist Church Cemetery. The Reverend Alvin Turner, pastor, will officiate.

Barbara Jean Turner was born on September 21, 1951 in Tampa, Florida to the late Roy Turner, Sr. and Ozzie Ree Trice Turner. She acquired her education in the public school system of Macon County. She attended the historic D.F. Douglass High School. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Daniels; a daughter, Kimberly Turner; a sister, Antoinette Rice; and a brother, Anthony Turner. She was a member of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Alvin Turner. She was employed at Southern Frozen Foods and later at the Cedar Valley Baptist Church as a custodian until her health failed.

Barbara was united in holy matrimony to the late Willie Daniels for 17 years, and to this union two children were born, Kimberly Turner and Eric Daniels.

Survivors include a son, Eric Daniels (Antoinette) of Monroe, Georgia; reared children, Denson Heard III, and Zykemmia Brown; siblings, Cassandra Johnson (Clarence), Montezuma, Georgia, Eugene Turner, Americus, Georgia, Roy Turner (Jackie), and Tommy Felton (Pearlie) all of Montezuma, Georgia; brothers-in-law, Jimmy Lee Daniels and Larry Daniels both of Oglethorpe, Georgia; sisters-in-law, Emma Mae Rumph of Ft. Valley, Georgia, Linda Smith (Leon) of Riverdale, Georgia, and Dangle Denise Colbert of Montezuma, Georgia; devoted cousins, Ricky Greene and Henry Greene both of Cincinnati, Ohio; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

The family may be contacted at 715 Cedar Court, Montezuma, Georgia.

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Essie Mae Mansfield Laster

1/8/2018

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Mrs. Essie Mae Mansfield Laster, age 91, 116 Belinda Circle, Americus, Georgia passed on January 7, 2018 .

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, January 13, 2018 at Big Bethel Baptist Church, 1330 North Jackson Street, Americus, Georgia. Burial will follow at Eastview Cemetery, Ashby Street, Americus.

Mrs. Essie Mae Mansfield Laster was born February 22, 1926 in Preston, Webster County, Georgia to the parentage of Rev. Allen Nelson Mansfield and Jessie Lee Mayo Mansfield. She acquired her education from Webster County School. She was united in holy matrimony to the late Walter Laster in July 1944, and to this union they were blessed with nine children. Five children, Mark Laster, Willie Fred Laster, Walter Laster, Jr., Emma Jean Jones, and Willie Mae Hawkins, preceded her in death. She was a lovely, sweet spirited and caring person to her children, grandchildren, and others, as well. She would always say, “I am not responsible for how you treat me, I am responsible for how I treat you.”

She was the last surviving sibling out of seventeen sisters and brothers. At an early age she joined the Mt. Aire Baptist Church, Preston, Georgia. She moved to Americus, Georgia during her childhood and joined the Green Grove Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Ulysee Mann, where she served as “Mother of the Church” until its closing. She later joined the Big Bethel Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Calvin Rollins Sr. There she served faithfully as the “Mother of the Church” until her health failed. She enjoyed weekly congregation with the Senior Citizen Council on Aging, cooking delicious meals, attending church, and helping others. She had a sharp mind, full of wisdom, and offered spiritual encouragement to many people.

She leaves to cherish her memories: one son, Willie James Laster (Chizua Ketchup), Macon, Georgia; three daughters, Barbara Ann Williams, Betty Jean Carter, and Essie (McArthur) Sims, all of Americus, Georgia; seventeen grandchildren, Kimmy Foster (Nora), Michael Jones, Barbara Jean Brown, Michael A. Carter Jr., Latarsha Williams, Kevin Carter (Yomekia), Kristal L. Carter, Trokney Sims (whom she raised as a child), Brandon Sims, Kyle Sims, Carome Neal, Breanne Neal, Quinndrell Releford, Yashica Jackson, Carl Richardson, Tonia Laster, and Bernard Sims; seventeen great grandchildren, eight great, great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, caring friends, and others relatives survive.

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Johnny L. Terry

1/5/2018

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Johnny L. Terry, age 60, passed on December 31, 2017.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, January 6, 2018 at New Corinth Baptist Church, Spivey Street, Ellaville, Georgia .

Mr. Johnny L. Terry was born on May 21, 1957 to the parentage of the late John Henry Terry and Alice Pauline Stewart Terry in Ellaville, Schley County, Georgia. On Sunday night, December 31, 2017, Johnny departed this earthly life at home surrounded by the love of his family. Two siblings, Enoch Terry and Danny L. Terry, preceded him in death.

He was educated in the public school system of Schley County. After completing high school, Johnny joined the United States Navy where he faithfully served our country many years. After leaving the Navy he worked several jobs throughout his local community. Johnny had a kind spirit, pleasant personality and a contagious smile. He was loved by many and will be missed dearly.

Survivors include his siblings, Woodrow Terry (Angela), Locust Grove, Georgia, Emma Gene Dupree, Ellaville, Georgia, Eddie L. Terry (Regina), Oglethorpe, Georgia, Gloria Reddick, Columbus, Georgia, Roger Terry, England, Constance "Tina" Terry, Albany, Georgia, Jamal Terry, Atlanta, Georgia, and Tyrone Terry (Kimberly), Detroit, Michigan, Aunts and uncles: Vivian Strickland (Eddie B.), Atlanta, Georgia, Lovie Jane Owens (Marcellus), Ellaville, Georgia, Eddie L. Stewart (Mary), Atlanta, Georgia, Raymond Stewart (Sharon), Atlanta, Georgia, Annie Joyce Stewart, Miramar, Florida, Harold Stewart (Sharon), Miami Gardens, Florida, Howard Stewart, Linda Jean Stewart, both of Miramar, Florida, Elbert Stewart (Jacqueline), Coral Springs, Florida, Jerry Stewart (Vinet), Miami Gardens, Florida, and Lizzie McNeal, Detroit, Michigan. Also included are a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many dear friends.

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