Decedent
Gospel Pilgrim Decedents has a comprehensive list of men, women, and children interred in the cemetery. Using grave markers, obituaries, and death certificates, we have complied a list of individuals buried within the cemetery and, to the extent possible with archival silences, developed short biographies of each persons' life. Some decedents have marked graves, while others do not.
In part, this data is based on an early 2000s GIS survey of the cemetery, which was completed by David Berle, Gail Tarver, Taylor Ladd from the University of Georgia's Horticulture Department. The Athens-Clarke County Death Certificate data was, likewise, transcribed by Leah Richier, an graduate alumni of the University of Georgia's Department of History.
Last Name | First Name | Gender | Race | Status | Occupation | DOB | DOD | Age | Grave Location | Grave Marker | Biography |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bugg | Edd | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1953 | December 31, 1986 | 32 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Edd W. Bugg was born around 1954. He attended Clarke Junior High School and his photo appears in the 1970 Yearbook. At 32 years old, he died from unknown causes on March 7, 1987. His funeral was held at Springfield Baptist Church. | |
Morton | Ebb | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1918 | 50 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Barrett | Luther | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1918 | 5 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Johnson | Herbert | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1922 | 51 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
Robinson | Vainiga | Female | African American | Free | Student | December 31, 1921 | 6 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Davis | Wm | Male | African American | Enslaved | Cotton Worker | December 31, 1922 | 63 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Thomas | Alfred | Male | African American | Free | Mechanic | December 31, 1918 | 27 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Oglesby | Lula | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1952 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Lula Oglesby was born in Georgia in 1888. She attended school until 7th grade. She married Robert Oglesby and had at least five children: Sandford, Robert, Carrie, Beatrice, and Lenard. She worked as a laundress in both 1930 and 1940. She was widowed prior to 1930, but the exact date of her husband’s death is unknown. She died in 1953 from unknown causes. [Researched and written by Savannah Jane Williams] | |||
Harrison | Annie | Female | African American | Free | Housewife | December 31, 1926 | 43 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Bunkley | Carrie | Female | African American | Free | Housewife | December 31, 1894 | December 31, 1946 | 52 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Carrie Woods Bunkley was born around 1895. She married Frank Bunkley and the couple had one child. In 193 and 1930, she was a housewife and the family lived at 447 Reese Street. At 52 years old, she died from unknown causes on May 30, 1947. Her funeral was held at the First AME Church. |
Murden | Dora | Female | African American | Free | Housewife | December 31, 1868 | December 31, 1925 | 56 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |
Bayne | Annia | Female | African American | Free | Housework | December 31, 1918 | 50 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Johnson | La Fayette | Male | African American | Enslaved | Drayman | December 31, 1855 | December 31, 1920 | 65 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |
Scott | Emmett | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1925 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
Derricott | Mariah | Female | African American | Enslaved | Housework | December 31, 1925 | 95 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Thomas | Alice | Female | African American | Enslaved | Cook | December 31, 1922 | 75 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Peek | Sallie | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1942 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Sallie Peek was born around 1885. She died from unknown causes in Fulton, Georgia on November 6, 1943. Her death was reported in the Atlanta Constitution, where it mentioned her funeral was to be held at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Atlanta on November 11, 1943, after which her remains would be taken to Athens for interment in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. Her obituary stated that she had many friends and family. [Researched and written by Roshni Hariharan] | |||
Hawkins | Dave | Male | African American | Enslaved | Construction | December 31, 1919 | 60 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Hawkins | Julia | Female | African American | Free | Housework | December 31, 1924 | 37 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Clarke | Gertrude | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1895 | December 31, 1976 | 81 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Gertrude W. Clarke was born on December 24, 1894 (or 1896). She married Ivy C. Clark and, in 1920, the couple lived on S Thomas; she worked as a dressmaker and he was a “Truck Hand” in a “Cotton Warehouse.” In 1940, she was a widow living with her niece or nephew at 131 Linden Row. At 81 years old, she died from unknown causes on May 3, 1977. According to her obituary, she lived at 175 Glenhaven Ave at the time of her death. Her funeral was held at Ebenezer Baptist Church West. | |
Neelia | Peter | Male | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1925 | 78 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Bayne | Richard | Male | African American | Enslaved | Farmer | December 31, 1920 | 75 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Johnson | Will | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1924 | 54 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Scott | Jane | Female | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1924 | 98 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Dorsey | Crock | Male | African American | Enslaved | December 31, 1923 | 80 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
Thomas | Eluice | Male | African American | Free | Child | December 31, 1923 | December 31, 1924 | 1 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |
Riley | Lillie | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1972 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to her obituary, Mattie H. Hawkins, who resided at 650 W Hancock Avenue, died from unknown causes in December 1953. She had at least four, married daughters Mrs. Willie C. Erwin, Mrs. Otis E. Johnson, Mrs. William Cooks, and Mrs. Robert T. Owens. The funeral was handled by Mutual Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked. | |||
Hawkins | Peter | Male | African American | Free | Construction | December 31, 1921 | 36 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Clemons | Clifford | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1945 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to his obituary, Clifford T. Clemons died from unknown causes in July 1946. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave is unmarked. | |||
Nesbitt | Sibyl | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1918 | December 31, 1921 | 2 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Benford | Henry | Male | African American | Free | Fireman | December 31, 1922 | 49 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Johnson | William | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1919 | 26 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Scott | Magnolia | Female | African American | Free | Student | December 31, 1921 | 17 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Dunfoy | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1920 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |||
Thomas | Laura | Female | African American | Free | Farmer | December 31, 1870 | December 31, 1923 | 52 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |
Sims | Mary | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1945 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Mary E. Sims was born around 1903. She married M.C. Sims Sr. In 1930, she worked as a laundress and lived on Fifth Street with her husband and their son Sam. The 1940 US Census lists her as a widow, employed as a cook and living on Hull Street with her sister, Sara Hill, and two of Hill’s grandchildren. At the time of her death Mary Sims lived at 853 West Weddell Street. At 43 years old, she died from unknown causes on October 18, 1946. [Researched and written by Ainsley Stephens] | |||
Hawkins | Rebecca | Female | African American | Enslaved | Housework | December 31, 1848 | December 31, 1926 | 78 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |
Cobb | Minnie | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1943 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to her obituary, Minnie Lee Crawford Cobb died from unknown causes in February 1944. The funeral was handled by Mack & Payne Funeral home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave is unmarked. | |||
Nesbrit | Hellen | Female | African American | Enslaved | Cook | December 31, 1919 | 70 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Bimett | Mary | Female | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1921 | 70 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Jones | Callie | Female | African American | Free | Domestic | December 31, 1925 | 39 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Shanks | Armina | Female | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1924 | 31 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Eberhart | Martha | Female | African American | Free | Housework | December 31, 1918 | 33 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Thomas | Margret | Female | African American | Enslaved | Cook | December 31, 1919 | 80 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Stanton | John | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1947 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | John R. Stanton was an Athens resident who was born around 1899. He was married and had multiple siblings. He died from unknown causes on October 25, 1948 and was buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery on October 31, 1948. [Researched and written by Abby Lauterbach] | |||
Hayes | Annie | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1921 | December 31, 1922 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Colbert | Mary | Female | African American | Free | Nurse | December 31, 1946 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to her obituary, Mrs. Mary J. Colbert, the mother of Mrs. Mamie Harden and a “veteran nurse civic and religious leader,” died from unknown causes in November 1947. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave is unmarked. | ||
Newsome | Susie | Female | African American | Enslaved | Cook | December 31, 1860 | December 31, 1926 | 66 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |
Binns | Elizzebeth | Female | African American | Free | Teacher | December 31, 1925 | 24 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Jones | John | Male | African American | Free | Drayman | December 31, 1919 | 40 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Shaw | Henry | Male | African American | Free | Mason | December 31, 1922 | 36 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Echols | Hiram | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1923 | 53 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Thomas | Matt | Male | African American | Enslaved | Driver | December 31, 1923 | 60 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Strickland | Willie | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1973 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | The son of Edward Strickland and Jennie (Wagner or Wagoner) Strickland, Willie Strickland was born in Athens, GA around 1898. He grew up on First Street, and after marrying Bertha Mae Harvey in 1937, the couple moved down the street to another residence on First Street. Throughout his life, Strickland had many different jobs including working in a saw mill according to the 1920 census, a cotton mill according to the 1930 census, and as a maid according to a 1931 Athens directory. During the Second World War, Strickland registered for the draft, but was not drafted into service, most likely because he was already married and 43 years old at the time. He died from unknown causes on April 6, 1974 in Athens, and was buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. [Researched and written by Casey Serrano] | |||
Hayes | Magnola | Female | African American | Free | Housework | December 31, 1922 | 18 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Dallas | Elzia | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1965 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to her obituary, Elzia Duck Dallas, who resided at 742 Madison Avenue, died from unknown causes in August 1966. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave is unmarked. | |||
Norman | John | Male | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1923 | 68 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Boland | Mary | Female | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1922 | 49 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Jones | Louvenia | Female | African American | Enslaved | Housework | December 31, 1919 | 65 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Shaw | Warren | Male | African American | Free | Presser | December 31, 1922 | 33 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Ector | Benjiman | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1920 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
Thomas | Orrie | Female | African American | Free | Cook | December 31, 1867 | December 31, 1923 | 56 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |
Teasley | Annie | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1983 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Annie S. Maxwell Teasley was born in 1917. At 67 years old, she died on November 13, 1984. At the time of her death, resided in Fulton County and, according to her obituary, had three sisters and a daughter. [Researched and written by Nicole Powell] | |||
Haynes | Rachel | Female | African American | Free | Student | December 31, 1904 | December 31, 1920 | 15 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |
Davis | James | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1948 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to his obituary, James W. Davis, who resided at 178 Strong Street, died from unknown causes on June 28, 1949. He married Mrs. Minnie Reid and had at least five children. The funeral was handled by Mack & Payne Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave is unmarked. | |||
Odoms | Corene | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1921 | 2 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
Booke | Ben | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1926 | 50 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Jones | Margaret | Female | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1920 | 87 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Shaw | Will | Male | African American | Free | Chauffer | December 31, 1926 | 38 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Ector | Carrie | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1918 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
Thomas | Palace | Female | African American | Enslaved | Housework | December 31, 1924 | 71 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Teasley | Dottie | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1973 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to her obituary, Dottie Susie Teasley, who resided at 275 Fourth Street, died from unknown causes in March 1974. The funeral was handled by Mutual Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked. | |||
Hearel | Eddie | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1922 | 37 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Diggs | Minnie | Female | African American | Free | Teacher | December 31, 1995 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to her obituary, Minnie Diggs died from unknown causes in 1996. A 1922 graduate from Morris Brown College, she was active as an alumni and a local community member. She was remembered as “a very powerful, strong women; not in stature, but in determination.” She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked. | ||
Osborne | Anna | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1919 | December 31, 1919 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Booth | Richard | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1920 | 38 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Jones | Robert | Male | African American | Free | Railroad Employee | December 31, 1920 | 54 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Shenault | Carrie | Female | African American | Free | Housework | December 31, 1919 | 53 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Ector | M. | Male | African American | Free | Janitor | December 31, 1925 | 49 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Tompkins | Corine | Female | African American | Free | Domestic | December 31, 1922 | 24 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Terrell | Charles | Male | African American | Unknown | December 31, 1933 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Charles Terrell Jr. was born around 1916. His parents, Charles Terrell and Julia Stuts, were both Athens natives. His father, “Chas” Terrell was noted to be a carpenter before his son was born, being listed along with his wife Julia in a 1912 Athens, GA directory living at 347 First Street. In the 1931 directory, however, “Chas” Terrell is said to be a cook, living on 389 Meigs St. On October 6, 1934, Terrell Jr.’s life was cut short after passing away at a tender age of 18 while he was still a schoolboy. The place of death is recorded to be 376 Odd Street. The cause of death was noted to be an acute dilatation of the heart, or nowadays known as dilated cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle), with contributary causes of importance being listed as fever and overexertion. He was buried five days later in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery on October 11, 1934 with his family in attendance. [Researched and written by Bita Jadali] | |||
Hemphill | Susie | Female | African American | Free | Domestic | December 31, 1926 | 51 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Diggs | William | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1972 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to his obituary, William Diggs, who resided at 357 DuBose Avenue, died from unknown causes on January 27, 1973. The funeral was handled by Mutual Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked. | |||
Owens | Emberly | Female | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1924 | 99 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Bowmans | Jack | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1924 | 60 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Joseph | Anna | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1919 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
Shortey | Bobie | Female | African American | Free | Cook | December 31, 1924 | 35 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Ector | Piety | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1879 | December 31, 1921 | 42 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Lyons | Hannah | Female | African American | Free | Housework | December 31, 1922 | 56 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Varnell | Will | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1925 | 55 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Thomas | Ethal | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1944 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | The daughter of Charles and Fannie Walker, Ethel Walker Thomas was born in May of 1884. As a teenager and young adult, she resided in Sandy Creek with her family, where she worked as a laborer on their farm. She did not attend school, but she was able to read and write. In 1910, she married Lonnie Thomas, and the couple had several children: Edward, Melvin, Azzie, Charles, Elmore, and Alfonza. According to the 1920 census, she lived on Oak Street with her husband and children and worked as a washerwoman. In 1930, she resided at the same address with her family and worked as a maid for a private family. She died from unknown causes on February 1, 1945. [Researched and written by Jake Underwood] | |||
Hill | [??] | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1918 | December 31, 1918 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Dixon | Laura | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1946 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to her obituary, Laura Annie Dixon, who resided at 201 Butler Street in Atlanta, Georgia, died in January 1947. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked. | |||
Owens | Isibella | Female | African American | Enslaved | Laundress | December 31, 1918 | 65 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Boyd | Claura | Female | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1923 | 26 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Joseph | George | Male | African American | Free | Child | December 31, 1922 | December 31, 1922 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |
Simmons | Harett | Female | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1921 | 95 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Edwards | Fred | Male | African American | Enslaved | Fireman | December 31, 1922 | 62 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Lyons | John | Male | African American | Free | Mason | December 31, 1920 | 56 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Wagner | George | Male | African American | Enslaved | Plasterer | December 31, 1918 | 65 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |