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 Gendersort ascending Race Status Occupation DOB DOD Age Grave Location Grave Marker Biography
Johnson Louise Female African American Free December 31, 1961 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Louise Johnson died from unknown causes in September 1962. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Livingston Laura Female African American Free Seamstress December 31, 1880 December 31, 1991 111 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Laura Livingston was born in 1881. Sometime before 1910, she married Richard Livingston, a mail carrier, and the couple rented a home at 540 Hancock Avenue. In 1940, the couple owned the home at 540 Hancock Avenue and she worked as a seamstress. She died from unknown causes in 1992. She was around 100 years old.
Wilder Rachel Female African American Free December 31, 1830 December 31, 1888 58 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Rachel Wilder was born around 1831. She married James Wilder, a farm laborer, and they could had at least five children: Dennis, Samuel, Charles, William, and Berry. In 1870, they lived in Madison, Georgia. At 58 years old, she died from unknown causes on October 19, 1889.
Scott Jane Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1924 98 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Watson Victoria Female African American Free December 31, 1973 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Victoria Watson, who resided at 175 Glenhaven Avenue, died from unknown causes in October 1974. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Derricotte Annie Female African American Free Teacher December 31, 1882 December 31, 1963 81 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Rosa Smith, Annie Smith Derricotte was born on September 17, 1883. Around 1907, she married Thomas L. Derricotte, a hotel waiter. In 1910, she lived with her mother, husband, and a boarder (Eula Davis) at 293 Cherry Street. She graduated from Atlanta University and she worked as a private school teacher in 1910 and an elementary school teacher in 1940. She lived alone at 389 Dubose Avenue in 1940. According to the 1956, she remained at that address. At 81 years old, she died from unknown causes on October 21, 1964.
Shaw Dicy Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1876 December 31, 1932 49 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Clara Griffin and Remus Nesbit, Dicie Nesbit Shaw was born on October 16, 1877. She married Charley Shaw around 1896. According to the 1910 Census she worked as “Husbands Saleslady” in “Retail Groceries.” She died from interstitial nephritis and pulmonary stasis on July 1, 1933. At the time of her death, she worked as a domestic and lived at 428 Flynt Street.
Holmes Mattie Female African American Free Child December 31, 1920 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.
Johnson Mary Female African American Free December 31, 1887 December 31, 1970 83 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, she was born on January 2, 1888 and died from unknown causes on January 18, 1971.
Burnes Mamie Female African American Free Laborer December 31, 1926 37 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Thomas Violet Female African American Free Teacher December 31, 1892 December 31, 1935 42 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Julia Collins and Lucins Thomas, Violet Clyde Thomas was born on July 4, 1893 in Athens Georgia. She moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. She died from a cerebral apoplexy on January 28, 1936. According to her Death Certificate, she worked as a teacher and lived in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Heard Mary Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1844 December 31, 1927 83 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Born around 1845, Mary Heard was most likely enslaved as a child. In 1870, she worked as a domestic servant for Stevens Thomas and his white family. Sometime before 1880, she married Bartlett Heard a farmer and the couple lived in Buck Branch, Clarke County, Georgia. After his death in June 1890, she worked as a farm laborer. In 1909, she worked as a cook and lived 185 Valley [Road or Street]. She died from unknown causes in 1928.
Johnson Ethal Female African American Free December 31, 1975 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Ethel Johnson, who resided at 151 Lyndon Avenue, died from unknown causes in August 1976. She was married to James Johnson and they had at least one child, Blanche Johnson Jones. The funeral was handled by Hurley’s Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
[Carey?] Clara Female African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Wilder Odessia Female African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Rachel Wilder and James Wilder, Odessia Wilder was born at an unknown issue. In 1870, the family lived in Madison, Georgia; this is most likely his last known address. In 1870, the family lived in Madison, Georgia; this is most likely her last known address.
Scott Magnolia Female African American Free Student December 31, 1921 17 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Whitield Mittie Female African American Free December 31, 1961 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Mittie Whitfield, who resided at 495 Reese Street, died from unknown causes in December 1962. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Derricotte Fannie Female African American Enslaved Laundress December 31, 1861 December 31, 1933 72 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Gabrella and George Brown, Fannie Brown Derricotte was born around 1862 and most likely enslaved as a child. She was widowed sometime before 1900, and had at least two children: Mary and Willie. According to the 1880, 1900, 1910 and 1920 Census, She worked as a laundress. She died from cardio vascular renal disease on February 21, 1934. According to her death certificate, she worked as a domestic and lived at 825 W Hancock Avenue.
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.
Houston Florence Female African American Free Laborer December 31, 1920 21 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Edwards Roberta Female African American Free December 31, 1948 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Roberta Woods Edwards, the wife of Joseph Edward, died in November 1949. The funeral was handled by Mack & Payne Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Brown Mamie Female African American Free Teacher December 31, 1880 December 31, 1960 80 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Mamie E. Brown was born around 1881. She married Anderson S. Brown and the couple at had least three children: Hamilton, Fedrick, and Julius. She was active in the Odd Fellows and, during a 1915 convention, she “welcomed the visitors to the colored households of Athens.” In 1910 and 1930, she and her family lived at 987 Reese Street. She worked as a public school teacher, according to the 1930 Census. According to the 1958 City Directory, she lived still lived at 987 Reese Street, but now worked as a cook at “Chicken Shack.” She died from unknown causes on April 3, 1961.
Thomas Laura Female African American Free Farmer December 31, 1870 December 31, 1923 52 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Carter Lillie Female African American Free Housewife December 31, 1919 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Gaiy Harriet Female African American Free 55 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Harriet C. Gaiy died during the 1940s at 55 years old.
Lumpkin Rosa Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1918 52 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Nesbitt Sibyl Female African American Free December 31, 1918 December 31, 1921 2 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
[Carey?] Anna Female African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Pope Celie Female African American Enslaved December 31, 1885 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Celie Pope died in 1886 and was most likely enslaved. She may have been born around 1771.
Gant Ellen Female African American Enslaved Farmer December 31, 1919 110 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Williams Harriet Female African American Free House Keeper December 31, 1852 December 31, 1930 76 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Harriett Dardey, Harriet Williams was born around October 11, 1853. At 76 years of age, she died from arterio sclerosis on February 24, 1930. According to her Death Certificate, she was a “house keeper” and lived in Atlanta, Georgia.
Shanks Armina Female African American Free Laborer December 31, 1924 31 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Wilcox Dora Female African American Free December 31, 1970 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Dora Sapp Wilcox, who resided at 550 W Hancock Avenue, died from unknown causes in February 1974. The funeral was handled by Mutual Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Derricotte Savannah Female African American Enslaved December 31, 1851 December 31, 1899 47 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Savannah Derricotte was born on November 17, 1852 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1874, she married Henry Derricotte, a carpenter, and, in 1900, the couple had seven living children. According to the 1900 Census, she did not work. At 47 years old, she died from unknown causes on September 25, 1900. According to the 1909 City Directory, Henry Derricotte lived at 213 Chase Street and this is most likely her last address.
Sheppard Anna Female African American Enslaved December 31, 1861 December 31, 1884 22 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Anna M. H. Sheppard was born on August 17, 1862 and most likely enslaved as a child. At 22 years of age, she died from unknown causes on April 25, 1885.
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.
Ellis Sarah Female African American Free December 31, 1945 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Sarah Ellis died in November 1946. The funeral was handled by Mutual Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Thomas Margret Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1919 80 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
George Maria Female African American Enslaved December 31, 1824 December 31, 1914 90 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Maria George was born around 1825 and most likely spent the first half of her life enslaved. As a widow in 1910, she owned a home at 584 Strong Street. She still lived at that address in 1912, according to the City Directory. She died from unknown causes on March 14, 1915.
Lungkins Elnora Female African American Free December 31, 1912 December 31, 1921 10 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Nesbrit Hellen Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1919 70 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Carrington Sarah Female African American Free Housewife December 31, 1883 December 31, 1931 48 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Eliza and Mayor Saggors, Sarah L. Carrington was born on March 23, 1884 in Georgia. She married Chas H. Carrington, a railroad shop laborer, and the couple lived in Birmingham, Alabama. She died from unknown causes on January 8,1932. Her body was returned to Athens and interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery on January 11, 1932. She was only 48 years old at the time of her death.
Pope Ida Female African American Free December 31, 1883 December 31, 1964 81 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Ida Ruby Neal Pope was born around March 18, 1884. In 1910, she had property on Vine Street. In 1935, she was married to Simon Pope, a janitor at the University of Gerogia. Accoridng to the 1958 City Directory, she lived alone at 524 Vine Street. At age 81, she died from unknown causes on September 11, 1965.
Garfield Carrie Female African American Enslaved Housewife December 31, 1924 63 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Williams Lula Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1896 December 31, 1922 26 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Roda Calloway and Mark Johnson, Lula Jane Williams was born in August 1897. She married Ed Williams and, in 1920, the couple lived on Lyndon Street. She worked as a cook in 1920. She died from [??] on February 26, 1923. According to her Death Index, she worked as a domestic and lived at 882 Water Street.
Woods Lizzie Female African American Free December 31, 1977 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Lizzie Beth Woods, who resided at 200 Washington Drive, died from unknown causes on July 9, 1978. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
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.
Evans Julia Female African American Free December 31, 1961 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Julia Evans, who resided at 360 First Street, died in December 1962. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Brown Alice Female African American Free December 31, 1910 December 31, 1912 2 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Alice E. Brown was born on 1911 and died on 1913.
Newsome Susie Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1860 December 31, 1926 66 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Clark Minnie Female African American Free December 31, 1889 December 31, 1932 43 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Minnie Lee Clark was born around 1890 and died in November 1933. She was only 43years old at the time of her death.
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.
Gleen Albirdie Female African American Free December 31, 1919 5 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Wright Inez Female African American Free December 31, 1977 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Inez Flanigan Wright, who resided in Dayton, Ohio, died from unknown causes in March 1978. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Sims Minnie Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1874 December 31, 1930 56 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Caroline and D. Charlie Whales, Minnie Whales Sims was born around 1875. She married John H. Sims and the couple had at least four children: Robert, M. C, Susie, and George. She worked as a Laundress in 1910 and a cook in 1930. At 56 years old, she died from [??] on November 4, 1931. At the time of her death, she lived at 499 Madison Avenue and worked as a domestic.
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.
Brown Mary Female African American Free December 31, 1913 December 31, 1944 31 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Mary Frances Brown was born on 1914. She most likely married Reese Brown, a "helper" at Athens Labor Company, and, according to the 1940 City Directory, the couple lived at 151 Strickland Avenue. At 31 years old, she died from unknown causes on 1945.
Thomas Orrie Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1867 December 31, 1923 56 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
[Goon?] [??] Female African American Free 75 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, [??] Sally [Goon?] died during the 1940s at 75 years old.
Clark Julia Female African American Free December 31, 1880 December 31, 1940 60 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Julia Shaw Clark was born in 1881. She most likely married William W. Clark, a laborer, and the couple lived at 144 Warsaw Street, according to the 1929 City Directory. At 84 years old, she died in 1941.
Grady Mary Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1919 22 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Bacon Marenia Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1823 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Minerva Bacon was born around 1824 and most likely enslaved as a young woman. She married Robert Bacon sometime before 1870 and the couple had at least threechildren: Robert Jr., Edward, and Mary. In 1880, she lived with her husband, sons, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren at 353 Foundry Street in Athens. She worked as a “Washer & Ironer” in 1880 and as a “cook” in 1889. According to the 1889 City Directory, she lived at 414 N Foundry Street. She died from unknown causes on an unknown date.
Brown Ella Female African American Free December 31, 1879 December 31, 1928 49 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Ella Smith Brown was born on 1880 ans died from unknown causes on 1929. At the time of her death, she was around 49 years old.
Thomas Palace Female African American Enslaved Housework December 31, 1924 71 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Thomas Susie Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1872 December 31, 1969 97 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Hannah and G. Thomas, Susie Lee Thomas was born around 1873. In 1880, she lived with her parents on Richardson Street and attended school. She married Anderson Thomas and the couple had at least two children. She worked as a laundress in 1910, a farm laborer in 1920, and a cook in 1940. She died from unknown causes in July 1970. According to her funeral notice, she lived at 130 Hickman Drive.
Odoms Corene Female African American Free December 31, 1921 2 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Porter Susie Female African American Free Laundress Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Susie Bason Porter was born around 1886. She married Walter Porter and the couple appears not to have had living children. In 1930, she worked as a laundress. In 1940, the couple owned a house at 554 Strong Street, according to the 1958 City Directory, they remained at 554 E Strong Street. At 82 years old, she died from unknown causes in 1968.
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.
Williams Maria Female African American Free December 31, 1877 December 31, 1890 8 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Jane and Isaac Williams, Marie Williams was born on January 26, 1878. In 1880, she lived with her parents at the corner of Foundry Street and Connecticut Street. At 8 years old, she died from unknown causes on March 30, 1886.
Bacon Mary Female African American Enslaved Laundress December 31, 1848 December 31, 1916 68 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Mary Bacon was born on October 17, 1849 and, given her date of birth, sge likely spent her childhood enslaved. According to the 1909 City Directory, she worked as a laundress and lived at 554 E Strong Street. at 68 years old, she died from uknown causes on November 27, 1917. She is most likely either the mother, sister, or wife of Edward Bacon, who was also buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery.
Shenault Carrie Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1919 53 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Jackson Sweetie Female African American Free December 31, 1874 December 31, 1934 59 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Sweetie Poulain Jackson was born on November 15, 1875. She married Thomas Jackson, a miller, and the couple had at least seven children: Farris, Thomas, Burnett, Babe, Samuel, and Lloyd. In 1910, the family rented a house on Cleveland Avenue. According to 1931 City Directory, she and her husband lived at 133 Cleveland Avenue. At 59 years old, she died from unknown causes on July 17, 1935.
Davis Rebekah Female African American Unknown December 31, 1921 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Rebekah Davis was born in 1832 in Georgia. She was enslaved to Dr. and Mrs. Edward Ware. As a young woman, she married Ned Davis (also enslaved) and the couple had 7 children. Later, at least one of her sons moved to Chicago as a grown man. Three of her sons remained in Athens, and James A. Davis worked as a mail carrier. After the Civil War, she worked as a seamstress. She appears to have learned to read and write in the later years of her life and she was an active member of the First A.M.E. Church. She lived at 179 Strong Street in Athens, Georgia until her death from unknown causes on January 19, 1922. Her obituary, published in the Athens Daily Herald, described her as “one of the oldest citizens of Athens and was the oldest member of the First A. M. E. church.” She was 90 years old. But even after death, the white newspaper remembered her as a ‘faithful slave,’ an element of Lost Cause ideology. “‘Aunt Rebekah’ . . . as a family servant of Dr. and Mrs. Edward Ware, who lived on Hoyt street, during the ante bellum days, and her husband Ned Davis, belonged to Captain John Thomas, and was her personal servant. Ned died many years ago. These darkies were servants in the homes of two of the best known and most aristocratic families of the day, and were well known to many of the white people of the time,” stated the obituary. [Researched and written by Trey Smith]
Smith Ada Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1881 December 31, 1916 35 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Ada D. Smith was born on April 29, 1882. She married Tom Smith and the couple had at least five children: Minnie, Agnus, Violet, Wyatt, and Robert. She worked as a washerwoman in 1900 and as a cook in 1910. According to the 1914 City Directory, she lived with her husband at 367 Athens Avenue. At 35 years old, she died from unknown June 16, 1917.
Mi[??] Mamie Female African American Unknown 70 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Mamie Mi[??] died on October 31, [19??]. She was 70 years old at the time of her death.
Hurt Francis Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1919 75 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Brown Eliza Female African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Tompkins Corine Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1922 24 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Osborne Anna Female African American Free December 31, 1919 December 31, 1919 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Heath Lula Female African American Free Boarding House December 31, 1873 December 31, 1912 39 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Lula Shaw Heath was born sometime between 1874 and 1878. In 1910, she ran a boarding house and lived with her husband, Charley Heath, their child, Charley, and two borders at 317 Chase Street. She died from unknown causes on September 15, 1913.
Cobb Minnie Female African American Free Wife December 31, 1891 December 31, 1943 52 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Born around July 14, 1890, Minnie Johnson Cobb married Crawford Cobb, a tailor. According to the 1938 City Directory, he worked as a tailor and they lived at 874 Water Street. In 1940, she did not work and lived with her husband at 874 Hobson Avenue. According to the 1942 City Directory, she lived once again at 874 Water Street. She died from unknown causes on February 12, 1944.
[Powers?] Harriet Female African American Enslaved Seamstress December 31, 1838 December 31, 1909 72 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Harriet C. Powers was born around 1837-1839 and, as a young woman, enslaved on the plantation of John and Nancy Lester in Madison County, Georgia. At around 18 years old, she married Armstead Powers in 1855. The couple had at least nine children, including Amanda, Leon Joe (Alonzo), Nancy, Lizzie, and Marshall. In 1870 and 1880, she was “Keeping House” and lived with her family near Sandy Creek, Georgia. As skilled seamstress and folk artist, her intricate quilts were displayed at the Clarke County Cotton Fair and were highly sought after. Today, only two of her quilts survive; one hangs American History Museum of the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. and the other hangs in the Museum of Fine Art in Boston. According to the 1889 City Directory, her husband lived at 27 Angle [St? Rd?]; she most likely lived at this address as well. She died from unknown causes on January 1, 1910.
Williams Jane Female African American Enslaved Domestic December 31, 1836 December 31, 1890 54 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Jane Williams was born around 1837 and most likely enslaved. She married Isaac Williams and the couple had at least one child: Marie Williams. In 1800, she worked as a servant and lived at the corner of Foundry Street and Connecticut Street. At 54 years old, she died from unknown causes on January 13, 1891.
Shortey Bobie Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1924 35 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
McQueen Mahala Female African American Unknown December 31, 1909 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Mahala Wooden McQueen survived four wars throughout her lifetime, including the War of 1812 at the time of her birth. She later sewed and mended clothes for soldiers in the Mexican American War, Civil War, and the Spanish American War. Born at Cherokee Corners in Oglethorpe County, and was enslaved to the Hill family. Her obituary notes her labor for the Barrow family in raising David Crenshaw Barrow, former University of Georgia Chancellor from 1906 to 1925. At the time of her death, she birthed twelve children with only two surviving, Sam McQueen and a daughter, Julia Witheld. She passed away at 98 years old in her cottage home at 658 Hull Street on March 22nd, 1910.
Drake Laura Female African American Enslaved Cake Embosser December 31, 1861 December 31, 1904 43 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Laura L. T. Drake was born in May 1862 and was most likely enslaved as a child. In 1900, she was married and had four children: Franklin, Laura, Ruby, and Gipsy. She worked as a cake embosser and lived at 11 Billups Street. On May 24, 1905, she died from unknown causes; she was around 43 years old.
Smith Rosa Female African American Enslaved Domestic December 31, 1862 December 31, 1934 72 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Lottie and Mr. Jones, Rosa Jones Smith was born around July 4, 1863 and most likely enslaved as a child. She worked as a laborer in 1880 and a private family nurse in 1910. As a widow, in 1910, she lived 293 Cherry Street. She died from [??] and pneumonia on January 17, 1935. At the time of her death, she worked as a domestic and lived at 389 Dubose Avenue.
Milner Ella Female African American Enslaved December 31, 1861 December 31, 1942 81 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Ella L. Milner was born in 1862 and most likely enslaved as a child. She married Sam Milner, a warehouse worker, and the couple had at least one child: Roberta Milner. She did not work during her married life. As a widow in 1930, she lived alone at 168 Peabody Street. She died from unknown causes in 1943.
Jacks Mary Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1923 70 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.
Freeman Bessie Female African American Unknown December 31, 1945 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Bessie Samuel Freeman died in October 1946. The funeral was handled by Mack & Payne Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Brown [Susie?] Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1883 December 31, 1936 53 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Susian Mcintosh and Robert L. Jones, Susie C. Jones Brown was born around 1884 in Oconee County. She worked as laundress during the 1910s and 1920s. She married J. Wilson Brown, a grocery store merchant, and the couple had at least five children: Georgia, Mamie, Caleb, Lila, and Susie. After the death of her husband, she lived at 1353 W Hancock Avenue and worked as a domestic. At 53 years old, she died from apoplexy on December 13, 1937.
Jones Mamie Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1885 December 31, 1970 85 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Mamie Howell Jones was born on March 11, 1886. She married William Brown Jones and the couple had at least three children: Arthur, Thomas, and Clifford. In 1910, the family lived in Stone Mountain, Georgia. In 1940, she worked in “laundry” and they lived at 1063 W Hancock Avenue. According to the 1956 City Directory, she and her husband lived at 1063 W Hancock Avenue. She died from unknown causes on July 19, 1971.

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