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 Markersort descending Biography
Boyd Claura Female African American Free Laborer December 31, 1923 26 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.
Joseph George Male African American Free Child December 31, 1922 December 31, 1922 0 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.
Thomas Eluice Male African American Free Child December 31, 1923 December 31, 1924 1 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Gilbert Robert Male African American Free December 31, 1952 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, Robert Gilbert, who resided at 346 Bowie Street SW in Atlanta, died from unknown causes in January 1953. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
Thomas Lonnie Male African American Free December 31, 1962 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Lonnie Thomas was born on May 6, 1879. He married Ethel Thomas, who worked as a hotel maid. Lonnie and Ethe had at least six children: Edward, Melvin, Hassie (or “Azzie”), Alfonzo, Charlie, and St. Elmore. Census records show that Lonnie owned his house on 160 Water Oak Street in Athens, Georgia. In 1910, Mr. Thomas went to court and won against someone who had wrongfully disposed of his personal property. His draft card for the military in 1918 listed the same address, along with his employer, the Georgia Plow Company, where he worked for many years as a laborer in the factory. He died from unknown causes on January 20, 1963, and was buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. [Researched and written by McKenna Sanville]
Nesbitt Sibyl Female African American Free December 31, 1918 December 31, 1921 2 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Hill John Female African American Free Child December 31, 1918 December 31, 1918 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Bradley Lena Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1918 48 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.
Killian Sarah Female African American Free Housewife December 31, 1901 December 31, 1926 24 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Everaton Mamie Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1920 17 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.
Griggs Mary Female African American Free December 31, 1966 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Mother Mary Thomas, who resided at 541 Irene St NE in Atlanta, died from unknown causes in September 1967. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Thomas Arthur Male African American Free December 31, 1943 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked The son of Margaret and Hamilton Thomas, Arthur Thomas was born between 1867 and 1870. Around 1906, he married Gertrude Thomas, and the couple had at least one child, Willie Mae Thomas. In 1910, he worked as a brickmason and rented a home at 288 Bridge Street. He died from unknown causes in 1944. At the time of his death, he lived in Atlanta. [Researched and written by Nic Rasool]
Nesbrit Hellen Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1919 70 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Hill Mamie Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1880 December 31, 1922 42 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Brewer [??] Female African American Free December 31, 1904 December 31, 1920 0 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.
Laney Minnie Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1920 28 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Fields Bell Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1881 December 31, 1926 45 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.
Thomas Matt Male African American Enslaved Driver December 31, 1923 60 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Griggs Joe Male African American Free December 31, 1949 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, Joe Henry Griggs, who resided at 280 Cain St NE in Atlanta, died from unknown causes in May 1950. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
Thronton Tommie Female African American Free December 31, 1953 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Mrs. Tommie Upshaw Thornton, who resided at 170 Lendon Avenue, died from unknown causes in September 1954. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Newsome Susie Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1860 December 31, 1926 66 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Hill Patsy Female African American Free December 31, 1925 50 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Bridy Camilla Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1924 74 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.
Lawrence Orrin Male African American Enslaved December 31, 1920 82 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Fields Jno. Male African American Free Cotton Worker December 31, 1918 35 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.
Harris Nora Female African American Free December 31, 1966 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Nora Harris, who resided at 462 Madison Avenue, died in October 1967. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Walker Jessie Male African American Free December 31, 1954 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Jessie Walker was born in 1890 in Athens, GA. According to the Athens Daily Herald, he was still living in Athens in 1917 and listed among the Clarke County men registered for the First World War draft. He moved to Michigan sometime after this and married Evie Walker with whom he had a daughter named Ora Lee Walker, later Ora Lee Gardner. According to the 1930 US Census, Walker lived with his family and two men who rented rooms in their home at 518 Beaver St. in Lansing, MI. His obituary of September 10, 1955, placed his residence at 131S Case Street in Lansing, and stated that he would be returned to Athens, GA to be buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. [Researched and written by Avery Scott]
Norman John Male African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1923 68 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Hiram Ellen Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1919 56 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Brittin George Male African American Free Carpenter December 31, 1925 50 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.
Lee Della Female African American Free Laborer December 31, 1923 48 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Fields Lelia Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1921 51 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.
Hawkins Mattie Female African American Free December 31, 1952 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Mattie M. Hawkins, who resided at 650 Hancock Avenue, died on December 31, 1953. The funeral was handled by Mutual Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Walker Nathaniel Male African American Free December 31, 1954 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked A lifelong Athens resident, Reverend Nathaniel Thomas Walker was born on February 22, 1887. He was drafted for the First World War in 1917, and according to the Athens Daily Herald, he was part of a group of men sent to France. Walker had requested a military exemption, but it was rejected: as the newspaper noted, “two young men who are in the ministry failed to exempt [from military service] – on account of the fact that they did not file proof to their claim in the prescribed manner.” After his return from the war, he married Susie B. Walker, with whom he took care of a stepdaughter, Christine B. Barnette. He worked as a preacher, and between 1931 and 1944 he was the reverend of Union Missionary Baptist Church. He lived at 160 Water Street in 1917, and resided on Finley Street in 1920. In August 1955, he passed away from unknown causes and was buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. [Researched and written by Abby Lauterbach]
Odoms Corene Female African American Free December 31, 1921 2 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Hirams Rubin Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1922 55 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Browner Richard Male African American Enslaved City Employee December 31, 1921 63 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.
Lewis Ellen Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1920 55 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Ford Malinda Female African American Free Farmer December 31, 1920 55 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.
Hill Emerline Female African American Free December 31, 1950 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Emerline Hill, who resided at 654 North Avenue NW in Atlanta, died in May 1951. The funeral was handled by Hanley’s Ashby Street Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Warrick Anges Female African American Free December 31, 1969 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Agnes (Aremita) Heard Warrick was born in Athens, Georgia on October 13, 1897. On March 1, 1927, she married Ronald M. Warrick. At age 72, Warrick died on January 15, 1970 and was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery in Athens, Georgia. Her last known residence was in Fort Pierce, Saint Lucie, Florida. [Researched and written by Taliesin Utz]
Osborne Anna Female African American Free December 31, 1919 December 31, 1919 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Holbrooks Rosa Female African American Free December 31, 1919 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Buedon Ora Male African American Free Gardener December 31, 1920 December 31, 1920 0 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.
Lewis Fannie Female African American Enslaved Teacher December 31, 1923 63 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Fortson Jim Male African American Free December 31, 1919 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Foster Jos. Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1918 19 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.
Howell Leonard Male African American Free December 31, 1954 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, Leonard Howell, who resided in Atlanta, died from unknown causes in November 1955. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
Washington Hector Female African American Free December 31, 1946 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Mrs. Hector Mary Washington, who resided in Atlanta, died from unknown causes in January 1947. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Owens Emberly Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1924 99 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Holmes Geo. Male African American Free December 31, 1923 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Bunkley Lula Female African American Free December 31, 1925 54 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.
Logan Fanie Female African American Free Laborer December 31, 1925 28 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Lyons Hannah Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1922 56 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Foster Lorenza Male African American Free Child December 31, 1926 December 31, 1926 0 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.
Howell Lamar Female African American Free December 31, 1967 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Mrs. Leonard Howell, who resided in Atlanta, died from unknown causes in February 1968. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
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.
Owens Isibella Female African American Enslaved Laundress December 31, 1918 65 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Holmes Mattie Female African American Free Child December 31, 1920 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Burnes Mamie Female African American Free Laborer December 31, 1926 37 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.
Lumpkin Dan Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1926 45 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
[??] Barbara Female African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Barbara [M??] [??] is believed to be buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. Little is known about her life.
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.
Lyons John Male African American Free Mason December 31, 1920 56 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Gant Ellen Female African American Enslaved Farmer December 31, 1919 110 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Wales Cassie Female African American Free Laborer December 31, 1921 48 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.
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.
Parrott Henry Male African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1918 70 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Houston Florence Female African American Free Laborer December 31, 1920 21 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Carter Lillie Female African American Free Housewife December 31, 1919 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Sloan Lucinda Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1919 80 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Lumpkin Rosa Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1918 52 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Jane Female African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Jane is believed to be buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. Little is known about her life.
Johnson Reese Male African American Free December 31, 1957 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Reese Johnson, who resided at 130 Water Street, died from unknown causes in June 1958. The funeral was handled by Mutual Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Mack Claudie Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1885 December 31, 1924 41 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Garfield Carrie Female African American Enslaved Housewife December 31, 1924 63 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Walker [??] Female African American Free Child December 31, 1924 December 31, 1924 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.
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.
Patterson Nellie Female African American Free December 31, 1922 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Howard Aurodite Male African American Free December 31, 1919 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.

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