Johnnie L. Taylor Sr., age 95, passed on August 29, 2023.

The funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 P.M., Sunday, September 3, 2023, at the Josh Gibson Center, 20 Gibson Way, Buena Vista, Georgia. Burial will follow at the Liberty Cemetery, Pineville 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.
​
Johnnie Lee Taylor was born January 1, 1928, to the late Lee Brown and the late Willie B. Taylor in Buena Vista, Georgia. He was educated in the public schools of Marion County, Buena Vista, Georgia. He was a lifelong member of the community, where he was affectionately known as “Shang” Taylor. In the local community and beyond, he was known for his war stories, jokes, and gospel singing. 

He was a founding member of the Sons of Allen at Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church, where he had also held the positions of Class Leader, Steward, and Trustee. At that time, he said that he was one of the “youngest” members of the church at the age of  “19” (91).

Johnnie’s career has included joining the United States Army at an early age. At that time, the army was segregated. He was a part of the 30th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion during the Korean War and the Occupation (of Japan), Hakata Air Base, Kyushu, Japan. He was very proud of being a veteran with an honorable discharge. 
 
After the Army, he was employed as a construction worker for many years. He enthusiastically points out his work on many bridges in the Columbus, Georgia area. He retired as a truck driver at Fort Benning, Georgia. He truly loved this job, because of the many people he met and told his stories and jokes. 

After retiring, he made daily visits to the Magnolia Manor Nursing Home to visit the residents there. This daily act of kindness earned him the title of Missionary at Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church. 

Johnnie loved church and often attended revivals and other services where he is often heard singing his favorite song, “Lord I Thank You for My Journey”. The family refers to the song as his “theme song”. 

He was united in holy matrimony to the late Mayola Ivory Taylor on October 27,1951. To this union they raised ten children together. He is preceded in death by one son, Johnnie Lee Taylor, Jr.; four brothers, Roy Brown, Lee Brown, Jr., Johnny Brown; and one sister, Ruby Williams, and daughter-in-law, Sylvia Taylor.

He leaves a lifetime of cherished memories to his nine children Mary A. King, Buena Vista, Georgia, Bernice Harris (Andrew), Cusseta, Georgia, Robert Taylor (Marcia), Alexandria, Virginia, Georgia A. Taylor, Buena Vista, Georgia, Geraldine Thomas, Buena Vista, Georgia, James Taylor, Buena Vista, Georgia, Gwendolyn King (Johnny), Kathleen, Georgia, Freddie Taylor, Warner Robins, Georgia, and Millicent Perry (Darryl), Columbus, Georgia; daughter-in-law Minerva Taylor, Forsyth, Georgia; 19 grandchildren,  28 great grandchildren; siblings, Ellie Christine Brown, Calumet City, Illinois, Nellie Jones, Columbus, Georgia, Bertha Brown, Fayetteville, Georgia, Rushia Corley, Cleveland, Ohio, Arthur Brown, Albany, Georgia, Charlie Brown, Parrott, Georgia, Marjette Gaines, Columbus, Georgia, brother-in-law, Major Ivory  (Rebecca) Oglethorpe, Georgia; sister-in-law, Geraldine Ivory, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

​Jameka Jacinta Tookes, age 40, passed August 23, 2023. 

The funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 P.M., Monday, August 28, 2023, at Travelers Home Baptist Church, Travelers Home Road, Ideal, Georgia.  Interment will follow in the Ever Green Cemetery, Mauk, 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.

Jameka was born on June 26, 1983, to Aubrey Tookes and Susan Small Tookes. She was educated in the public school system of Macon County. She earned her Associate Degree in Medical Assisting from South Georgia Technical College and was working on a Degree in Culinary Arts. She was employed with several companies as a cook which include Oglethorpe Barbeque, Perry’s Chicken, Huddle House and Jack’s Restaurant. 

She leaves to cherish her memories to her children, La’Nautica Tookes, Cha’Miracle Ogburn both of Oglethorpe, Georgia; parents, Aubrey Tookes and Susan Tookes, Oglethorpe, Georgia; one sister, Toleashea Tookes Brown (Antonio) Montezuma, Georgia; aunts/uncles Verlene Broxton, Fort Valley, Georgia, Steven Nichols (Deann), Tawana McCant (Antonio), Oglethorpe, Georgia, Lorenzo Nichols (Jametta), Deneen Porter (Samuel), Jarvis Nichols, all of Oglethorpe, Georgia, Gary Small, Roxanne Small, both of Mauk, Georgia, Allen Small (Barbara), Buena Vista, Georgia, and Alfred Small; nieces and nephews, Kaneisha Meadows (Christian), An’Tonia Tookes, Zy‘Treyvious Tookes, Antonio Brown, Jr. and An’ Terrius Brown; and a host of other family and friends.   

Harold Battle Sr., age 77, passed on August 22, 2023.

The funeral service will be held at 2:30 P.M., Sunday, August 27, 2023, at the Upperroom Apostolic Faith Church, 1637 GA-Hwy 90 W, Oglethorpe, 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.

Brother Harold Battle, Sr. was born July 2, 1946, to the late Major Battle and the late Annie Bell Richardson Battle. Born in a family of sixteen he was preceded in death by fourteen siblings, eight adults: Eva Johnson, Mary Alice Range, Edith Bell Rogers, Willie Battle, John Lee Battle, Ernestine Frazier and Mae Lois Smith, including six babies. Brother Harold was united in Holy matrimony to the former Annie Ruth Smith and to this union they were blessed with seven children, three preceded him in death: Brenda Battle Tannahill, Michael Battle and Henry Lee Battle. He was also preceded in death by three grandchildren.

After several years of dedicated service, Brother Harold Battle, Sr. retired from the Macon County Board of Education as a custodian. He was a member of the Upper Room Apostolic Faith Church. He leaves a legacy of love and many fond memories to his beloved family, four children, Harold Battle, Jr. Montezuma, Georgia, Patricia Battle Malloy (Gregory), Oglethorpe, Georgia, David Battle, Columbus, Georgia and Lisa Battle; of Montezuma, Georgia; Nine grandchildren and one he raised as his own, Theadosis Battle; seven great grandchildren; Two brothers, Junior Battle (Mary) and Homer Lewis Battle; and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.

Evangelist Shirley Brown, age 69 passed on August 18, 2023.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Powerful Truth Sanctuary Global Church International, 3645 Joycliff Road, Macon, Georgia. Burial will be held at 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.

Evangelist Shirley Ann Thomas Brown, affectionately known as “Shelley” to her family was born December 14, 1953, to the late Minnie C. Thomas Byse and Henry D. Thomas in Oglethorpe, GA. She was the granddaughter of the late Albert Thomas and Carrie Bell Thomas of Oglethorpe, GA. She grew up in a Christian home that believed in sharing what you have with others.

Shirley was educated in the Macon County School System, attending Oglethorpe Grammar School then graduating from Macon County High School, Class of 1971. Shirley graduated from Georgia Southwestern College with a degree in Early Childhood Education; she taught in the Macon County School System and the Bibb County School System. She retired with 36 years of dedicated service. Shirley was nurturing, giving and loved teaching and working with children. Shirley was united in matrimony to Lonnie Brown, Jr. in 1973. To this union, three children were born: Lonnie III, Derrick and Brian.

Evangelist Brown gave her time and energy to caring for loved ones by providing assistance and serving those in need. She was a dedicated child of God and served Him faithfully throughout her life.

Shirley joined the church at an early age. She joined Powerful Truth Sanctuary Global International and was a member for over 35 years. She served on the Ministerial Staff, Intercessory Team, Sunday School Team, Culinary Team, Praise Team, and Women Evolve Ministry. Evangelist Brown was a devout Christian whose love shines as a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, niece, and friend to many. Her presence will be greatly missed but her spirit lives on as she touched the lives of many.

Left to cherish her memories are three sons: Lonnie Brown III (Pamela) of Macon, GA, Brian Brown of Atlanta, GA and Derrick Brown of Jacksonville, FL; granddaughter: Faith Brown, Macon, GA; siblings: Virginia McKenzie (Eddie) LaGrange, GA, Valerie Byse (James) Cincinnati, OH; Maninzo Byse (Cassandra) Atlanta, GA, Marvin Byse (Alicia) Atlanta, GA, Patrice Zachary (Derick, Sr.) Conyers, GA, Henry D. Thomas, Pamela Thomas and Sylvester Thomas all of Brockton, MA; siblings preceded her in death: Alonzie E. Thomas and Pamela Byse; sister-in-law, Deloise Thomas, Garden Valley, GA, brothers-in-law, Rev. Bobbie Brown Sr. (Flora) Fort Valley, GA, Rev. Reuben Brown (Crystal) Fort Valley, GA, Donald Brown, Rodney Brown of Montezuma, GA; aunts and uncles, Annie C. Thomas, Oglethorpe, GA, Amour Jean Smith, Duxbury, MA, Annie Fagan, Perry, GA, Eddie W. Thomas, Oglethorpe, GA, Albert Thomas Jr. Boston, MA, and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Evelyn Hosley Slaughter, age 76, passed on August 18, 2023.
 
The funeral services will be held at 12:00 P.M., Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Josh Gibson Center, 20 Gibson Way, Buena Vista, Georgia. Burial will follow at New Prospect Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, 163 Pineville 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.
​
Mrs. Evelyn Hosley Slaughter, was born on October 25, 1946, in Ellaville, Schley County Georgia to the late Eddie Lee Hosley and Jessie Lou Dupree Hosley. She was educated in the public school systems of Schley and Marion counties. She was a member of Shelton Temple Church of God in Christ, She was a homemaker. Evelyn was preceded in death by a sister Barbara Hosley Wilson and 2 brothers Roosevelt and Eddie Wesley Hosley.
 
Evelyn will be truly missed. She was special to many and loved everyone, She was known for always taking great care of her family and friends. 
 
Left to cherish her memories of love is her husband of 54 years McArthur Slaughter of Buena Vista, Ga. Six children; Alonzo Slaughter, Randy (Clara) Slaughter, Anthony Slaughter (Bertha Riley) and Shakera Slaughter all of Buena Vista, Ga., Michael Slaughter (Tara Algere) and Kendrick Slaughter both of Atlanta, Ga. 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Two sisters, Lori Cooper, Warner Robins, Ga and Janice Sue Hosley of Newark, New Jersey; brother, Willie Crawford (Peggy); one brother-in-law, Genus Slaughter of Buena Vista, Ga, one sister-in-law, Gladys Woodson, Cusseta, Ga. She also leaves a great host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives including devoted cousins Earnest James Rogers and Geraldine Felton, close friends Mrs. Geraldine Ford, Alma Moore, and Mary Lane Kelly. ​

Dewayne Barron, age 44 of Montezuma, Georgia passed August 12, 2023, at the Atrium Health Navicent Hospital, Macon, Georgia.  

The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, August 19, 2023,  at the Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc., 607 Kaigler Street, Oglethorpe, Georgia.  The Reverend Coley Clark, Jr. will officiate.
 
Dewayne was born January 9, 1979 in Americus, Sumter County, Georgia to Wayne Barron of Montezuma, Georgia and the late Myra Tookes  Barron. He was blessed to be the brother of Jennifer Barron, Jacksonville, Florida, Gabryell Barron, Jarvis Thurman and Deneisha Thurdman all of Columbus, Georgia.

He was blessed to be the father of four children; Brianna Brown, Savannah, Georgia, Tanjaniqna Barrron, Amaria Barron and Darian Barron. And he was a loving grandfather. Dewayne was educated in the public school system of Swainsboro, Georgia. He work with several companies including Fresh Realm of Montezuma, Georgia whereas he was a line technician.

Other loving relatives include: aunt and uncles, James Barron, Chicago, Illinois, Gail Barron Walker (Robert), Montezuma, Georgia, Sarah Butler (Dewayne), San Francisco, California, Valerie, lkm Tookes Street (William), Sandra Tookes Dicks, and Lula Jackson all of Atlanta, Georgia. And a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and beloved friends.

Gloria Walker Davis, age 81, passed on August 8, 2023.

The funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, August 12, 2023, at Magnolia Baptist Church, 415 Hosie Waters Street, Montezuma, Georgia. Burial will follow at Brown Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery, Ga Hwy 224, 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.

Gloria was born on August 27, 1941 in Dooly County, Georgia to the late Fred Walker and the late Hattie Ruth Williams. She was educated in the public school system of Dooly County and was a graduate of Vienna High School. She furthered her education and received her Bachelor and Master Degree in Education from Concordia University, Chicago, Illinois. She was employed in the Chicago Public School System as a Teacher until she retired. Two hearts became one when Gloria married the late Willie James Davis. Gloria was a member of Magnolia Baptist Church in Montezuma, Georgia. 
​
On Tuesday, August 8, 2023, the death Angel sealed the lips of our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, cousin, and friend. And until we meet again, May the good Lord Hold her in the palm of His hand. 
She leaves to cherish her memories to her four children Florence Barnes, Warner Robins, Georgia ,Valerie West (John) Buena Vista, Georgia, , Fred Davis (Regina), Montezuma, Georgia, Shondra Cook (Leotha ) Milwaukee , Wisconsin; grandchildren Marcel Jackson (Laquanda), Tiffany Tyson, Malcolm Tyson, Kryshanna Ervin (Clifton), Stephanie Everett, David Everett, Keshaun Davis, Riana Davis, Amber Davis, Keishianna Davis, Jalen Keys; 19 great grandchildren; a devoted family friend Bonnie Hunter. 

Martha Lynn Snipes Black, age 99, passed on August 7, 2023.

The funeral service will be held at 2:30 P.M., Saturday, August 12, 2023, at Union Hill A.M.E. Church, Spivey Street, Ellaville, 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.

Martha was born in Ellaville, Georgia on March 5, 1924, to the late Willie Jackson and the late Anna Mae Snipes Jackson. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Willie B. Jackson, Annie Mae Burrow, Rosa Mae Harold, Marie Jackson, and Louise Jackson. She was educated in the public school system of Schley County. She was joined in holy matrimony to the late Marion Black and to this union one daughter, Anna Lee Black Perry, was born and preceded them in death. She worked and retired as a custodian. Martha was a member of Union Hill A.M.E. Church where she served as a steward, trustee, missionary  and the mother of the church.

She leaves to cherish her memories to her siblings, Nettie Ruth Kendrick, Tampa, Florida, Bobby Jackson (Henrietta), Ellaville, Georgia; a host of beloved nieces, nephews other relatives and friends including god daughters Mary Williams, Ernestine Dixon, caregivers Amy Weaver, Agnes Dew, Wanda Harris, Mary Clark, Wandria Harris, Sarah Ogburn and Rose. ​

Johnnie B. Minter, age 87,  passed on August 1, 2023.

The funeral service will be held at 12:00 P.M., Saturday, August 5, 2023, at Shelton Temple Church of God in Christ, 231 E 5th Avenue, Buena Vista, Georgia. Burial will follow 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.

Johnnie B. (Jackson) Minter was born on November 4, 1935, to the late John Thomas Jackson and late Irene (Minyard) Jackson.  She was called home on August 1, 2023 at St. Francis Hospital in Columbus. She was preceded in death by one sister, Annie Ruth Thornton, two brothers George and Jimmy Jackson, four sons Samuel L. Minter, Alfred J. Minter, John T. Minter, Donnie L. Minter, one daughter Diane E. Minter, three grandsons James Robertson Jr., Samuel L. Minter and Jomekia J. Minter, one grand-daughter Whitney Robertson.  Johnnie married the late Samuel D. Minter, and the Lord blessed their union with seven healthy children.  She medically retired from Manhattan Shirt Factory in Americus, GA.  She was a devout Christian and mother-member of Shelton Temple, Buena Vista, GA.
 
Johnnie B. leaves to carry on her legacy two sons and their wives: Timothy V. Minter and wife Lisa (Olympia, WA) and Jeffery A. Minter and wife Shadonna (Columbus, GA).  Three surviving daughter-in-laws:  Nettie Minter (Buena Vista, GA), Delia Minter (Temecula, CA) and Michelle Minter (Buena Vista, GA).  Fourteen grandchildren:  Luann Minter (Buena Vista, GA), Maurice Minter (Buena Vista, GA), Veronica Hunter (Americus, GA), Adrian Minter (Americus, GA), Samuel Minter Jr. (Americus, GA), Kenyatta Minter (Americus, GA), Breanna Robertson (Ellaville, GA), Dontrae Minter (Columbus, GA), Timothy Minter Jr. (Midland, GA), Genericka Minter (Buena Vista, GA), Timisa Minter (Olympia, WA), Alexandria Minter (Olympia, WA), Samantha Minter (Chehalis, WA), and Jeffery Minter Jr. (Columbus, GA). 33 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nephews and nieces.