Ilois Jordan Shelton, age 91, passed on January 29, 2024. 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, February 2, 2024, at Whole Truth International Ministries Inc., 502 South Lee Street, Americus, Georgia. Burial will follow in the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery, 212 Mt. Zion Church Road, Webster, Georgia.

Graveside services, including burials, are likely to be held on ground that is uneven, which is out of the control of Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. We ask that you take this into consideration when choosing footwear, such as shoes with high, thin heels. Please be advised that Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. will not be held responsible for injuries at a grave site because of this. ​​​​​​
 
Ilois Jordan Shelton was born April 26, 1932, in Preston, Georgia. Ilois was the daughter of the late Rosie and Whit Jordan Sr. She was married to the late Felton Shelton to this union four children were born.  She is preceded in death by one son, Walter Shelton, fours sisters, and four brothers.  At an early age, she joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Preston, GA. Ilois attended school in Preston, GA and was employed at Davidson Rubber Company for many years.
 
Ilois peacefully departed this life on Monday, January 29, 2024. She leaves to cherish her memories: three dedicated children Canton (Ethel) Shelton, Smithville, GA, Easter Shelton, Albany, GA, Tansie Foster, Albany, GA; daughter-in-law, Otha Shelton, Smithville, GA; twenty grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. ​

Billy Chester Smith, age 73, passed on January 27, 2024.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, Bridges Street, Buena Vista, Georgia. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. ​

Graveside services, including burials, are likely to be held on ground that is uneven, which is out of the control of Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. We ask that you take this into consideration when choosing footwear, such as shoes with high, thin heels. Please be advised that Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. will not be held responsible for injuries at a grave site because of this. ​​​​​

​Billy Chester Smith was born January 7, 1951 to the late Hester Mae Swan Smith and James Smith in Buena Vista, Marion County, Georgia. He was educated in the public school system of Marion County, Georgia. Billy was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Harry Smith and Otis Smith. Billy was a very proud father, one son preceded him in death also, Dexter Hawkins. After many years of dedicated service Billy retired from the City Sanitation Department of Buena Vista, Georgia.

​Being a loving companion, brother, father, grandfather, he leaves a legacy of many fond memories to be cherish by his companion of thirty years, Elizabeth Murray, Buena Vista, Georgia; two sons Billy Hawkins Sr. (Millicent Thornton), Bernard Murray (Lynda Mallard ); grandchildren Billy Jr., Dexter, Camerom, Jaden, Zion, Veronica, Krystal, Bryson, Demarquez, Brekayla, Abrya, Brenton, Breyden; great grandchildren Hayle, Dexter Jr. Whitley, Terrence, Connor, Christian, Taliyah, Josiah, Kaiden, Kamaree, Kylen, Loyal, Kaiser; sister Laverne Smith Hill; sister in law Christine Smith; nieces and nephew Tracy Smith, Louann Smith Ferris Hill, Shonda Hill; a host of cousins and friends.

​Melvyn Leon Storey was born on August 6, 1936, in Schley County, Georgia to the late Mr. William James Storey, Sr. and Minnie Lee Wallace Storey. Melvyn was the oldest of nine children. He passed away peacefully on Friday, January 26, 2024, in Lithonia, Georgia surrounded by loved ones.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 P.M., Sunday, February 4, 2024, at the Friendship Baptist Church, 411 Cotton Avenue, Americus, Georgia. Interment will follow at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery, Ellaville, Georgia.

Graveside services, including burials, are likely to be held on ground that is uneven, which is out of the control of Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. We ask that you take this into consideration when choosing footwear, such as shoes with high, thin heels. Please be advised that Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. will not be held responsible for injuries at a grave site because of this. ​​​​​

Melvyn received his education in the public school system, graduating from Buena Vista High School. He loved farming, raising livestock, baking cakes, making peach preserves and his super sweet tea. Melvyn also loved working outdoors and had his own landscaping business in Tampa, Florida which he ran for many years until his health declined. He was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William James Storey, Sr. and Minnie Lee Wallace Storey, a daughter, Martha Ann Storey and two brothers, Bernard Storey, Sr., and Theodore Storey.

He leaves to cherish his memory two loving and devoted daughters, Marilyn Storey Westbrook and Naomi Ruth Storey, McDonough, Georgia; two grandchildren, Xavier Ramsey (Brandy), Mauk, Georgia and Tristan Ramsey, McDonough, Georgia; two great-grandchildren, Dawson Ramsey and Trevor Ramsey, Smith's Station, Alabama; step-son Teddy Royal (Toya), Plant City, Florida; six siblings Lillian Batchelor (Thomas), Ellaville, Georgia, Doris Collier (David), Albany, Georgia, Rev. Dr. William James Storey, Jr. (Mamie), Columbus, Georgia, Milton Storey (Mary), Ellaville, Georgia, Gwendolyn Coley, Americus, Georgia and Diann Laster (Rev. William), Americus, Georgia; sister-in-law Erma Storey, Augusta, Georgia; two brothers-in-law Clarence White, Atlanta, Georgia and Joe White (Gail), Jacksonville, Florida; three goddaughters Angela Newton (Reggie), Thonotosassa, Florida, Deniesha Richardson and Ashley Hawthorne, Tampa, Florida; devoted friends, Mary Bridges, Americus, Georgia; Joedell Murray, Jonesboro, Georgia; Stanley Rogers, Ellaville, Georgia; Della Mae Williams, Americus, Georgia, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors.

M.B. Rumph, age 83, passed on January 22, 2024.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon, Saturday, February 3, 2024, at the St. Louis C.M.E. Church, 3829 Camp John Hope Road, Marshallville, Georgia. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Graveside services, including burials, are likely to be held on ground that is uneven, which is out of the control of Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. We ask that you take this into consideration when choosing footwear, such as shoes with high, thin heels. Please be advised that Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. will not be held responsible for injuries at a grave site because of this. ​​​​​

​MB Rumph was born on March 17, 1940, in Macon County, Ga to the late Venus Rumph, Sr. and Lizzie “Dee” Cleveland Rumph. He was the third child out of thirteen (13) children. He grew up in Macon County and attended the Macon County School system. MB was employed at AM Bickley for several years, and then later became an employee at Blue Bird Body Company for 38 years, where he retired. MB was joined in holy matrimony to Georgia Mae Williams on July 21, 1962, in Oglethorpe, Ga, Macon County. They raised four children together. He transitioned from this earthly life to an eternal life and joined his lovely wife “Gi” on January 22, 2024. 

MB was an excellent provider, a dedicated husband, and a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He possessed a profound passion for fishing, farming, carpentry, and working on cars. He excelled at playing Checkers and Pac Man and was very skilled at working with his hands. MB was a devoted member of Saint Louis CME church, Marshallville, Ga. MB’s free-heartedness and personality has made a substantial impact on all who were blessed and fortunate enough to know him. MB was preceded in death by his mother Lizzie D. Cleveland Rumph, his father Venus Rumph, Sr.; 2 sisters, Pearlie Mae Wilson and Edith Rouse; 4 brothers, Venus Rumph, Jr., Freddie Rumph, Robert Rumph, and John L. Rumph; brothers-in-law Oscar Lee Williams and Arkie “Sonnie” Williams; sisters-in-law Bertha Ruth Strong and Betty Williams; son-in-law Rodney Ross, and his mother-in-law Elizabeth Allen. 

Those who cherish his memories are his five children: Calvin Williams and Gari Leghorn (Reuben) both of Macon, GA, Beverly Wright and Regina Rumph (Ricky Head) both of Marshallville, GA, and Denise Ross of Phenix City, AL; 15 grandchildren, Shaketa Robinson (Courtney), Laketa Mann (Dejuan), Latoya Rumph Warren (Cameron, Sr.), Donnie Harris, Jr., Donnshea Harris (Nigera Walters), Brandon Rumph (Rolanda), Donovan Rumph (Tyra Jones), Rakenia Head, Ricky Rahkeem Head, Christopher Williams, Crystal Williams, Craig Williams, Christian Williams, Rashonda Bowman (Devon), and Rodney Ross, Jr.; 25 great-grandchildren; siblings Lois Rice (Samuel Sr.), Willie James Rumph (Hattie), Cornelius Rumph, Anna Bryant, Mary Alice Brewer, Annie Ruth McKenzie (Jessie)Sr., and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends, including two devoted honorary sons, Ronald McKenzie (nephew) and Radius “Ray Ray” Paster. MB was cherished deeply by countless individuals, and among them, certain family members and friends were exceptionally supportive and dedicated to him: Ronald McKenzie, Radius Paster, Willie James and Hattie Rumph, Nicole and Jeannie Rice, Jeremiah Rice, Keagan McKenzie, Ricky Head, KaTrina Rumph, Shantel Brown, Etherine Ellison, and Catherine Jackson. Our gratitude for all the love and support you all have shown MB during his life is immeasurable. 

Georgie Lee Bentley Spivey, age 80, passed on January 19, 2024.
 
The funeral service will be held at 12:00 P.M., Saturday, January 27, 2024, at the Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, 607 Kaigler Street, Oglethorpe, Georgia. Burial will follow at Champ Waters Cemetery, Montezuma, Georgia.
 
Graveside services, including burials, are likely to be held on ground that is uneven, which is out of the control of Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. We ask that you take this into consideration when choosing footwear, such as shoes with high, thin heels. Please be advised that Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. will not be held responsible for injuries at a grave site because of this. ​​​

But I trust in you, oh Lord. I say, you are my God. My times are in your hand. Rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors. Psalm 31:14-15
 
A glimpse into her life…. She was born Georgie Lee Spivey on April 4, 1943, to the late Collin and Thelma Curgil Bentley in Montezuma, Georgia. She was educated in the Macon County School System. 
 
Georgie had a very spunky and sassy attitude. If she was thinking it, she said it! If you knew her, you knew her… 😊 She was the epitome of realness. 
 
She was a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, co-worker, neighbor, and friend. Georgie accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior in the early 1970’s during a tent revival under the leadership of Apostle Isaiah Revills. Under this powerful and anointed leadership is where she learned the true meaning of salvation, while being faithful to the call of minister, usher board, and the mother board.
 
At some point, Georgie’s effectual smile caught the eyes of her late husband, Johnny B. Spivey, which brought them to relocate to Atlanta, Georgia where she remained faithful to biblical teaching under Apostle Cathy and Pastor Jim Anderson.
 
On Friday, January 19, 2024, God embraced her in His arms and enfolded her in His love at her home in Riverdale, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Sammie Bentley; five sisters, Mary Yarn, Willie B. Williams, Rebertha Weeks, Doris Chatman, and Lilla Bentley; niece, Coretta Bentley; and two nephews, Eddie Simpson and Kenneth Brown.
 
Georgie Bentley Spivey leaves to cherish her memories: two daughters, Penny Wright Bush (Lawrence), Riverdale, Georgia and Tammy Ogburn Harrison, Atlanta, Georgia; five grandchildren, Roshanda “Kay” Ogburn, Ellenwood, Georgia, Khanwanna Mitchell, Riverdale, Georgia, Kenyatta Barnes, Rhonda Wright, and Kymest Johnson, Atlanta, Georgia; twelve great grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Bernice Spivey Clark, Pinehurst, Georgia, and Gladys Hardrick, Oglethorpe, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and a devoted goddaughter and son, Celestine Harris and Calvin Arnold (Priscilla).

​Veronica Tookes, age 46, passed on January 13, 2024.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, January 20, 2024, at First Salem Baptist Church, 191 Twin Church Road, Montezuma, Georgia. Burial will follow at Champ Waters Cemetery, Montezuma, Georgia.

Graveside services, including burials, are likely to be held on ground that is uneven, which is out of the control of Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. We ask that you take this into consideration when choosing footwear, such as shoes with high, thin heels. Please be advised that Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. will not be held responsible for injuries at a grave site because of this. ​​

Veronica Latrelle Tookes affectionately known as “Runt,” was born July 16, 1977, to the late John Thomas Tookes Jr. and Dorothy Ann Oliver and Thomas Oliver. She was educated in the Macon County Public School System and was a member of the D. F. Douglass class of 1995. Veronica accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and joined the membership of the First Salem Baptist Church at an early age. She was employed at Gilmer Warehouse & Logistics as a production worker.

Veronica was preceded in death by her grandparents, Willie James McDonald, John Thomas Tookes and Ida Mae Tookes.

She leaves a legacy of love and many fond memories to her mother: Dorothy Ann Oliver, Montezuma, GA; six beautiful kids: Markevis Tookes (Trisha), Ariel Frederick, Markaya Frederick (Ricky), Mario Frederick Jr., Tia’Miya Tookes all of Marshallville, Georgia, and Jaden Tookes of Montezuma, GA; Grandparents: Emma Jean McDonald (Montezuma, GA), Mildred Mallard (Oglethorpe, GA), Thomas Sanders (Montezuma, GA). six grandchildren, London Jones, Trinity Townes, Kingston Weaver, Treasure Tookes, Ka’lanii Weaver, and Tru Tookes. siblings: John Tookes III, Perry GA; Teena Spivey, Montezuma, GA; Thomas Oliver Jr (Chasity) Americus, GA; Shedrick Buxton (Ischara) Perry, GA; Jerramiyan Joiner, Atlanta GA; Shauna Ashmon (Naiwatha) Sumter, SC; Terence Clemons Americus, GA; Antoine Smith, Americus GA; and Chris Smith Atlanta GA; aunts and uncles: Willie James McDonald (Delphine), Gladys Odom (Cornelius), Curtis McDonald (Elaine) Ben McDonald (Linda), Tonya Bentley (Author), Helen Dunlap, The late James Tookes (Jeneverlyn), Chris Reese, Pepsi Huggins, Hattie Hubbard, Louise Baldwin, Christine McDonald, Sharon McDonald, Idalene Sykes, Bernice Sabb (Chris), Ardean Adams, Betty Jones (Bennie), Parthenia Johnson (Nathaniel), Milton Tookes, Darlene Ivey (Charles), Grace Oliver, James Mallard (Emma), Lavonda Mclendon (Ronnie), Anna Mae Clark, Alice Oliver, Angela Mathis (Joe), Celestine Smith, Merica Perry, and Latina Hubbard (Timothy) Godparents: Marshell Canady (Jeffery) Montezuma, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. special friends: Gloria McCrary (Peter), Marilyn Fudge, Onika Taylor, LaKesia Caldwell, Jackie Felton (Damon) Sheila Kaigler, Mario Frederick Sr., Shontelle Walters, Mary Thomas, Samantha Jefferson, Jimmy Daniels Jr., Robert Francis, Jontasha Kaigler, Shirley Felton and Marcus Brown.

Master Sergeant Willie Wilcher, age 68, passed on January 5, 2024.

A wake service will be held from 4:00-6:00 P.M. on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at the Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc., 607 Kaigler Street, Oglethorpe, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, January 12, 2024, at the United Holiness Church Headquarters, 901 Aaron Snipes, Sr. Drive, Americus, Georgia. Burial will follow at the Andersonville National Cemetery, 496 Cemetery Road, Andersonville, Georgia.

​It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of our beloved, Mr. Willie Edward Wilcher on January 5, 2024. Mr. Wilcher is loved by his children, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his mother, Mrs. Lucille Hartage Wilcher and by his father, Mr. Felton Wilcher.

Willie Wilcher’s life began on August 5, 1955, as he was born to the parentage of Mr. Felton and Mrs. Lucille Wilcher in Schley County, Georgia. He grew up in Ellaville, Georgia and made many beautiful memories with his parents and siblings Ruthie B. Jackson (Johnny) of Miami, FL, Julia Mae Smith of Ellaville, GA, Bertha Mae Troutman of Butler, Ga, George A. Wilcher (Dorothy) of Americus, GA, and Leroy Wilcher of Ellaville, GA.

In 1974, he would graduate from John Lewis High School in Schley County, Ga. He continued his education at South Georgia Technical College. In 1975, he enlisted in the United States Army and served his country faithfully for 23 years. Mr. Wilcher retired from the US Army in 1998 ranked as Master Sergeant E-8. He would later obtain his CDL from South Georgia Technical College and began working for Perry Brothers Oil Company in Americus, GA. He was a hardworking and dedicated driver for the company for 20 years before his retirement.

His love for Christ led him to join the United Holiness Church in Americus, Ga in 2018. His desire to strengthen his relationship with God and form relationships with like-minded Christians was fulfilled as he found a home at United Holiness to continue his walk with God.

During his lifetime, he was blessed with 3 wonderful children and 8 grandchildren. In 1977, his most prized and oldest daughter, Ms. Aisha W. Evans, was born. She brought him joy, fond memories, and 4 grandsons: Eric M. Hall, Jr., Cam K. Evans, Cason E. Evans, and Chase C. Evans. In 1983, he would find delight with another beautiful daughter, Ms. LaToya Wilcher. She too was a blessing and gave him 3 more grandsons: Omari W. Rashid, Tony B. Wilcher, and Damon A. Wilcher. In 1993, his heart was overjoyed as he would have his first and only baby boy, Mr. Isreal R. Wilcher, who would later give him grandson number 8, Ezekiel R. Wilcher. As a father, he was a wonderful provider who dearly loved his children.

Mr. Willie E. Wilcher leaves behind many relatives and friends that mourn his passing. To know him was to love him as he was very relaxed and easy going. He wasn’t a man of many words, so his loved ones will definitely cherish the shared conversations. Those with fond memories and lasting relationships include a host of nieces and nephews to include Mr. Jerome Smith, Ms. Wylinda S. Wilkerson, Mr. Johnny Jackson, Jr., and many others.