Percell Timothy Martin, age 51, passed away Friday, February 28, 2014 at Mary Washington Hospital, 1001 Sam Perry Blvd, Fredericksburg, Virginia.

The funeral service will be conducted at 12:00 noon, Saturday, March 8, 2014 at the Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, 607 Kaigler Street, Oglethorpe, Georgia. Interment will follow at Oglethorpe City Cemetery, Memorial Drive, Oglethorpe, Georgia. Reverend Coley Clark Jr., Pastor, Zion Grove Baptist Church will officiate.

Percell Timothy Martin was born June 6, 1963 in Bronx, New York to the late Percell Martin and Sallie Mae Little-Barnes. He was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Daraji Mi-Blessing Brown. He was educated in the public school system of New York. He was a graduate of Staten Island High School in Staten Island, New York. He worked as a Truck Driver with Pleasant Construction Company in Maryland.

He leaves to cherish his memories a loving wife, Yvette Martin, Fredricksburg, Virginia; children, Rudy John, Manchester, Connecticut, (mother of Shameka Martin and Percell Sean Martin Jr.), both of Newport News, Virginia, Ramell Martin Sr., Manchester, Connecticut, Trishawna Martin, Richmond, Virginia; five grandchildren, Jaylen John, Ramell Martin Jr., Yarini Brown, A’ja Brown, Sa’nyai Da’yarni Brown; sister, Jalessa Barnes; grandmother, Sallie Anna Little, Ideal, Georgia; a host of family and friends.

Nancy “Judy” Scott, age 55, of 426 Hill Street, Montezuma, Georgia passed Thursday, February 27, 2014.

The funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at Magnolia Baptist Church, 415 Hosie Waters Street, Montezuma, Georgia. Reverend Hosie Waters, pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 321 Whiteline Street, Montezuma, Georgia.

Nancy was born September 8, 1958 to the late Della Felton Wishop and King Scott Sr. in Montezuma, Macon County, Georgia. She was preceded in death by siblings, Inez Haugabook Engram, Ethel Bishop and Bennie Scott. She was a 1976 graduate of D. F. Douglass High School. She was employed for many years at Allen’s Food as a grader. She was the beloved companion of Kenneth Patrick for twenty-two years.

Survivors are her loving and devoted children, Lakeshia Garrett, Temple Hill, Maryland, Tanya Wishop Taylor  (Phares), Leesburg, Georgia, and Kenyatta Patrick, Montezuma, Georgia; four devoted grandchildren, Devon Kendrick, El Paso, Texas,  Deronsdell Lowe, Montezuma, Georgia, Noah Lowe, Montezuma,  Georgia, Katlynn Bryant, Leesburg, Georgia;  siblings, Barbara Ann Wishop (Bruce) Montezuma, Georgia, Johnnie Mae Tookes (Nathaniel), Perry, Georgia, Carolyn Harris, Montezuma, Georgia, Shirley Smith (Anthony) Montezuma, Georgia, Ruby Wishop, Lakeland, Florida, Ann Campbell (Noel), Leesburg, Florida, Betty Lowe, Fort Valley, Georgia, King Scott, Jr., Montezuma, Georgia; uncles and aunts, Rev. Robert Felton (Willie D), Augusta, Georgia, James Felton, Akron, Ohio, Willie Mae Hughes, Nashville, Tennessee; two brothers-in-law, Timothy Patrick and Tony Patrick, both of Montezuma, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives, including Sharon Stephen, and a host of friends.

Cornelia Smith Bell, age 87, of 140 Grove Drive Americus, Georgia passed Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at Phoebe Sumter Hospital, Americus, Georgia.

The funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, March 1, 2014 at Oak Grove Baptist Church, Huntington Road, Americus, Georgia.  Burial will follow at New Corinth Baptist Church Cemetery, Hooks Mill Road, Americus, Georgia.  Reverend Kenneth Walker, pastor, will officiate.

Mrs. Bell was born in Sumter County, Georgia January 27, 1927 to the late Ebb Smith and Emma Patterson Smith. She was educated in the public school system of Sumter County and was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. 

She was married to the late Reverend E.L. Clark and later to the late Mr. Bell of Florida. She was also preceded in death by three siblings: Ennis Smith, William Smith, and Deacon Ned Smith; and one sister-in-law, Lizzie Smith; two brothers-in-law, John Allen Walker, Sr. and Neal Palmore; nephews, Leroy Smith, Sherman Smith Jr., John Allen Walker, Sr. Charles Redding, Ralph Walker and Charlie Walker; two nieces, Patricia Walker and Virginia Lumpkin.

She lived in Hollywood, Florida for fifty years or more before moving back to her native land. After many dedicated years of service, she retired as a dietician after working in a cafeteria and motel restaurant.

Survivors are one sister, Fletcher Walker Palmore, Atlanta, Georgia; nieces and nephews, Emma Wright (Wardell) Leslie, Georgia, Brenda Green (Ricky) and William Smith all of Americus, Georgia, Ned Smith, Jr., Leslie, Georgia, Abby Boone (Leon) Leslie, Georgia, Issac Smith (Shawn) Americus, Georgia,  Shirley Moates (John) Hollywood, Florida, Johnnie Mae Clark, Fletcher James Walker, Geneva Edwards and Rev. Kenneth Walker (Raytha), Henry Lee Lumpkin, all of Atlanta, Georgia; and a host of great nieces, and great nephews other relatives and friends including Ola Hobbs, of Florida.

Timothy Montrail Davis, age 40, 125 Cherokee Street, Americus, Georgia passed Monday, February 24, 2014.

The funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 P.M., Friday, February 28, 2014 at Lebanon Baptist Church, 403 Bottsford Road, GA Highway 45 South, Plains, Georgia, where Reverend Hosie Waters is pastor.  The Reverend George Edge will officiate.

Timothy Montrail Davis was born July 11, 1973 in Plains, Sumter County, Georgia to the late Betty Louise Davis.  At an early age, he joined Lebanon Baptist Church of Plains, Georgia.  He was educated in the public school system of Sumter County.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Alvin Davis, Sr. and Ida Bell Angrish Davis.  He was also preceded in death by an aunt, Judith Davis and an uncle, James Davis, Sr. He was a self-employed plumber. Timothy was a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

He leaves to cherish his memories, a beloved daughter, Nyesha Gary, Columbus, Georgia; one loving granddaughter, Kyndall, Columbus, Georgia; three sisters, Sonya Davis, Atlanta, Georgia, Latisha Davis, Americus, Georgia and Kechi Davis (Terrance Harper), Americus, Georgia; one brother, Dexter Davis, Americus, Georgia; nieces and nephews, Cierra, Tierra, India, Dontavious, Aaliyah, Ka’Deja, Keyanna, Terquavian, and Keldrin; aunts and uncles, Alton Davis, Americus, Georgia, Alonza Davis, Plains, Georgia, Emanuel Davis (Jackie Williams), Americus, Georgia, Anthony Davis (Kim), Americus, Georgia, Barbara Yancie, Americus, Georgia, Patricia Wright (Charlie), Americus, Georgia, Virginia Tullis (Jessie), Plains, Georgia and Wendy Davis, Americus, Georgia; a host of other relatives and friends.

Deacon Willie Frank James, 83,  127 Hwy 280, Leslie, Georgia passed Thursday, February 20, 2014 at Phoebe Sumter Hospital, Americus, Georgia.

There will be a wake at Perry Grove Baptist Church, Georgia Highway 280, Leslie, Georgia, which will be held from 6:00-7:00 P.M. on Friday, February 28, 2014.

The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, March 1, 2014 at Perry Grove Baptist Church, Georgia Hwy 280, Leslie, Georgia. Reverend David Hamm, pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow in Zion Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, Georgia Hwy 118 Leslie, Sumter County Georgia. 

Deacon James was born January 24, 1931 to the late Timothy James and Leola Tucker James in Leslie, Georgia. He was married to the former Willie Mae Howard James. They were blessed with two children. A daughter, Barbara Burns, preceded him in death. One sister and three brothers also preceded him in death, Peter James, Willie Hayward James and Mary Francis Sanders.

He leaves to cherish his memories a loving and devoted wife of 61 years, Willie Mae James, Leslie, Georgia; one daughter, Daphane Lembrick (Marcus) Americus, Georgia; five grandchildren, Sophia Burns, Atlanta, Georgia, Vangela Carter (Johnofer) Claxton, Georgia, Lawanda Burns, Americus, Georgia, Nicholas James, Leslie, Georgia, and Quaisha Lembrick, Americus, Georgia, eight great grandchildren; and  a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Terry Jerome Smith, age 49, passed Thursday, February 20, 2014 at DeKalb Medical Center, 2701 North Decatur Road, Decatur, Georgia.

The funeral service will be conducted at 12:00 P.M., Friday, February 28, 2014 at Zion Grove Baptist Church, 91 Whitehouse Road, Montezuma, Georgia. Rev. Coley Clark, Jr., Pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow at 2:00 P.M., in Andersonville National Cemetery Rostrum, 496 Cemetery Road, Andersonville, Georgia.  

Terry Jerome Smith was born September 4, 1964 in Macon County, Georgia to Mrs. Annie R. Smith Allen and Tommy McClendon.  He was educated in the public school system of Macon County. He was a 1982 graduate of Macon County High School and a 1983 graduate of South Georgia Technical College. He also attended Georgia Perimeter College in Atlanta, Georgia.  He served in the United States Army from 1985 to 1995. Following his military career, he was a Foreman at Southern Bell Telephone Company.

He leaves to cherish his memories, a loving mother Annie R. Smith Allen (stepfather, James), Montezuma, Georgia; siblings, Alphonza Smith, Montezuma, Georgia, Shelley Smith, Fort Valley, Georgia, Shandra Allen, Montezuma, Georgia, Donnie Allen, Montezuma, Georgia, Rosa Marie Allen, Montezuma, Georgia,  Christopher Allen, Honolulu, Hawaii, Cindy Anderson (Velver), Birmingham, Angie Houston, Warner Robins, Georgia, and Eugene Hubbard, Montezuma, Georgia; one adopted sister, Sandy Melvin (Bob), Montezuma, Georgia; aunts/uncles, Hattie Eley, Tacoma, Washington, Sammie Lee Smith, Montezuma, Georgia, Mary Hammock, Montezuma, Georgia, Devora P. Smith (James Simmons),  Montezuma, Georgia, Helen Barron, Montezuma, Georgia, Thelma Kaigler, Warner Robins, Georgia, Carolyn Smith, Hartford, Connecticut and Dot Donaldson, Tampa, Florida; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends including one devoted friend, Bridgette Johnson (Paul), Macon, Georgia.

Mr. John Hillmon, age 84, 274 Travelers Rest Road, Montezuma, Georgia passed Thursday, February 20, 2014.

The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, February 27, 2014 at Second Salem Baptist Church, Montezuma, Georgia. Interment will follow in New Phillip Primitive Baptist Church, Hwy 224, Montezuma, Georgia.

John Hillmon was born January 10, 1930 to the late Charlie Hillmon and Sallie Bell Hillmon. He was preceded in death by his mother, Hattie Hillmon, two brothers, Johnnie C. and Marvin Hillmon, one sister, Rene Hillmon Johnson, three grandsons, Winifred, Steven and Kelvin James.

After many years of dedication for the City of Montezuma, He retired from the Sanitation Department in 1991.

He leaves to cherish his memories a loving wife of 65 years, Lena Mae Trice-Hubbard Hillmon, four children; Frankie Hillman, Lillie James, Robert C. Hillmon of Montezuma, Johnny Ross (Peggy) Atlanta, Georgia; two grandchildren, Jonathan Hillman (Shae) Macon, Georgia, Mark James (TePorschne) Montezuma, Georgia; fourteen great-grandchildren; Airman Kelvin Grover, Kelbresha Thomas, Kelsey Freeman, Aniya Perkins, Nytavius Hillman, Clarisa Hillman, Crystal Hillman, Jakell Hillman, Teri Hillman, Jada McClain, Kari Hillman, Markedeyas James, Jaquan James and Madison James, sisters; Gladys Hillmon, Georgia Ann Hillmon, Shirley Hillmon, Celestine Hillmon, Mary Ann Floyd (Junior) and Gloria Jean Hillmon, brothers; Larry Hillmon (Betty), Terry Hillmon (Barbara), Eddie Hillmon and James Hillmon; sister-in-laws/brother-in-law, Jett Hubbert (Barbara) Tommie Hubbert, Annie Lee Thomas (S.J.), Frank Hubbard (Hattie) Louise Collier, Vera Solomon, Linda Johnson,  Myra Oliver, Rosie Hubbard and Marget Ree Hillmon; three devoted nephews; Marvin Joiner, Leonard Hubbard, and James Harris, one niece, Jeanette Collier, neighbors, Carl Akine, John Stanley and Keith, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Gertrude Bailey Davis, age 92, passed Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at Montezuma Health and Rehabilitation Center, Montezuma, Georgia.

The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, February 22, 2014 at Bethel A.M.E. Church, River Road, Montezuma, Georgia. Interment will follow in  Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Whiteline Street, Montezuma, Georgia.

Mrs. Gertrude Bailey Davis was born July 21, 1921 in Macon County, Georgia to the late Johnny Bailey and Viola Huff Bailey.  She was educated in the public school system of Macon County.  She was a graduate of the Macon County Training School.  At an early age, she joined the band of Christian Believers at Rocky Mt. C.M.E. Church, where she served as church secretary.  In the mid 1980’s she moved her membership to Bethel A.M.E. Church.  She served faithfully as a choir member and served on the Missionary Board, until her health began to decline.  During her life, she was employed as an Insurance Agent, Social Worker and Headstart teacher.  She was also a caregiver for her family.

She was united in Holy matrimony to the late J. E. Davis.  To this union, they were blessed with two children.  Her children, Shirley Davis Grate and Ira Dudley Davis, preceded her in death.  Her granddaughter, Jamecia Davis, preceded her in death.  Five siblings, Eva Mae Leggett, Essie Lee Holton, Leila Sparks, Callie Perkins and Johnny Bailey, also preceded her in death. 

She leaves to cherish her memories a loving and devoted brother, I. D. Bailey (Bessie Kate), Atlanta, Georgia; a loving and devoted daughter-in-law, Mary Emma Davis, Montezuma, Georgia; devoted son-in-law, John Grate, Georgetown, South Carolina; loving grandchildren, Kimberly Davis (Kalexis), Montezuma, Georgia, Latisha Davis Jackson, Warner Robins, Georgia, Ira Davis, Jr. (Shirley), Norcross, Georgia, Lawade Larry (Courtney), Snellville, Georgia, Gerald Dean (Angela), Oglethorpe, Georgia, Donna Felton, Kansas, Jason Anderson, Dennis Robinson, both of Midland, Pennsylvania, Sophia Engram, Atlanta, Georgia, Iran Neal and Keondra Neal, both of Montezuma, Georgia, Courtney Grate (Dr. Jerthitia Grate),  Johnique Grate, all of Valdosta, Georgia and Johneine Grate, Phenix City, Alabama; a host of great grandchildren; a host of great great grandchildren; a host of beloved nieces, nephews, including a devoted niece, Glenda Sparks; a host of other relatives and friends, including her roommate, Mrs. Elizabeth Williams and her daughter, Brenda Warren, and her Montezuma Healthcare Family.

Herchel Bishop, age 73, of 825 A T. E. Moone St., Montezuma, Georgia passed Thursday, February 13, 2014 at the Wilson Hospice Center, Albany, Georgia. 

The funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 A.M., Monday, February 17, 2014 at the Shipp Chapel Baptist Church, Georgia Highway 49 South, Americus, Georgia.  Reverend Daniel Clinton, Pastor, will officiate.  Interment will follow in the Staley Memorial Gardens, Corner of Souther Field Road and Mayo Street, Americus, Georgia.

Herchel was born March 7, 1940 in Terrell County, Georgia to the late Emroe Bishop Sr. and Jessie Mae Miller Bishop. Four siblings, Paul Bishop, Silas Bishop, Sammie Lee Pope and Joe Tom Bishop, preceded him in death.  He was also preceded in death by his stepson, Mickey Thornton, and two sons-in-law, Larry Burks, Sr. and Kenneth Brown. He was educated in the public school system of Terrell County, Georgia.   At an early age, he joined the Second Shiloh Baptist Church of Brownwood, Georgia.  After the family moved to Americus, Sumter County, Georgia, he worked with various companies, including Altair Mobile Home of Americus, Georgia, King Custom of Ellaville, Georgia, Wheatley Engineering and Construction Company of Americus, Georgia and Bowman Colwell, Inc., as a carpenter and construction worker.

After moving to Montezuma, Macon County, Georgia, he joined the Second Salem Baptist Church, and later he joined the Zion Grove Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend E. L. Clark, Jr.

He became acquainted with Lillie Bell Thornton and family, and for the past thirty years, they lived a happy and joyous life. She was his love, his confidante, his friend, his caretaker, and the joy of his life.  He leaves a legacy of many golden memories to his companion over thirty years, Lillie Bell Thornton, Montezuma, Georgia; a beloved daughter, Teresa Bishop Burks, Albany, Georgia; two grandchildren, Larry Burks and Tiffany Burks; five great grandchildren, Ja’Monzea Burks, Ja’Landon Burks, Larry Lee Burks, III, Daniel Burks and De’Corlyn Miller; five siblings, Betty Joe (Willie) Prince, Annie (William) Nelson, all of Americus, Georgia, Emroe Bishop, Jr., Leslie, Georgia, Freddie (Joann) Bishop and Carrie Williams all of Americus, Georgia;  former sister-in-law, Mozelle Bishop. His extended family include his beloved Lillie Bell’s children, Elizabeth Tookes, Emma Thornton, Lillie Brown, and Sherronda Miller;  two devoted friends Mike Quinn and Eric Mann; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

James Frank Austin, Sr., age 65, passed on Monday morning, February 3, 2014 at St. Luke’s Hospital, New York, NY.

The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at Union Tabernacle Baptist Church, Georgia Highway 30, Americus, Georgia, where Reverend Larry Sims is pastor. The Reverend George Edge, Sr. will officiate. Interment will follow at 2:00 P.M. in Andersonville National Cemetery Rostrum, Cemetery Drive, Andersonville, Georgia.  Repast will follow at the American Legion Post, Americus, Georgia.

James Austin was born on August 30, 1948 in Americus, Georgia to the late Mattie Mae Johnson and Charlie “Jim” Johnson Sr. He was preceded in death by one brother, John Austin and two sisters, Diane and Martha Johnson.

James accepted Christ at an early age. He received his formative years of education at Sumter County High School. He learned the ethics of hard work by working in the cotton fields at an early age and by helping his father with deliveries in Americus, Georgia.

He served his country as a U.S. Marine from 1969-1971 and a tour in Vietnam. He was known as a Marine who looked out for his friends and the people he loved. After his discharge from the U.S. Marines, he served as a member of the National Guard. He also joined the Americus Police Department where he served the citizens of Americus and Sumter County Hospital where he became a Master Chef.

James later moved to New York City and began a career working with AMTRACK Penn Station NY for over 25 years. He supported organizations, such as the Tuskegee Airmen: The Red Tail Project, NAACP, UNCF, and Organizing for America: The Obama Campaign. He was a member of the Americus Elk’s Lodge. His hobbies include playing Spades and watching football. His friends often referred to James as the “Six Million Dollar Man.”

He was formerly married to Sarah Trice Smith, and to this union they were blessed with three children, Sherri Trice, James Frank Austin, Jr., and Krystal Austin Heath.

He is survived by his six children, Tracy Hunter, Pahokee, Florida, Vicki Hayes, Americus, Georgia, Amy Jackson, Atlanta, Georgia, Sherrie Trice, Americus, Georgia, James (Shelia) Frank Austin Jr., Macon, Georgia, Minister Krystal (Danny) Heath, Americus, Georgia, Shervonne Austin Little, Warner Robins, Georgia; two stepchildren, Samantha McLaughlin and Janice Key both of New York, New York; twenty-three grandchildren; eighteen brother and sisters, Bernice Jefferson, Gloria (O.B) Wilson, Mary (Jessie) Johnson and Connie (James) Johnson all of Americus, Georgia; Tammy (Herman) Copeland, Forest Park, Georgia; Brenda Bivins, Riverdale, Georgia and Shonda (Leon) Johnson, High Point, North Carolina; Jessie (Beverly) Austin, Houston, Texas, Benjamin Austin Sr., Las Vegas, Nevada, Otis (Pat) Austin, Bronx, New York, Charlie (Melinda) Johnson, Jr., Forest Park, Georgia, Ricky L. (Diane) Johnson, Sr., St. Cloud, Florida, Christopher L. (Catherine) Johnson, Sr., Rex, Georgia, Raymond (Mary) Johnson, Americus, Georgia, Robert (Salina) Johnson, Burlington, North Carolina, Mack (Beverly) Johnson, Conyers, Georgia, Gregory C. Johnson, Sr., Americus, Georgia and Antonio (Michelle) Johnson, Riverdale, Georgia; one aunt, Freddie Clark, Homestead, Florida; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends including a special friend, Ethera Key, New York, New York; a very devoted niece, Teresa Austin, Newark, New Jersey and two devoted friends, Eddie Ingram, Americus, Georgia and John Wright, New York, New York.