Sonya Barthell, age 43, 107 Hosanna Circle, Americus, Georgia passed Monday, September 30, 2013 at the Phoebe Sumter Hospital in Americus, Georgia.

The funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, October 5, 2013 at Zion Hill Baptist Church, Allen Street, Leslie Georgia. Burial will follow in the Zion Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, Pastor James Hill will officiate.

Sonya was born May 1, 1970 to Dorothy Thomas Verrett and the late Charles Carter. She is the stepdaughter of Joseph Verrett. She was preceded in death by her aunt, Catherine Mercer and uncle, Eugene Carter. She was a 1988 graduate of Sumter County Comprehensive High School. She received her Certificate in Cosmetology from South Georgia Technical College.

Survivors are two sons, Jamison Russell, Jacksonville, Florida, and Deratio Baisden, Americus, Georgia; two daughters, Mary Barthell and Shantell Mack, both of Americus, Georgia; three stepchildren, Brandon Price, Michael Lewis, Lynette Carter (Michael), and Treyvon Russell, all from Americus, Georgia; mother, Dorothy Verrett (Joe), Americus, Georgia; granddaughter, Delilah Baisden, Americus, Georgia; companion, Willie Frank Mack, Americus, Georgia; siblings, Valerie Westbrook (Timothy), Americus, Georgia, Laticia Wilson (Rogers), Atlanta, Georgia, Charles Sullivan, Atlanta, Georgia, Shawn Walker, Chicago, Illinois, Zakaya Carter, Chicago, Illinois, Alexis Haygood, Anniston, Alabama, Rico Johnson Verrett, Americus, Georgia, Katina Garrett, Americus, Georgia; grandparent, Clara Bell Thomas, Leslie, Georgia; aunts and uncles, Willie Thomas (Shirley), Eddie Thomas (Velma), Leroy Thomas, Jr. (Debora), Alice Reddick (Ned), Ethel Franklin (Berlin), Joann Green (Willie), Carolyn Whitehead, Betty Day (Rogers), Norma Jean Montgomery, Rose Carter, Macy Carter, Barbara Carter, Silva Lee Thomas, Ann Thomas, Debra Harvey, Dennis Carter, all from Anniston, Alabama, William Carter, Chicago, Illinois and Roy Carter, Oklahoma; two nephews she reared Marquellis Jenkins (Deandrea), Americus, Georgia, Marquis Green; great niece, Deasha “Cupcake” Jenkins, Americus, Georgia; one great nephew, Chaston Green, Americus, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends, including five devoted friends, Carolyn Ross, Jennifer Clark, Clinton Carter, Fred Mack, all from Americus, Georgia and Shonda Johnson, North Carolina.

Grady Mangram, age 79, 536 Marshall Street, Oglethorpe, Georgia passed Wednesday, September  25, 2013 at the Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, Americus, Georgia.

The funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 P.M., Sunday, September 29, 2013 at Felton Chapel Church, Georgia Highway 128, North Oglethorpe, Georgia.   The Reverend Keith Gibbons, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in the Church cemetery.

Grady was born April 17, 1934 to the late Esker Mangram, Sr. and Doris Jolly Mangram Oglethorpe, Macon, Georgia. He was preceded in death by two siblings, Elois Mangram and Esker Mangram, Jr.  At a very early age he joined Felton Chapel C.M.E. Church, which later changed to Felton Chapel Church. After many dedicated years of service he retired from Mulcoa Plant in 1997 after serving 23 years as a Mechanic. 

He leaves to cherish his precious memories eight siblings Ollie Mangram, Jamaica, New York, Florene Mangram Smith, Oglethorpe, Georgia, Mary Ann Fields, College Park, Georgia Pastor Annie Pearl Mangram Williams (Arris) Oglethorpe, Georgia, Margaret McLaughlin (Billy Joe), Jamaica, New York, Evangelist Laverne Mangram, Anthony Wayne Mangram  both of Oglethorpe, Georgia, and Goldie Hairston (John), Atlanta, Georgia; a loving companion and her family, which include Mary Melvin King, Oglethorpe, Georgia, Bob Melvin (Sandra). Montezuma, Georgia, Misty Melvin Jones (Marcus), Oglethorpe, Georgia; grandchildren, Haley Melvin and Morgan Melvin; one uncle, Sam Felder, Perry, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Catherine Dowdell, age 54, 306 East Jefferson Street, Americus, Georgia passed Wednesday, September 25, 2013.

The funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 P.M. Monday, September 30, 2013 at Welcome Baptist Church, Middle River Road, Americus, Georgia. Interment will follow in Eastview Cemetery, Ashby Street, Americus, Georgia. Reverend Freddie Mann, Sr., Pastor, will officiate.

Catherine Dowdell was born April 13, 1959 in Americus, Sumter County, Georgia to Matthew Lewis Sr. and the late Iona Dowdell.  She was a 1972 graduate of Union High School, Leslie, Georgia.  She was a member of the Welcome Baptist Church, Middle River Rd., Americus, Georgia.  She served faithfully on the Usher Board Ministry.  After twenty-five years of dedicated services she retired from Magnolia Manor Nursing Center of Americus, Georgia as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Survivors are a beloved daughter, Minister Lakeisha Dowdell, Americus, Georgia; a loving granddaughter, Jaleisha Mann, Americus, Georgia; adopted daughter, Stephanie Callaway, Americus, Georgia;  father, Matthew Lewis, Sr., Leslie, Georgia; eleven sisters, Annie Pearl Lewis, Ideal, Georgia, Mary Taylor and Gloria Franklin (Otis), Leslie, Georgia, Willie Lou Fuller (Lee), Trenton, New Jersey,  Shaelia Dowdell, Americus, Georgia, Jannie Jones (Willie), Kingsland, Georgia, Janice Lusane (William), Americus, Georgia, Yvonne Gordon (James), Leslie, Georgia, Pamela Dowdell, Lucile Davis, Carolyn Dowdell all of Americus, Georgia; three brothers, Matthew Lewis, Jr. (Ruth), Americus, Georgia, Willie James Lewis (Ethel) West Palm Beach, Florida and Clarence Lewis, Americus, Georgia; aunts and uncles, Eddie Mercer, Sr., Americus, Georgia, Charles Dowdell (Wilhemina) Milton, Delaware and Alberta Dowdell, Tampa, Florida;  a devoted friend, Pastor Robert Wheeler, Albany, Georgia; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives and loving friends.

Aiyana Nevaeh Brown, the infant daughter of Robin Walker and Marice Brown, the granddaughter of Linda Bradley, Thelma Brown Henderson (John), will be committed to the earth on Sunday, September 22, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. in the Oglethorpe City Cemetery, Memorial Drive, Oglethorpe, Georgia.  Minister Phillip Fowler will officiate.

Other survivors include her sister, Ashley Walker; aunts and uncles, Jamie (Dolly) Walker, Tonya Brown and Keith Wilder; a host of cousins, Tiara, Brianna, Keith, Claire, Dallas and Desirae.

Eugene Collins, age 59, 4201 4th St., Apt #1, Detroit, Michigan passed Thursday, September 19, 2013.  

The funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, September 28, 2013 at the Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc., 607 Kaigler Street, Oglethorpe, Georgia. Interment will follow in the Davis Chapel A.M.E. Church Cemetery, Georgia Highway 26 West, Oglethorpe, Georgia. Minister Phillip Fowler will officiate.

Eugene Collins was born January 30, 1954 in Oglethorpe, Macon County, Georgia to Eather Mahones Collins and the late Olen Collins, Sr.  He acquired his education from the public school system of Palm Beach County, Florida.  Eugene lived in Detroit, Michigan for many years and was employed with Ford until his health began to decline.

Survivors are  a beloved mother, Eather Mahones Collins, Delray Beach, Florida; a daughter, Alicia Malloy, Detroit, Michigan; six siblings, Carolyn Denise Collins, Boynton Beach, Florida, Gary Collins, Georgia, Michael Collins (Debbie), Delray Beach, Florida, Eddie Collins (Loraine), Boynton Beach, Florida, David Collins (Nita), Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Edward Collins, Delray Beach, Florida; aunts and uncles, Lewis Mahones (Clara), Boston, Massachusetts, Mary Mahones  Hickman, Irene Mahones  both of Orlando, Florida, Virginia Mahones, Milo Mahones (Jannie) all Of Miami, Florida, Sarah Warren, Alabama, Gladys Whigham (Jeff), Elmer Collins, Dorothy Collins, Juanita Collins, Fred Collins, Tommy Collins all of Daytona Beach, Florida, Carrie Pearl Byse and Irvin Collins both of Ideal, Georgia; and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Al Collier, age 77, 719 Drayton Road, Montezuma, Georgia passed Wednesday, September 18, 2013.

The funeral serivce will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, September 21, 2013 at Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc., 607 Kaigler Street, Oglethorpe, Georgia.  Interment will follow in Champ Waters Cemetery, Twin Church Road, Montezuma, Georgia

Mr. Al Collier was born October 24, 1935 to the late Dallas Clayton and Rosie Mae Young in Fort Valley, Peach County, Georgia.  He was reared by his grandmother, the late Hattie Collier. He was preceded in death by one brother, Ernest Collier.  He acquired his education in Macon County Public School System.  After moving to New York City, he acquired his high school education.  He moved back to Georgia and received his auto mechanic certification from Ford Motors Division School of Training of Atlanta, Georgia.  After completion of his training he was employed by Montezuma Ford Company of Montezuma, Georgia.  And after twenty-five years of dedicated services, he retired as head mechanic.

He was married to the former Katie Mae Walker, and to this union they were blessed with six children.  He was preceded in death by two children, Al Collier, Jr. and Rosa Ann Collier.

Survivors are a beloved and dedicated wife of fifty-six years, Katie Mae Walker Collier, Montezuma, Georgia; six children, Betty Collier Smith (her friend, Alfred Fuller), Marshallville, Georgia, Rickey Collier, Judy Joiner, and Maxine Collier Harris (Elton), all of Montezuma, Georgia; adopted daughter, Gloria Story (Richard), Montezuma, Georgia; seven siblings, Rosetta Clayton, Elizabeth Clayton, Lawrence Clayton, and  Ernestine Clayton, all of Atlanta, Georgia, Arthur Clayton (Patricia), Riverdale, Georgia, Patricia Wallace (Larry), Oglethorpe, Georgia and Elijah Clayton, Montezuma, Georgia; twenty-two grandchildren, forty-two great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Minnie Sneed, Marshallville, Georgia, Johnny Walker (Mattie), Fort Valley, Georgia, Jeanette Walker, Warner Robins, Georgia and Mary Paster, Marshallville, Georgia;  and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Ms. Doris Respert, age 73, 106 Popular Street, Ideal, Georgia passed Friday, September 13, 2013 at the Piedmont Fayette Hospital, Fayetteville, Georgia.

The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, September 21, 2013 at Faith Memorial C.M.E. Church, Brooks Road, Ideal, Georgia, where Reverend Ezekiel Terry is Pastor, Reverend Rodney Duncan will officiate.  Interment will follow in Hopewell Cemetery, Brooks Mill Road, Rupert, Macon County, Georgia.

Doris Respert was born September 12, 1940 in Macon County, Georgia to the late Harry Duncan, Jr., and Ethel Howard Duncan.  She was educated in the Macon County Training School.

Survivors include her children, Cedric Duncan (Jennifer) Ideal, Georgia, Angela Nelson (Stanley), Stockbridge, Georgia, Michael A. Respert (Woodnell) Oglethorpe, Georgia, Frances Respert (Joyce) Ideal, Georgia, Freddie Holmes (Vera) Warner Robins, Georgia; 14 grandchildren, one preceded her in death; one great-grandchild; siblings, Joe Duncan (Betty), Bessie Lou Nelson (J.C.),  Oris Duncan Johnson (Ellis) and Raymond Duncan, all of Ideal, Georgia; two aunts, Vannie Howard and Ruthie Mae Howard both of Ideal, Georgia; one sister-in-law, Eva Duncan, Atlanta, Georgia; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Claudie Turner Sullivan, age 92, 208 Norris Street, Montezuma, Georgia passed Wednesday morning, September 18, 2013 at Pine Pointe Hospice, Macon, Georgia.

The graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 A.M., Friday morning, September 20, 2013 at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, 321 Whiteline Street, Montezuma, Georgia. 

Mrs. Claudie Turner Sullivan was born September 4, 1921 to the late Lizzie Mae Turner in Montezuma, Macon County, Georgia.  She was preceded in death one brother, Arthur Haugabook, Jr. and one sister, Susie Mae Williams.  She was educated in the public school system of Macon County, Georgia.  At an early age, she joined the band of Christian believers at Union Baptist Church.  She was united in Holy matrimony to the late Love Sullivan, Jr.  To this union, they were blessed with one daughter.   After many dedicated years, she retired as a homemaker.

She is survived by one daughter, Lizzie Sullivan, Montezuma, Georgia; one grandson, Austin Joiner, Montezuma, Georgia; a host of beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Bernistine Mae Thomas Hudson, age 69, Smith Rd., Oglethorpe, Georgia passed away Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at the Heart of Georgia Hospice in Perry, Georgia.

The funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 14, 2013 at Lula Chapel Primitive Baptist Church, located on Georgia Hwy 26 West in Oglethorpe, Georgia. Elder James Lyles, Pastor, will officiate.  Interment will follow in Davis Chapel A.M.E. Church Cemetery.

Bernistine Mae Thomas Hudson was born April 5, 1944 in Macon County, Georgia to the late Albert Thomas and Carrie Bell Tookes Thomas. She was educated in the public school system of Macon County and was a 1966 graduate of D.F. Douglass High School, Montezuma, Georgia. In 1966, she was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Eddie C. Hudson Sr. To this union 4 children were born. She also loved and mothered two daughters. In 1982, she joined the Christian Believers at Lula Chapel Primitive Baptists Church where she was a faithful and dedicated member throughout her life. Benistine was employed as a seamstress for many years. She loved to sing. She preceded in death by four siblings Henry D Thomas, Louise Thomas Fulks, Willie Gene Thomas, Enoch Elijah Thomas.

Survivors include her children, Clifford Bernard Hudson (Wanda) of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Kenneth Jerome Hudson (Bianca) of Perry, Georgia, Eddie C Hudson, Jr. of Oglethorpe, Georgia, Syretta Denise Hudson of Montezuma, Georgia, Willie Mae Hudson Smith (Minister Jack Smith)  of Kathleen, Georgia,  and Deborah Miller Atwaters of Stone Mountain,  Georgia;  grandchildren, Arthuro Jevon Boykins of Stone Mountain Georgia, Adrian Kimberly Williams of Hinesville, Georgia, Deontae Jeremiah Hudson of Montezuma, Georgia, Joshua Hudson of Kathleen, Georgia, Miah LeAnn Hudson of Montezuma, Georgia, Jordan DeKense Hudson of Perry, Georgia, and Camiyah Hudson of Perry, Georgia; siblings, Eddie Will Thomas, Sr.  (Annie Claude) of Oglethorpe, Georgia, Geneva Welbon of Haywood California, Amour Jean Smith (Thurman Smith, Sr.) of Duxbury, Massachusetts, Evelyn Thomas of Oglethorpe, Georgia, Annie B Fagan of Greenville, California, Shirley Brown of Macon, Georgia, and Virginia McKenzie of Lagrange, Georgia;  aunts, Ida Mae Tookes of Atlanta Georgia;  sister-in-law, Mary Hudson of Ellaville, Georgia; brothers-in-law, John Lewis Hudson, Emmitt Lawson, and Stanley Rogers, all of Ellaville, Georgia; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends including several devoted friends Vernita West, Sarah Tookes and Ernestine Sanders.