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
Mcgee	Andrew	Male	African American	Free	Cook		December 31, 1923	43	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Davis	Minnie	Female	African American	Enslaved	Teacher	December 31, 1858	December 31, 1939	80	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The daughter of Aggie Crawford and James Young, Minnie Davis was born on December 13, 1859 near Penfield, Georgia. Enslaved to John Crawford, Davis spent her childhood in Athens, Georgia. Denied a formal education in slavery, Davis took full advantage of freedom’s offerings. She enrolled at Knox Institution, a school for black children that had been established by the Freedmen’s Bureau in the spring of 1868. She then graduated from Atlanta University before returning to Athens to teach school for over forty years. Her husband, Samuel B. Davis, published the Athens Clipper, a newspaper catering to Athens's emerging black, middle-class community. After his death, she ran the newspaper for a few years, before selling it. She died as a result of a dislocated hip on February 13, 1940.
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]
Snelson	A.	Unknown	African American	Free		December 31, 1896	December 31, 1899	2	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	A. O'Luwole Snelson was born on July 29, 1897 and died from unknown causes on March 1, 1900. This child was 2 years and 8 months old at the time of death.
Jackson	Edward	Male	African American	Enslaved			December 31, 1852	6	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to his tombstone, Edward Jackson died on October 3, 1853 and was most likely enslaved. He died at 6 years old. Her body was most likely moved to Gospel Pilgrim sometime after 1882, when the cemetery opened, or a marker was simply erected for a lost loved one.
Washington	Leo	Male	African American	Free	Student		December 31, 1920	13	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Hawkins	Peter	Male	African American	Free	Construction		December 31, 1921	36	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Johnson	Curtis	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1983		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	According to his obituary, Curtis Johnson, who resided at 97 Broad Acres, died from unknown causes in September 1984. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
McQueen	Amanda	Female	African American	Enslaved	Seamstress	December 31, 1857	December 31, 1915	58	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Amanda McQueen was born on March 26, 1858 and most likely spent her childhood enslaved. She married James McQueen, a laborer, and the couple had at least three children: Gerdine, Nelley, and Janie. In 1880, she worked as a laundress and lived with her family on Hull Street. As a widow in 1900, she lived alone and worked as a seamstress. According to the 1904 City Directory, she lived at 626 N Hull Street. At 58 years old, she died from unknown causes on December 31, 1916.
Boyd	William	Male	African American	Enslaved	Shoemaker	December 31, 1859	December 31, 1918	59	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Thad Boyd, William H. Boyd was born around 1860 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1883, he married Rosa S. Boyd (most likely his second wife) and had at least eight children: Barlien, Rosa, Willie, Lucy, Racheal, Lydia, Thelma, and Constance. In 1900 and 1910, he worked as a shoemaker in Athens and owned a house at 307 Pope Street. According to the 1915 City Directory, he still worked as shoemaker but had moved to 437 Pope Street. He died from unknown causes in 1919 and was around 59 years old around at the time of his death.
Nesbit	John	Male	African American	Enslaved	Mason	December 31, 1853	December 31, 1895	42	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Sarah and Charles Nesbit, John Nesbit was born around 1854. In 1870, he lived with his parents and siblings in Athens. He married Ella Virginia Richardson on February 3, 1884 and the couple had six living children, including John, Fannie, Sarah, Julia, and Laura. According to a 1889 editorial on East Athens, “Mr. John Nesbitt has a pretty house that can vie with many of our handsome ones on this side.” According to the 1894 City Directory, he worked as a brickmason and lived at 310 Pearl Street. He died from unknown causes on October 13, 1896.
Potts	Lou	Female	African American	Enslaved	Cook		December 31, 1924	70	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Foster	John	Male	African American	Free	Laborer	December 31, 1903	December 31, 1930	27	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Emma Shropshire and Robert H. Foster, John Albert Foster was born around 1904. On June 23, 1931, he died from acute endocarditis. At the time of his death, he worked as a laborer and lived with his wife at 1683 South Milledge Avenue.
Benford	Henry	Male	African American	Free	Fireman		December 31, 1922	49	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
W		Unknown	African American	Unknown					Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	[biographical information unknown]
Jones	Lula	Female	African American	Enslaved	Cook	December 31, 1858	December 31, 1929	71	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Lula Jones was born on March 18, 1859 and most likely enslaved. She married and had three children. In 1910, she was a widow who worked as a cook and rented a house at 160 Lyndon Avenue. According to the 1928 City Directory, she worked as a cook and lived at 157 Warsaw Street. She died from unknown cause on April 3, 1930.
Johnson	William	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1919	26	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
[Campbell?]	Charles	Male	African American	Unknown	Janitor				Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Charles Campbell most likely worked as a janitor and was married to Marzella Campbell. According to the 1937 City Directory, they lived at 660 W Hancock Avenue.
[Campbell?]		Female	African American	Unknown					Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Known as "Mother" on her tombstone, she most likely a member of the Campbell family.
Reid	Laura	Female	African American	Free	Laundress	December 31, 1866	December 31, 1928	63	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The daughter of Alfred Richardson, Laura E. Reid was born around 1867. On October 5, 1884, she married Lorenzo W. Reid, a barber, and the couple had at least ten children: Beulah, L. W., Charlie, Addie, Fannie, Louisa, Ruth, Etta, Mattiline, and Laura Ella. In 1900, the family lived at 431 Bridge Street and she did not work outside the home. She worked as a laundress in 1910. In 1897, her husband worked as a barber and lived at 431 Bridge Street. At 63 years old, she died bronchial pneumonia on December 29, 1929.
Heard	Lizzie	Female	African American	Free		December 31, 1894	December 31, 1957	63	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Lizzie Dorsey Heard was born around December 25, 1880 or 1895 (according to the Death Index). She most likely married Hill Heard, a farmer, and, according to the 1926 City Directory, they lived at 275 Field [Rd? St? Av?]. She died from unknown causes July 31, 1958. She was around 63 years old.
Stokes	Corneilus	Female	African American	Free	Laundress		December 31, 1920	25	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Harris	Millie	Female	African American	Free	Laundress	December 31, 1894	December 31, 1911	17	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to her tombstone, Millie Harris was born around 1895. According to the 1909 City Directory, she worked as a laundress and lived at 197 Bridge Street. She died from unkonow causes on September 16, 1912.
Eberhart	Martha	Female	African American	Free	Housework		December 31, 1918	33	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
	Walter	Male	African American	Unknown					Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Walter is believed to be buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. Little is known about his life.
Lyles	Eugene	Male	African American	Free	Laborer	December 31, 1972			Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Eugene Lyles was born around 1870. He married Mattie Owens Lyles and, in 1930, they lived at 147 Plum Street. He worked as a plasterer in both 1910 and 1930. According to the 1956 City Directory, he still lived at 147 Plum Street. According to his tombstone, he died on November 25, 1973.
Adams	Obadiah	Male	African American	Enslaved	Reverend	December 31, 1825	December 31, 1891	66	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Reverend Obadiah Adams was born on February 13, 1826 and most likely enslaved as a child and young adult. He died of unknown causes in Jacksonville, Florida on November 19, 1892. He was 66 years old at the time of his death.
Mcgreggy	Cinrella	Female	African American	Enslaved	Laborer		December 31, 1918	70	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Davis	G.H.	Male	African American	Enslaved		December 31, 1844	December 31, 1894	49	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to his tombstone, G. H. Davis was born on July 3, 1845 and most likely enslaved as a child. According to the 1889 City Directory, he worked at Harris & Davis and lived at 319 Reese Street. At 49 years old, he died on June 11, 1895.
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]
Stach Family	John	Male	African American	Unknown					Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	[biographical information unknown]
Jackson	Cora	Female	African American	Free		December 31, 1886	December 31, 1887		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to her tombstone, Cora Jackson was born on July 15, 1887 and died on February 7, 1888. The infant was only 7 months old at the time of her death.
Watson	Myrtie	Female	African American	Free	Child		December 31, 1920	0	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Hawkins	Rebecca	Female	African American	Enslaved	Housework	December 31, 1848	December 31, 1926	78	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Johnson	James	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1971		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	According to his obituary, James Johnson, who resided at 151 Lyndon Avenue, died from unknown causes in October 1972. He was married to Ethel Johnson and they had at least one child, Blanche Johnson Jones. The funeral was handled by Hurley’s Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
McQueen	Carrie	Female	African American	Free		December 31, 1883	December 31, 1883	1	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to her tombstone, Carrie McQueen died in 1885; she was 1 year, 3 months, and 11 days old. She most likely was the infant daughter of Nettie and W. M. McQueen, who, according to the 1897 City Directory, lived at 630 Hull Street. She was the sibling of Mamie N. McQueen and William McQueen.
Boyd	Mirtie	Female	African American	Enslaved	Seamstress	December 31, 1843	December 31, 1894	51	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Mirtie or Minta Boyd (spelling varies) was born on June 9, 1844 and most likely enslaved as a young woman. According to the 1881 City Directory, she worked as a seamstress and lived at 1019 W Hancock Avenue. At 51 years old, she died on September 18, 1895.
Nesbit	Ella	Female	African American	Enslaved		December 31, 1859	December 31, 1947	88	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Ella Virginia Richardson Nesbit was born on August 23, 1860 and most likely enslaved as a child. She married John Nesbit on February 3, 1884 and the couple had six living children, including John, Fannie, Sarah, Julia, and Laura. As a widow in 1900, she worked as a laundress and lived with five of her children at 310 Pearl Street. She died from unknown causes on December 6, 1948.
Powell	Major	Male	African American	Free	Farmer	December 31, 1894	December 31, 1922	28	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Foster	[??]	Unknown	African American	Unknown					Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	[biographical information unknown]
Bimett	Mary	Female	African American	Enslaved	Laborer		December 31, 1921	70	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
W	J	Unknown	African American	Unknown				77	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	[biographical information unknown]
Jones	Thomas	Male	African American	Enslaved	Driver	December 31, 1829	December 31, 1899	70	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Thomas Jones was born around 1830 and most likely enslaved. In 1870, he worked as a domestic servant and in 1880 he worked as a street car driver. He married Mary Jones in 1863 and the couple most likely did not have living children. In 1900, he lived at 529 Lumpkin Street. He died from unknown causes on October 13, 1900.
Jones	Callie	Female	African American	Free	Domestic		December 31, 1925	39	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
[Campbell?]	Andrew	Male	African American	Unknown					Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Most likely a member of the Campbell family.
Reid	Beulah	Female	African American	Free		December 31, 1884	December 31, 1908	24	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The daughter of Laura and Lorenza Reid, Beulah H. Reid was born on April 2, 1885. In 1900, she attended school and lived with her parents at 431 Bridge Street. She died from unknown causes on September 30, 1909. She was 24 years old. In 1897, her father lived at 431 Bridge Street; this is most likely her last known address.
Heard	M.	Unknown	African American	Free		December 31, 1887	December 31, 1888		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to the tombstone, this 7 month-old infant was born on October 12, 1888and died from unknown causes on May 14, 1889.
Stokley	Lizzie	Female	African American	Free	Cook	December 31, 1873	December 31, 1922	48	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.
Bell	Andrew	Male	African American	Free	Reverend	December 31, 1896	December 31, 1958	58	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	The son of John J. Bell and Idea Bell, Andrew Bell was born on June 10, 1897 in Oglethorpe, Georgia. In 1910, the family lived on College Ave in Athens; Andrew did not attend school was unable to read or write at that time. Sometime before 1920, he married Mary B. Bell and moved to Atlanta, where he lived much of his adult life. He worked as a “Overseer” at the Country Club in 1920 and, according to his obituary, he was a “Reverend.” At 58 years old, he died from unknown causes on September 23, 1959 in Fulton County, GA. His funeral was held at the Dorsey Tabernacle Baptist Church in Athens on September 29, 1959.
Lyles	Mattie	Female	African American	Free	Laundress	December 31, 1880	December 31, 1934	55	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The daughter of Isabel Owens and Coloumbus Hardman, Mattie Owens Lyles was born on March 12, 1881. She married Eugene Lyles sometime before 1910. In 1910, she worked as a washer woman and, in 1930, she was a housewife. She died from diabetes mellitus and candidiasis disease on August 25, 1935. According to her Death Certificate, she was a housewife living at 147 Plum Street.
Adams	Mentie	Female	African American	Enslaved	Wife	December 31, 1854	December 31, 1902	46	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Mentie Adams was born around 1855 and most likely enslaved as a child. Even so, according to the 1900 Census, she could both read and write. In 1875, she married John H. Adams, who worked as a “Presser” in Athens. The couple had five children, but only four—John, William, Mentie, and David—lived to adulthood. In 1900, the family lived at 272 Attica Avenue. Adams died from unknown causes on March 31, 1903. She was 46yrs, 7mons, 11 days old. According to the 1904 City Directory—published only a year after her death—John Adams lived at 1020 W Hancock Avenue; this is most likely her last known address.
Mcqueen	Sam	Male	African American	Enslaved	Barber		December 31, 1920	72	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Deadwyler	Mattie	Female	African American	Enslaved	Cook	December 31, 1851	December 31, 1938	86	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Mattie Deadwyler was born around 1852 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1870, she worked as a domestic servant and lived in Elbert, Georgia. She moved to Athens sometime before 1900, and, at that time, lived with her two daughters (Mary and Martha) and a granddaughter (Gertrude) at 410 Reese Street. According to the 1900, 1910, 1920 Census, she worked as a cook. In 1930, she no longer worked and lived at 600 W Broad Street. She remained at this address, according to the 1938 City Directory. She died from unknown causes on January 4, 1939.
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]
Stephens	Oliver	Male	African American	Enslaved		December 31, 1848	December 31, 1879	31	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Oliver Stephens was born on August 21, 1849 and most likely enslaved. At 31 years old, he died on September 6, 1880.
Jackson	Alfred	Male	African American	Enslaved	Laborer	December 31, 1821	December 31, 1883	62	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Alfred Jackson was born around 1822 in Virginia and most likely spent most of his life enslaved. He married Louisa Jackson and the couple had at least six children: Camilla, Edward, Albin, Bettie, Mary, and Judy. He worked as a day laborer in 1870 and a white washer in 1880. He lived on River Street. He died from unknown causes on February 14, 1884.
White	Nettie	Female	African American	Free	Housewife		December 31, 1926	54	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Hayes	Annie	Female	African American	Free		December 31, 1921	December 31, 1922	0	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
McQueen	Mamie	Female	African American	Free			December 31, 1881		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to her tombstone, Mamie McQueen died in 1885. She most likely was the infant daughter of Nettie and W. M. McQueen, who, according to the 1897 City Directory, lived at 630 Hull Street. Hull Street. She was the sibling of CarrieMcQueen and William McQueen.
Boyd	Thad	Male	African American	Enslaved	Shoemaker	December 31, 1847	December 31, 1903	56	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Thaddeus "Thad" Boyd was born sometime between 1842 and 1848 and most likely spent his childhood and youth enslaved. As a freeman, he worked as a shoemaker in Athens. He married Araminta Boyd and had at least six children: William, Carrie, Thad Jr., Nannie, Eulessis [Ulysses?], and Mary Lou. By 1900, he was widowed and living at 1019 W Hancock Avenue. He died from unknown causes on November 15, 1904.
Nesbitt	Charlie	Male	African American	Free		December 31, 1889	December 31, 1889		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Charlie Nesbitt was born on January 8, 1890. At 9 months old, he died from unknown causes on October 22, 1890. He was most likely the infant of Ella and John Nesbit, who lived at 310 Pearl Street.
Powers	Annie Bell	Female	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1926	33	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Foster	Emma	Female	African American	Enslaved	Wife	December 31, 1859	December 31, 1948	88	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The daughter of Eliza and George Shropshire, Emma Shropshire Foster was born on May 20, 1860 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1870, she lived with her parents and attended school in Athens. She married Robert Foster and, in 1880, she was “keeping house.” The couple had six children, including William, Robert, and John. In 1920, as a widow, she lived “South Athens Town Athens to Whitehall Road Runing South East.” By 1930, her address was listed as “Milledge Extension.” In 1940, she lived at 195 Milledge Avenue. She died from unknown causes on January 6, 1949.
Binns	Elizzebeth	Female	African American	Free	Teacher		December 31, 1925	24	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
W[??]		Unknown	African American	Unknown			December 31, 1931	50	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	[biographical information unknown]
Jones	Julius	Male	African American	Free		December 31, 1907	December 31, 1941	34	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to his tombstone, Julius C. Jones was born in 1908 and died in 1942.
Jones	John	Male	African American	Free	Drayman		December 31, 1919	40	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Cannon	Sharoy	Unknown	African American	Unknown			December 31, 1963		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to the tombstone, Sharoy Cannon died in 1964.
Roebuck	[??]	Male	African American	Free	Porter	December 31, 1899	December 31, 1951	52	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Roger Roebuck was born on March 15, 1900. He married Katie Roebuck prior to 1918. According to his First World War Draft Card, he lived at 328 Atlanta Street and worked as a laborer. He worked as a laborer for a Fertilizer Company in 1920 and a porter in 1940. According to the 1952 City Directory, he worked as a deliveryman at Beussee's Flowers and he and his wife lived at 770 Bray Street. He died from unknown causes in 1952.
Heard	J.	Unknown	African American	Free		December 31, 1893	December 31, 1893		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to the tombstone, J. T. Heard Jr. was born on July 31, 1894 and died August 30, 1894. It was the sibling of M. L. Heard.
Stovall	Will	Male	African American	Free	Blacksmith		December 31, 1921	42	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.
Bell	Vino	Female	African American	Free		December 31, 1889	December 31, 1961	72	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Vino Bell was born around 1890. She married Dock Bell and the couple had at least four children: Willie, Susie, Daisy Lee, and Mary. In 1940, the family lived off Old Elberton Road in Bucks Branch. She died from unknown causes in 1962. According to her obituary, she lived at 473 Little Oak Street at the time of her death. Her funeral was held at Ebenezer Baptist Church.
Lyons	C.H.S.	Male	African American	Free	Academic	December 31, 1880	December 31, 1954	74	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	C. H. S. (or C. M. S.) Lyons Sr. was born on July 25, 1881. He may have worked as a professor or teacher. According to the 1952 City Directory, he was president of the Union Baptist Institute (known Jeruel Academy) and lived at 427 Baxter Street. He died on June 26, 1955.
Alexander	Minnie	Female	African American	Free	Insurance Agent	December 31, 1892	December 31, 1947	55	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Minnie L. Alexander was born in Florida sometime between 1892 and 1895. She completed three years of high school. She married George Alexander, a local postman, and they had at least one daughter, Selma Alexander. According to the 1930 Census, the couple owned their own home at 239 Finely Street valued at $2,000. She was active in the Athens community as a member of the “Colored Missionary Workers.” Over the course of her lifetime, she worked as “Life Insurance Agent” and “Proprietor.” Alexander, in her mid-fifties, died from unknown causes on December 6, 1948.
Menifield	Ella	Female	African American	Enslaved	Housework		December 31, 1921	94	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Deadwyler	Mary	Female	African American	Free	Cook	December 31, 1892	December 31, 1962	69	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The daughter of Mattie Deadwyler, Mary Deadwyler was born in 1893. In 1900, she lived with her mother, sister (Martha), and a niece (Gertrude) at 410 Reese Street. She worked as a house maid in 1900, a maid at a hotel in 1910 and as a cook in 1920 and 1930. In 1930, she was a widow living with her mother, sister, and brother-in-law at 600 W Broad Street. According to the 1958 City Directory, she lived at 817 Waddell Street. She died from unknown causes on February 12, 1963.
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]
Strickland	John	Male	African American	Free	Butcher	December 31, 1894	December 31, 1918	24	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Jennie Wagner and Ed Strickland, John Strickland was born around 1895. In 1910, he lvied with his parents at 475 First Street and worked as a laborer in a cotton mill. During the First World War, he served in the 157 Depot Brigade at Camp Gordon. He died from pulmonary tuberculosis on April 22, 1919. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a butcher and lived at 475 First Street.
Jackson	Louisa	Female	African American	Enslaved	Laundress	December 31, 1825			Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Louisa Jackson was born around 1826 in Georgia and most likely spent most of her life enslaved. She married Alfred Jackson, a day laborer and white washer, and the couple had at least six children: Camilla, Edward, Albin, Bettie, Mary, and Judy. She worked as a washer and ironer in 1880 and lived on River Street. She died sometime after 1880.
Wilburn	Boyd	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1921	21	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Hayes	Magnola	Female	African American	Free	Housework		December 31, 1922	18	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Meriweather	Senie	Female	African American	Free	Laundress	December 31, 1876	December 31, 1905	29	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The daughter of Maria and James Meriwether. Senie or Sena Meriwether was born on April 5, 1877. In 1880, she lived with her parents and siblings at 295 Thomas Street. According to the 1904 City Directory, she worked as a washerwoman and lived at 26 Rock Spring Street. At 29 years old, she died from unknown causes on April 8, 1906.
Brewer	Dennis	Male	African American	Free	Laborer	December 31, 1898	December 31, 1927	29	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Georgia and Albert Brewer, Dennis Brewer was born on April 28, 1899. In 1920, he lived with his parents and worked as a laborer. According to the 1921 City Directory, he still worked as a laborer and lived at 1018 Pope Street. By 1924, he lived at 986 Water Street. He died at 29 years old on October 25, 1928.
Newings	John	Male	African American	Free	Soldier	December 31, 1931	December 31, 1955	24	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Mae Katie and Pierce Newing, John Evin Newings was born on July 19, 1932. In 1940, he lived with his parents in Bucks Branch Georgia. He served in the 360th Ord Ammo Company during the Koran War. He died from unknown causes on December 23, 1956. At the time of his death, he most likely lived at 355 Arch Street, which was the offical address of his father, Newings Pierce, in 1958.
Pulliam	Lucy May	Female	African American	Free			December 31, 1919	2	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Foster	Robert	Male	African American	Enslaved	Farmer	December 31, 1852	December 31, 1917	65	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Nice and Lee Foster, Robert H. Foster was born around 1853 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1870, he worked as a farm laborer and lived with his parents. He married Emma Foster and the couple had at least three children: Ella, William, Robert, and John. He worked as a farmer in 1880 and 1910; he lived outside of town near “Allensville and Wherele Hall Road” In 1918, he and his son were accused of “desecrating the United States Flag,” but were both acquitted of the crime. He died from unknown causes on September 3, 1918.
Boland	Mary	Female	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1922	49	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Wade	John	Male	African American	Free	Grocer	December 31, 1886	December 31, 1947	60	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Orange Wade, John Wade was born around 1887 (or on February 2, 1886). In 1910, he worked as a “Bartender” at the “Bear Saloon.” According to his First World War Draft Card, he worked as a market business man and lived on Washington Street. According to the 1947 City Directory, he worked at Wade’s Market and lived with his wife, Leona, at 872 W Broad Street. He died from unknown causes on May 28, 1948.
Jones	Ida	Female	African American	Free		December 31, 1888	December 31, 1948	60	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Ida Jones was born in 1889. In 1920, she lived with her husband, John Jones, a drayman, and their four children: William, Suise, Bernadett, and David. According to the 1942 City Directory, she lived at 425 Cleveland Avenue. At age 61, she died on June 29, 1949.
Jones	Louvenia	Female	African American	Enslaved	Housework		December 31, 1919	65	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Carey	Fannie	Female	African American	Enslaved		December 31, 1853	December 31, 1937	84	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to her tombstone, Fannie L. Carey was born on July 6, 1854 and most likely Enslaved as a child. She married Lucius Carey, a laborer, and the couple lived at 385 Arch Street in 1935. She diedfrom unknown causes on December 9, 1939. She was 84 years old at the time of her death.
S[??]	Emma	Female	African American	Unknown					Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	[biographical information unknown]
Heard	Mattie	Female	African American	Enslaved	Teacher	December 31, 1862	December 31, 1942	78	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Mattie I. Heard was born around 1863 and most likely enslaved. She married William Heard, a blacksmith, in 1897 and the couple does not appear to have had living children. She worked as a teacher in 1900, 1910, and 1920 At the time of her husband’s death in 1939, they lived at 475 Reese Street. She died from unknown causes on November 13, 1943.
Stricklyn	Mary	Female	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1921	45	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.
Bryant	Lillie	Female	African American	Free		December 31, 1894	December 31, 1970	76	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Lillie Wade Bryant was born around 1895. She appears to have married. At 76 years old, she died from unknown causes on April 25, 1971. According to her obituary, she lived at 872 W Broad Street at the time of her death.
Lyons	Lottie	Female	African American	Free	Academic	December 31, 1911	December 31, 1956	45	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The granddaughter of Charlotte and Edward Derricotte and the daughter of Ophelia M. and Charles Lyons, Lottie M. Lyons was born around 1912. In 1920, she lived with her parents at 427 Baxter Street. She was the Dean of Woman at Ft. Valley State College (now Fort Valley State University). She died from unknown causes on May 19, 1957.
Allen	Owen	Male	African American	Enslaved	Laborer	December 31, 1828	December 31, 1899	71	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Owen Allen was born in December 1829 and most likely enslaved as a child and young adult. He married Margaret Allen and the couple had at least five children—Hopy, Albert, Henry, Nancy, and Margaret. In 1870, he worked as a “Day Laborer” and, in 1880, as a "farmer." According to the 1889 City Directory, he worked as a blacksmith at 907 S Lumpkin Street and lived in Allensville. He died, at 71 years of age, on December 28, 1900.

Decedent

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