Freddie L. Mance, Jr., age 48, passed on April 21, 2023.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Bethel Baptist Church, 500 Evans Street, Marshallville, Georgia. Burial will follow at the Felton Family Cemetery, Winchester Road, Marshallville, 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.

Henry L. Tookes, age 71, passed on April 17, 2023.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, April 24, 2023, at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, 110 Johnson Street, Oglethorpe, Georgia. Burial will follow at the Davis Chapel A.M.E. Church Cemetery, Hwy 26, Oglethorpe, 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.

Ardine Harpe Clark passed on April 18, 2023.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Church Street, Andersonville, Georgia. Burial will follow in the Oglethorpe City Cemetery, Memorial Drive, Oglethorpe, 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.

Willie Hamilton Sr., age 59, passed on April 16, 2023.
 
A wake will be held from 6:00-7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc., 607 Kaigler Street, Oglethorpe, Georgia.

The graveside service will be held at 1:00 P.M., Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Mt. Zion Road, Buena Vista, 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.

Mr. Willie Arthur Hamilton, Sr., synonymously known as “Pee-Wee,” was born to the parentage of the late Dorothy Peeples Hamilton and the late Nathaniel Hamilton, Sr. on December 24, 1963. Mr. Willie was born and raised in Ellaville, Georgia, where he resided up until his passing. He attended public school in Ellaville, Georgia, and graduated from Tri-County High School, where he was apart of band and played the trombone.Regarding his employment, he served as machine operator in the vinyl industry at Wrapit Inc., in Ellaville, GA., for 17 years. After the permanent closing of Wrapit Inc, he became employed at TCI Powder Coatings for approximately 1 year until his health began to fail. Thankfully, God allowed him to unite in holy matrimony with Daphne O. Hamilton, on February 2, 2007, to become his wife, caregiver, and forever friend to endure life’s journey through thick and thin. Willie officially became diagnosed with sarcoidosis and chronic pulmonary obstructive disease on September 14, 2012. Since then, he has endured unemployment and countless hospitalizations, while turning to journaling , old-school music, thriller movies, gaming shows, sermons, and prayers of faith  to guide him through his battle of sarcoidosis. Nevertheless, his motto remained ,”God still gets ALL THE GLORY!” As far as his character, Mr. Willie was the epitome of strength, genuine love, and humbleness. Thus, he never complained and always believed in helping others if he was able to do so. His favorite hobbies and past- times consisted of cooking out, spending time with family, cooking a crab boil, watching television, and listening to old school music. Beyond his favorite hobbies and pastimes, nothing superseded Mr. Willie’s relationship with God; he knew that he could not live his life without God. Therefore, he gave his life over to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and eventually became a member of City of David House of Refuge, in Macon, Georgia, under the leadership of Chief Apostle David Holt and General Supervisor Linda Holt. On April 16, 2023, Mr. Willie entered eternal rest, where there will not be any more hospitalizations, doctor visits, sleepless nights, or need for supplemental oxygen. His fight, his love, and most importantly, his presence will truly be missed.

Mr. Willie was preceded in death by both parents and two siblings, Theresa Hamilton and Daphne Pina. 

He leaves to cherish memories, his devoted wife, Daphne O. Hamilton of Ellaville, Georgia.Four children: Gloria J. Brown of Warner Robins, Georgia; Charity D. Brown, Joshua J. Brown, and Willie Arthur Hamilton, Jr. of Ellaville, Georgia.One grandchild: Connor Josiah Hawkins. Mother-in-law and father-in-law: Sherry F. Oliver and Edward Clark of Ellaville, Georgia. Siblings: Nathaniel Hamilton (Mattie), Johnny Hamilton, Shannon Hamilton Blue (Floyd), Margaret Peeples, of Ellaville, Georgia; Tyrone Hamilton (Lakisha) of Marietta, Georgia. Sister-in-law:  Yolanda Mason of Ellaville, Georgia.  Brother-in-law:  Andre Clark of Warner Robins, Georgia.  Aunts and uncles:William Smith (Lorene), Ellaville, Georgia, Louise Baisden (Eddie), Ellaville, Georgia, Dorothy Thornton (James), Columbus, Georgia, and Vera Murray, Buena Vista, Georgia, and Paul Peeples, Jersey City, New Jersey. Aunts-in-law:  Beverlyn Oliver of Americus, Georgia, Charlie Rose Tookes (Johnny), Mary Carter (Eddie Will), Ida Pearl Langes, Minnie Holmes, and Effie Raines, all of Ellaville, Georgia.  Uncles-in-law:  Gregory Oliver of Oglethorpe, Georgia, Armick Oliver of Warner Robins, Georgia, James Clark (Fannie) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Jimmy Clark (Rachael) of Montezuma, Georgia; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends also survived.

A special shout out to his healthcare team who cared for him until the end: Dr. Mohammad Al-Shroof and Staff; Dr. Asad and Pulmonary Associates; Dr. Hacena and Staff, andHouston Medical Center of Warner Robins, GA; Dr. Dominiq Okoduwa, Phoebe-Sumter, and Amedisys of Americus, Georgia; Dr. James Palazzolo, Dr. Thomas J. Ungarino, and Phoebe Putney Memorial and Staff of Albany, Georgia; Dr. David Neujahr, Emory University Hospital, and Emory University Hospital’s Lung Transplant Team.

Mr.Willie last words in his journal stated, “Out of the CCU (critical care unit), the love of Jesus will carry me.”

Mary Jane Moore Howard, age 81, passed on April 15, 2023. 
 
The funeral service will be held at 12:00 P.M., Friday, April 21, 2023, at Rocky Hill Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Concord Road, 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.

​Mary Jane Moore Howard was born on November 22, 1941, in Ellaville, Georgia to the late Ananias and Elizabeth Kemp Moore. Mary was the eldest of eleven children, four siblings who preceded her in death. Rubie Moore, Obie Moore, Ronnie Moore and Donald Moore.
 
She was united in holy matrimony to Curly Howard, who preceded her in death.  She was blessed with two children. In 1960 she moved to Cleveland, Ohio for a better way of life during the civil rights movement.  In early 2016 Mary moved back to Georgia to help take care of her mother Mrs. Elizabeth Kemp Moore.
 
Mary was a graduate of John Lewis High School.  After that, she moved to Cleveland, Ohio where she joined the Mount Olive Baptist Church where she served faithfully.  She was employed with the Cuyahoga County Board of Education,  and after thirty years she retired as a teacher.  After her retirement she traveled extensively back and forth to attend to her mother from Georgia to Ohio. Mary loved to travel on cruises, visiting various countries, including Africa, Spain and Jamaica. Mary had a contagious smile that lit up the room. She didn’t hold back her tongue, whatever came up came out with love. 
 
On Saturday April 15, 2023, The Lord called his Angel home. “When you are in distress and all these things have come upon you, in the latter days you will return to the Lord your God and listen to His voice”.  Deuteronomy 4:30. 
 
She leaves behind a great legacy, fiancé Bennie Smith, three  beautiful daughters, Velma P. Howard White(Samuel Sr), Charmaine, and Sylvia(spiritual daughters). Son, Douglas A. Howard, Stepson Mitchell, Stepdaughters, Cora Pearl and Mary, Stepdaughter, Carolyn Howard,  Two grandchildren, Samuel White Jr., and Sebrena Ann Howard; Three step grandchildren; Omar Howard, Isaac Howard, E’mear Howard(La’Kiesha), Six siblings, George Moore(Bernice), Clara Harvey, Dennis Moore(Albena), IJohn(Sandra), Myra Moore and Virga Moore; sister-in-law, Louise; and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  She will also be missed by her great niece Deloria and special friends Doris Terry, Martha Harris, Mary Thomas and Marva Jeter.

John Kelley, age 50, passed on April 14, 2023, at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, Americus, Georgia.
 
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Shelton Temple Church of God and Christ, Second Street, Buena Vista, Georgia. Burial will follow at New Fellowship Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Ga Hwy 41 South, Buena Vista, 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.

John was born March 5, 1973, in Americus, Sumter County, Georgia to Elder Charlie Kelley and the late Missionary Edith Tymes Kelley. John was a 1991 graduate of Tri-County High School. He continued his education at South Georgia Technical College whereas he acquired his degree in Cosmetology.  Later in life he became the owner of J E Kelley Construction Company.
 
John was preceded in death by his mother, Edith Tymes Kelley and also by his step-mother, Jewel Kelley.  His survivors include a daughter, Zanna R. Terry, Columbus, Georgia; his father, Elder Charlie Kelley,  Buena Vista, Georgia; five siblings, Reginald A. Kelley, Columbus, Georgia, Margie L. Kelley, Buena Vista, Georgia,  Carol A. Lott (Olin), New Orleans, LA., Charles Henry Kelley, Jr., Buena Vista, Georgia and James Timothy Kelley, (Ieisha), Grove Town, Georgia; aunts and uncles, Irene Smith, Fayetteville, Georgia, Julia Woody (Mathew), Mary L. Walton, Buena Vista, Georgia, Willie James Kelley, Richland, Georgia, Bobby D. Kelley (Earnestine) Buena Vista, Georgia, Allen Tymes (Peggy) Griffin, Georgia and Essie Tymes, Weston, Florida; god mothers, Evelyn Johnson, Ft. Mitchell, Alabama, Annette Jones; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

​Darryl Taylor, age 61, passed on April 13, 2023, at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, Americus, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M., Thursday, April 20, 2023, at the Upperroom Apostolic Faith Church, 1637 GA-Hwy 90 W, Oglethorpe, Georgia. Burial will follow at the Davis Chapel A.M.E. Church Cemetery, Hwy 26 W, Oglethorpe, 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.

​Darryl was born in Atlanta, Georgia,on July 16, 1961  to the late Willie James Taylor and Lillian Smith Sinkfield. He was educated in the public-school system of Atlanta, Georgia and was a graduate of Columbia High School in Atlanta, Georgia. Darryl was employed as a “Master Truck Driver” for J & M Trucking in Americus, Georgia until he retired. Darryl accepted Christ as his personal savior at an early age and was a member of the Upper Room Apostolic Faith Church in Oglethorpe, Georgia where he continued his passion for playing the drums in his past time and for the Lord. Darryl was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He loved his family unconditionally and he loved the Lord. His wife, grandchildren and children were his pride and joy. Darryl was united in holy matrimony on October 17, 1997, to Bridget Clark-Taylor.
 
He leaves to cherish his memories: His loving devoted wife; Bridget Clark-Taylor, Oglethorpe, Georgia; six children; Darrell Taylor, Loganville, Georgia, Eddie Mitchell (Yaneitra), Ellaville, Georgia, Dominique Thurmond (Kevin), Elgin, South Carolina, Ahteanna Clark (Charvis), Americus, Georgia, Quiante Clark (Vanessa), Oglethorpe, Georgia, and Tydaisha Taylor, Oglethorpe Georgia, one sister; Phyllis Taylor, Covington, Georgia and a devoted niece, Malika Holder, Covington, Georgia; five aunts; Marva Turner(Jerome) Oglethorpe, Georgia, Diane Morris(Ken), Atlanta, Georgia, Fannie Mond, Perry, Georgia, Florene Mangram Smith, three uncles; Charlie Howard Smith, Jr., Oglethorpe, Georgia, Conrad Smith ( Cheryl), Warner Robins, Georgia, James Smith (Sonja), Atlanta, Georgia, thirteen grandchildren; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

​Loretta Cook Mitchell, age 63, of 1325 Madison Street, Americus, Georgia passed on April 11, 2023, at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, Americus, Georgia.

A wake service will be held from 5:00-6:30 P.M. on Friday, April 14, 2023, at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, Bumphead Road, Americus, Georgia.

The funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, Bumphead Road, Americus, Georgia. Interment will follow in the Eastview Cemetery, Ashby Street, Americus, 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.

Loretta was born March 22, 1960, in  Buena Vista, Marion County, Georgia to the late Eddie Cook Sr. and Willie Nell Wright Cook.  She was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Amoni Wafford; a niece Vickie Cook; and a brother-in-law, Jeffrey Mitchell. She was educated at the public school system of Marion County and was a  1977 graduate of Tri-County High School. Following high school, she enlisted into the United States Army in 1977 and was honorably discharged in 1982. She was employed with several companies over the years including Holger Grocery Store, Buena Vista, Georgia, Tyson Foods, Middle Flint and Macon State Prison of Oglethorpe. She was member of Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church in Americus, Georgia where she served on the Usher Board Ministries. 

Loretta was united in holy matrimony on November 8, 1997, to John Mitchell Jr. To this union she was blessed to rear two children, Kayla Hudson (Antavious) and Jason Hudson (Ynessa); other survivors are mother-in-law Eva Jewell Mitchell, Americus, Georgia; grandchildren Ja’nya Hudson, Esynce Hudson, Kylen Hudson, Zaria Wafford, Kiyah Waddord, Giannis Hudson, and Ari Hudson; seven siblings, Eddie Cook Jr., Marsha Ann Cook, Linda Cook Williams, Judith Wimbush (Willie Frank), Beverly Riggins (Eddie), all of Buena Vista, Georgia, Tracy Cook (Joyce), Houston, Texas, and James Cook (La Quita), Columbus, Georgia; sisters/brother–in-law, James Mitchell, Americus, Georgia, Valerie Mitchell (Terry), Bridgett Mitchell, all of Covington, Georgia; special cousins Lynda Wright and Louvenia; a host of aunts uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Tracy Fontary Smith, age 63, of Oglethorpe, Georgia passed on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at his home.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, 110 Johnson Street, Oglethorpe, Georgia. Burial will follow at the Oglethorpe City Cemetery, Memorial Drive, Oglethorpe, 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.

Tracy was born April 2, 1960, to Florene Mangram Smith and the late Willie C. Smith. He was a 1978 graduate of Macon County High School, Montezuma, Georgia. In 1978, he also obtained his degree in Small Machine Technology from South Georgia Technical College, Americus, Georgia.  Immediately after completing his dual accomplishment, he moved to Valdosta, Georgia where he was employed with Johnson Office Supply.  After moving back home he was employed with Blue Bird Body Company of Ft. Valley, Georgia and later moved on to Tyson Food of Vienna, Georgia.  After several years of dedicated services, he retired from Tyson Food, Inc. of Vienna, Georgia as a production manager. During the time he lived in Valdosta, Georgia, he served as president of the NAACP Valdosta Chapter.

He leaves a legacy of love and many fond memories to his beloved family: mother, Florene Mangram Smith, Oglethorpe, Georgia; two brothers, Willie L. Smith and Jeffery Smith (Judy) all of Oglethorpe, Georgia; three sisters, Lois Smith, Oglethorpe, Georgia, Elizabeth Smith (Tony), Powder Springs, Georgia and Stephanie Smith Floyd (Winfred), Oglethorpe, Georgia; aunts, Ollie Mangram, Margaret Mangram McLaughlin (Joe) all of Jamaica, New York, Fannie Mond, Perry, Georgia, Marva Turner (Jerome), Oglethorpe, Georgia and Diane Morris (Ken), Atlanta, Georgia; uncles, Wayne Mangram and Charlie Howard Smith, Jr. both of Oglethorpe, Georgia, Conrad Smith (Cheryl) Warner Robins, Georgia and James Smith (Sonja) Atlanta, Georgia: and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends including one devoted, Mildred Mallard, Oglethorpe, Georgia.