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
[Pearl?]	Ossie	Female	African American	Free		December 31, 1888	December 31, 1956	68	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to her tombstone, Ossie was born around 1889 and died on March 18, 1957. She was 68 years old at the time of her death. She may have had the last name “Pearl.”
Haley	Beverly	Female	African American	Free		December 31, 1940	December 31, 1954	14	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to her tombstone, Beverly Ann Haley was born in 1941 and died in 1955.
Whitlock	John	Male	African American	Free	Laborer	December 31, 1856	December 31, 1916	60	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	John Whitelock (or Whittlock) was born around 1857. According to the 1894 City Directory, worked as a laborer and lived at 805 Athens Avenue. He may have been married to Martha Whitelock. At 60 years old, he died from unknown causes on March 3, 1917.
Johnson	Alice	Female	African American	Enslaved		December 31, 1856	December 31, 1917	61	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The daughter of Thomas Jones and Mary E. Jones, Alice V. Johnson was born on August 27, 1857 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1879, she married William D. Johnson, a Athens clergyman originally hailing from Maryland. Over the course of her life she had six children, but only five of those children survived into adulthood. In 1900, the couple owned a home at 529 Lumpkin Street. Sometime after the death of her husband on April 10, 1909, she moved to 681 W. Lumpkin St. She died of unknown causes on April 4, 1918.
Barrett	Luther	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1918	5	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Morton	Charles	Male	African American	Free	Entertainment Industry	December 31, 1902	December 31, 1969	67	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Monroe “Pink” Bowers Morton and Tallulah Morton, Charles Morton was born on February 27, 1903. In 1910 and 1920, he attended school and lived with his parents and siblings on Prince Avenue. In 1930, he worked as a “Machine operator” at the “picture show,” most likely at the Morton Theatre. According to his Second World War draft card, he worked for his family and lived at 823 Prince Avenue. According to the 1958 City Directory, he worked at Twentieth Century Billiards and lived, with Goldiee W., at 659 W Hancock Avenue. At 67 years old, he died from unknown causes on June 20, 1970.
Johnson	Herbert	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1922	51	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.
Collins	Isaac	Male	African American	Free	Janitor	December 31, 1879	December 31, 1926	47	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Isaac Collins was born on February 10, 1880. Around 1905, He married Lizzie Collins and the couple had at least two children: Mary and Jeffrey. In 1910, he worked as a “Bill Poster” in the “Bulletin Boards” industry. According to the 1920 Census, he worked as a janitor and lived at 195 Billups Street. He died from unknown causes on February 10, 1927.
Shaw	Adeline	Female	African American	Enslaved	Domestic	December 31, 1819	December 31, 1894	75	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Adeline Shaw was born around 1820 and most likely enslaved. In 1880, she worked as a servant and was a widow living near Foundry Street. She died from unknown causes in 1895.
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.
L.	C.	Unknown	African American	Unknown		December 31, 1888	December 31, 1890	2	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to the child’s tombstone, C. H. L. died on October 14, 1891. The child only lived 2 years, 4 months, and 7 days.
Davis	Wm	Male	African American	Enslaved	Cotton Worker		December 31, 1922	63	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.
Bates	William	Male	African American	Free	Farmer	December 31, 1864	December 31, 1941	77	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Kissey Bates, William Bates was born around 1865. His first wife, Marie Bates, died sometime before 1920. In the 1920s and 1930s, he worked as a farmer near the Princeton Factory in Clarke County, Georgia. By 1940, he had remarried 44 year-old Alice Bates and they lived at 1537 W Broad Street. At that time, he did not work and she worked as a laundress. He died on March 6, 1942; he was around 77 years of age.
Evans	Will	Male	African American	Free	Rail Road Worker	December 31, 1885	December 31, 1925	39	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of William Evans, Will Evans was born around June 25, 1886. He married Julia Evans and, according to his First World War draft card, he supported four children. After the war, he worked on the railroad. On June 8, 1926, he died from [??] and acute endocarditis. The couple had been living at 488 Strong Street.
Thomas	Katie	Female	African American	Free	Domestic	December 31, 1897	December 31, 1975	78	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The daughter of Laura and Eugene Thomas, Katie C. Thomas was born around 1898. In 1910, she attended school and lived with her parents and siblings at 1248 W Broad Street. She did not work in 1920. In 1940, she worked as a maid and lived on Flint Street. According to the 1958City Directory, she lived at 748 N Hull Street. She died from unknown causes in 1976.
Huff	Will	Male	African American	Free	Laborer	December 31, 1894	December 31, 1934	40	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Alois Howard and Gib Huff, Will Huff was born on March 12, 1893 in Crawford, Georgia. He died from [??] of heart and nephritis on February 11, 1935. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as laborer and lived at 264 Bridge Street.
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]
Matthews	Margaret	Female	African American	Free	Teacher	December 31, 1877	December 31, 1977	101	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Margaret “Maggie” Matthews born around 1878.She married John T. Matthews, and the couple rented a home at 1095 W Hancock Avenue in 1920 and 1930. She worked as a rural school teacher and public school teacher. According to the 1956 City Directory, she stilled lived at that address. At 101 years old, she died from unknown causes on March 6, 1978.
Harrison	Annie	Female	African American	Free	Housewife		December 31, 1926	43	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.
Brydie	Camilla	Female	African American	Enslaved	Cook	December 31, 1850	December 31, 1924	74	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The daughter of Loueisa Brown and Jack Jackson, Camilla Jackson Brydie was born on December 12, 1851 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1871, she married Eugene Brydie and the couple had at least six children: George, Carrie, Eugene, Eddie, Mary, and Mattie. She worked as a laundress in 1900. After become a widow, she worked as a “Cake Baker” in 1910 and a “Baker” in 1920. She died from cerebral apoplexy on November 16, 1925. According to her Death Index, she worked as a cook and lived at 168 Finley Street.
Pinckney	Hopie	Female	African American	Enslaved	Boarding	December 31, 1811	December 31, 1887	76	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Hopie Pinckey was born on May 18, 1812. She was enslaved to Mr. A. Hull of Athens. In 1860, someone attempted to burn down her dwelling, but she escaped the fire. According to the 1880 Census, she was married, worked as day boarder, and lived alone on Melchior Street. At 76 years of age, she died from unknown causes on July 7, 1888.
Hampton	Amanda	Female	African American	Free	Domestic	December 31, 1874	December 31, 1928	51	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The daughter of Floyd Newsome, Amanda Newsome Hampton was born on July 17, 1875. She died from a cerebral hemorrhage on December 5, 1929. At the time of her death, she worked as a domestic and lived at 1253 W Broad Street.
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.
Johnson	Eddie	Male	African American	Free	Laborer	December 31, 1919	December 31, 1946	27	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Mattie Franklin and Eddie Ted Johnson, Eddie Johnson was born on May 9, 1920. He never married. In 1941, he lived in Chicago and worked on the Pennsylvania Railroad. Still living in the city, he was working as a “Bumper Factory Worker” when he died from unknown causes on November 13, 1947. The body was returned to Athens for burial in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery.
Bayne	Annia	Female	African American	Free	Housework		December 31, 1918	50	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.
Morton	Claud	Male	African American	Free		December 31, 1892	December 31, 1892		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to his tombstone, Claud Morton was born in February 1893 and died in June; he was just over 3 months old. He most likely lived at 823 Prince Avenue with the other members of the Morton family.
Johnson	La Fayette	Male	African American	Enslaved	Drayman	December 31, 1855	December 31, 1920	65	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.
Collins		Female	African American	Unknown			December 31, 1917		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to her tombstone, this female member of the Collins family died in 1918. She was most likely married to Reverend Collins, who preceded her in death in 1894.
Shaw	Charles	Male	African American	Unknown					Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	[biographical information unknown]
Hawkins	Ida	Female	African American	Enslaved		December 31, 1860	December 31, 1908	47	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Ida Hawkins was born on May 12, 1861 and most likely spent her early years enslaved. She married Perry Hawkins around 1907. She gave birth to seven children, but only five were living in 1910. On March 11, 1909, she died from unknown causes.
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.
Lawrence	Carrie	Female	African American	Enslaved	Domestic	December 31, 1849	December 31, 1923	74	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The daughter of Wiley and Asbury Lawrance, Carrie Lawrence was born in August 1850 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1880, she worked as a “Washer & Ironer” and lived on Jackson Street. She was a founding member of the Gospel Pilgrim Society. As a widow in 1900, she worked as a “Janitress” and lived at 129 Alley Street. She no longer worked in 1920 and lived in a boarding house on Berry Street. At age 74, she died on December 15, 1924. According to her Death Certificate, she did “housework” and lived at 112 Berry Street.
Derricott	Mariah	Female	African American	Enslaved	Housework		December 31, 1925	95	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Owens	Emberly	Female	African American	Enslaved	Laborer		December 31, 1924	99	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Jones	Louisa	Female	African American	Enslaved	Seamstress	December 31, 1853	December 31, 1909	56	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Louisa Beale Jones was born sometime between 1848 and 1854 and most likely enslaved. In 1870, she lived in the household of Tena Beall and did not work. In 1880, she lived alone on Hancock Avenue and worked as a dressmaker. At some point between 1880 and 1910, she married. Jones died from unknown causes on October 11, 1910. According to her funeral notice, she lived on Newton Street at the time of her death.
Favors	Ada	Female	African American	Free	Laundress	December 31, 1884	December 31, 1926	42	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The daughter of Cynthia and Thomas Favors, Ada B. Favors was born around 1885. At 16 years old, she worked as a laundress and lived with her parents at 609 Lumpkin Street. By 1920, the family had moved to Billups Street. According to the 1926 City Directory, her parents lived at 148 Pearl Street--she most likely lived with her parents at this time. She died from unknown causes in 1927.
Thomas	Ada	Female	African American	Free	Domestic	December 31, 1902	December 31, 1965	63	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The daughter of Mary A. Thomas, Ada Kate Thomas was born on September 12, 1903 in Mississippi. In 1910, she attended school and lived with her mother on Water Street. In 1940, she worked as a maid and lived at 187 Third Street. She was still living at that address in 1958. She died from unknown causes on November 4, 1966.
Hunt	Doll	Female	African American	Free	Cook	December 31, 1898	December 31, 1946	48	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Doll Hunt was born in 1899. In 1930, she lived with her sister, Mollie Clark, on Crawford Avenue and worked as a laundress. She married Dozier Hunt and, according to the 1931 City Directory, the couple lived at 67 Crawford Avenue. According to the 1942 City Directory, she lived at 350 Barber Street and worked as a cook. She died from unknown causes on September 28, 1947.
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]
McCleskey	Edward	Male	African American	Free	Carpenter	December 31, 1864	December 31, 1931	67	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Julia and William McCleskey, Edward McCleskey was born in March 1865. In 1930, he was widowed and owned a home at 220 Harris Street. He worked as a carpenter for much of his life. At age 67, he died from cardiovascular renal disease on September 19, 1932.
Hawkins	Dave	Male	African American	Enslaved	Construction		December 31, 1919	60	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.
Brydie	Carrie	Female	African American	Enslaved		December 31, 1857	December 31, 1877	20	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to her tombstone, Carrie E. Brydie was born (most likely enslaved) on January 8, 1858 and died on May 11, 1878. She was 20 years old at the time of her death.
Pinkard	Amos	Male	African American	Free	Grocer	December 31, 1888	December 31, 1961	73	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Amos Pinkard was born in 1889. In February 1908, he was charged “for violation of the prohibition law.” He married Nettie Pinkard and, 1940, the couple lived at 264 N Billups Street. According to the 1940 City Directory, he worked as a grocer. He still lived at 264 N Billups Street in 1958. He died from unknown causes on December 16, 1962.
Hardeman	Eugene	Male	African American	Free	Laborer	December 31, 1901	December 31, 1950	48	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Mary Hardeman, Eugene Hardeman was born on September 2, 1902. According to his First World War Draft Card, he worked as a landscaper and lived at 623 Hull Street. He was still living at the same address in 1928. At 48 years old, he died from unknown causes on July 21, 1951.
Wilder	Charlie	Male	African American	Unknown					Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Rachel Wilder and James Wilder, Charlie Wilder was born around 1860. In 1870, the family lived in Madison, Georgia; this is most likely his last known address. He died from unknown causes on an unknown date.
Johnson	Rhoda	Female	African American	Free	Laundress	December 31, 1875	December 31, 1931	55	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Rhoda Ann Johnson was born around 1876. In 1920, she was a widow and worked as a washerwoman. In 1920, she lived with her two daughters (Minnie and Lula) and her mother-in-law (Emma Lee Johnson) at 882 Water Street. According to the 1931 City Directory, she still lived at that same address. At 55 years old, she died from unknown causes on May 29, 1932.
Bayne	Richard	Male	African American	Enslaved	Farmer		December 31, 1920	75	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.
Morton	Lizzy	Female	African American	Free					Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Lizzy C. Morton died around 10 months old. She was the sister of William Morton, who died when he was 10 years old. She most likely lived at 823 Prince Avenue with the other members of the Morton family.
Johnson	Will	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1924	54	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.
Cooper	Pinkie	Female	African American	Free		December 31, 1865	December 31, 1907	42	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to her tombstone, Pinkie Cooper was born around 1866 and married H. E. Cooper. She died at age 42 on February 28, 1908.
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.
Hawkins	S.	Unknown	African American	Enslaved		December 31, 1858	December 31, 1936	78	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to the tombstone, S. H. Hawkins was born (most likely enslaved) in 1859 and died in 1937.
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.
Lawrence	Odessia	Female	African American	Free		December 31, 1902	December 31, 1903		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to her tombstone, Odessia Lawrence was a 15 month old infant who died from unknown causes on October 6, 1904.
Dorsey	Crock	Male	African American	Enslaved			December 31, 1923	80	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Owens	Isibella	Female	African American	Enslaved	Laundress		December 31, 1918	65	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Bell	Judge	Male	African American	Free	Drayman	December 31, 1866	December 31, 1936	70	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Harriett Jones, Judge Bell was born between 1867 and 1869 in Monroe, Georgia. He worked as a drayman for most of his life. Around 1885, he married Hattie E. Hutchinson Bell, a dressmaker, and the couple had at least six children—Luther, Waterloo, Hazel, Norma, Jerome, and Lillian. According to the 1904 City Directory, he still worked as a drayman and now lived at 15 Rock Spring Street. In 1920, the couple owned their own home at 165 N Rockspring Street and he was still living at that address when he died from Chronic Nephritis on July 22, 1937. The Jackson Funeral Home managed the interment.
Favors	Tom	Male	African American	Enslaved	Laborer	December 31, 1859	December 31, 1930	71	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Fannie Howard and Ben Favors, Tom Favors was born around 1860 and most likely spent his childhood enslaved. He married Cynthia Favors and the couple had a least four children: Lela, Ada, Lillie, and Homer. As a laborer, he spent most of his adult life as a street sweeper or road hand in Athens. In 1913, he was arrested for selling liquor. According to The Athens Banner: “Tom Favors, colored, took it into his head a few days since that he would dish out a little of the ardent, and out at his home on Broad street, he had a crowd of men around that were buying the stuff right along, when the police officials broke into his little game.” Rather than face jail time, he paid a $100 fine. According to the 1926 City Directory, he and his wife lived at 148 Pearl Street. He died from [??] and [??] on December 18, 1931. At the time of his death, he was around 71 years old and had been living at 481 Billups Street.
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.
Hunter	Richard	Male	African American	Free	Laborer	December 31, 1868	December 31, 1928	60	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Carolina and Richard Hunter, Richard Hunter was born sometime between 1857 and 1869 in Charlotte, North Carolina. He worked as a laborer on the city streets in 1910 and as a “general worker” in 1920. He married Rachel Hunter and the couple had at least three children: Anna Bell, Nellie Bell, and Christine. He died from pneumonia on March 16, 1929. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a mechanic and lived at 487 Madison Avenue.
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.
McCombs	Sarah	Female	African American	Free	Student	December 31, 1884	December 31, 1906	21	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The daughter of Serena and Cisero McCombs, Sarah R. McCombs was born on October 22, 1885. In 1900, she attended school and lived with her parents at 901 Reese Street. At 21 years old, she died from unknown causes.
Hawkins	Julia	Female	African American	Free	Housework		December 31, 1924	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.
Brydie	Eugene	Male	African American	Free		December 31, 1882	December 31, 1908	25	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of E.W. and Camilla Brydie, Eugene A. Brydie was born on May 5, 1883. He most likely lived with his parents at 101 N Findley Street He died from unknown causes on Jaunry 14, 1909.
Pledger	William	Male	African American	Enslaved	Lawyer	December 31, 1849	December 31, 1903	54	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	William A. Pledger was born in 1850 and enslaved as a child. Along with William Henry (Harrison) Heard, he was the co-owner and editor of the Athens Blade, a leading African-American newspaper that was distributed throughout Georgia and in several northeastern cities. As one of the first African-American lawyers in Atlanta, he was active in republican politics and a delegate to each republican convention from 1876 to 1900. According to the 1898 City Directory, he worked as a lawyer and lived at 209 Pearl Street. He died from unknown causes on January 8, 1904.
Hardeman	Julia	Female	African American	Free	Homemaker	December 31, 1896	December 31, 1962	66	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Julia L. Hardeman was born sometime around 1897. She married Lucas F. Hardeman, a farmer, and the couple had at least six children: Lucas, Garfield, Jerome, Willimena, Hunter, and Martin. In 1930, they lived at 139 Bailey Street. According to the 1949 City Directory, the couple lived at 230 Branch Street. She died from unknown causes on December 30, 1963.
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.
Johnson	Emanuel	Male	African American	Free	Janitor	December 31, 1896	December 31, 1939	43	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Lulu and George Johnson, Emanuel Johnson was born in May 1897. In 1900, the family lived at 8 Oconee Street. He married Lonie Johnson and, in 1929, they lived at 260 Vine Street. At that time, he worked as a janitor. According to the 1931 City Directory, he worekd as a janitor at the First Baptist Church and lived at 260 Vine Street. He remained at that address, according to the 1940 City Directory. He died from unknown causes on October 2, 1940. He was only 43.
Benford	Henry	Male	African American	Free	Fireman		December 31, 1922	49	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Mack	Claudie	Female	African American	Free	Housework	December 31, 1885	December 31, 1924	41	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Mullins	William	Male	African American	Free	Driver	December 31, 1882	December 31, 1954	71	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	William J. Mullins was born around 1883. In 1910, he lived on Reese Street and worked as an ice wagon driver. According to the 1928 City Directory, he worked as a laborer and lived with his wife, Nancy, at 223 N Church Street. In 1930, he drove truck for the ice company and still worked as a driver in 1940. In 1952, he lived with his wife at 223 N Church Street and worked as a truck driver at Atlantic Company. At 71 years old, he died from unknown causes on August 26, 1955.
Johnson	William	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1919	26	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.
Cotton	Thomas	Male	African American	Free	Farm Laborer	December 31, 1867	December 31, 1904	36	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Mary and Jack Cotton, Thomas L. Cotton was born on December 25, 1868. In 1880, he worked as a farm laborer and lived with his parents in Athens, Georgia. He died from unknown causes on February 2, 1905.
Shaw	Willie	Male	African American	Free	Driver	December 31, 1879	December 31, 1926	39	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Elizabeth Shaw, Willie A. Shaw was born in October 1888. In 1900, he attended school and lived with his mother and grandmother in Athens. In 1915 and 1916, he was arrested and charged with violating prohibition. During the First World War, he served as a cook in the 157th Deport Brigade. After the war, he married Eliza Shaw. He died from [??] on April 5, 1927. At the time of his death, he worked as a chauffeur and, after his death, his wife lived at 330 N. Pope Street.
Hawkins	Daviet	Male	African American	Unknown					Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	[biographical information unknown]
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.
Lay	Hattie	Female	African American	Free		December 31, 1899	December 31, 1965	65	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to her tombstone, Hattie Christopher Lay was born on October 4, 1900 and died from unknown causes on May 3, 1966.
Dunfoy		Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1920	0	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Parrott	Henry	Male	African American	Enslaved	Laborer		December 31, 1918	70	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Bell	Georgia	Unknown	African American	Free	Laundress	December 31, 1885	December 31, 1904	19	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Dying at age 19, Georgia Bell was born on July 17, 1886. According to the 1904 City Directory, she worked as a washerwoman and lived at 1213 W Broad Street. She died from unknown causes on August 16, 1905.
Favors	Lillie	Female	African American	Free		December 31, 1886	December 31, 1949	63	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The daughter of Cynthia and Thomas Favors, Lillie Favors was born between 1886 and 1888. She never married nor did she work. In 1930, she lived with her parents at 481 Billups Street and, in 1940, she lived with her sister-in-law at 170 Dublin Street. Favors died from unknown causes on August 19, 1950.
Thomas	Marion	Male	African American	Free		December 31, 1903	December 31, 1936	33	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Marion Clemons Thomas was born around 1904. At 33 years old, he died on December 16, 1937.
Hunter	Ed	Male	African American	Free	Laborer	December 31, 1918	December 31, 1957	39	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Annie Hunter, Ed Willie Hunter was born around 1919. In 1930, he attended school and lived with his mother on Finley Street. In 1940, he worked as a butler. He married Juanita Gross on January 25, 1943. According to the 1956 City Directory, he worked as yardman and lived at 540 S Finley Street. He died from unknown causes on June 5, 1958. According to his obituary published in The Atlanta Constitution, he lived at 548 Finley Street.
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]
McCray	Laura	Female	African American	Enslaved	Baker	December 31, 1817	December 31, 1912	95	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The daughter of Dolly Billops, Laura McCray was born on June 7, 1818 and enslaved for much of her live. While a slave, she received a letter in 1841. In 1870, she was “keeping house” in Athens. In 1880, she worked at “Confectionery Baking” and lived on Prince Avenue. According to the 1897 City Directory, she worked at a cake shop and lived at 819 Prince Avenue. In 1910, she lived on Prince Avenue and worked as a baker. Indeed, she was famous for her cakes. She died from unknown causes on December 5, 1913.
Hawkins	Peter	Male	African American	Free	Construction		December 31, 1921	36	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.
[Brydie?]	Eugene	Male	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.
Hardeman	Harry	Male	African American	Free	Laborer	December 31, 1896	December 31, 1970		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Harry Hardeman born on May 23, 1897. The son of Juliette Cornelius Hardeman, a single mother and Athens washerwoman, Hardeman and his two sisters lived at 425 Pope Street. By all accounts, he appeared to be a mischievous child; he, at least once, was caught “casting pebbles” at another boy. Whereas a white child most likely escaped the attention of law enforcement, a black child in Jim Crow Georgia did not. Twelve-year-old Hardeman—for his harmless, childish antics—found himself before the local police court. As punishment for the ‘crime,’ reported The Weekly Banner, the Athens mayor “assessed the scrapper the sum of one dollar,” but remitted the fine after “one of the older darkeys in the court volunteered to administer the necessary chastisement, in the place of the absent parent.” During the First World War, he served stateside as a sergeant in the 157th Depot Brigade. Retuning to Athens after the war, he worked as a laborer and lived at 171 Church Street in 1920. According to the 1958 City Directory, he worked as a butler and lived at 405 Benning Street. He died on April 10, 1971 from an unknown aliment.

Decedent

Get in touch