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
Menifield Ella Female African American Enslaved Housework December 31, 1921 94 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Hayes Magnola Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1922 18 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Wilburn Boyd Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1921 21 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Bell Vino Female African American Free December 31, 1889 December 31, 1961 72 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Vino Bell was born around 1890. She married Dock Bell and the couple had at least four children: Willie, Susie, Daisy Lee, and Mary. In 1940, the family lived off Old Elberton Road in Bucks Branch. She died from unknown causes in 1962. According to her obituary, she lived at 473 Little Oak Street at the time of her death. Her funeral was held at Ebenezer Baptist Church.
Boland Mary Female African American Free Laborer December 31, 1922 49 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Pulliam Lucy May Female African American Free December 31, 1919 2 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Jones Margaret Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1920 87 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Ector Carrie Female African American Free December 31, 1918 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Stricklyn Mary Female African American Free Laborer December 31, 1921 45 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Teasley Dottie Female African American Free December 31, 1973 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Dottie Susie Teasley, who resided at 275 Fourth Street, died from unknown causes in March 1974. The funeral was handled by Mutual Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Merritt J. P. Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1924 51 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Haynes Rachel Female African American Free Student December 31, 1904 December 31, 1920 15 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Wiley Serema Female African American Free Seamstress December 31, 1922 49 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Bryant Lillie Female African American Free December 31, 1894 December 31, 1970 76 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Lillie Wade Bryant was born around 1895. She appears to have married. At 76 years old, she died from unknown causes on April 25, 1971. According to her obituary, she lived at 872 W Broad Street at the time of her death.
Booke Ben Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1926 50 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Ramey Geo. Male African American Free Farmer December 31, 1923 51 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Jones Robert Male African American Free Railroad Employee December 31, 1920 54 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Ector M. Male African American Free Janitor December 31, 1925 49 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Stricklyn Pearl Female African American Free Teacher December 31, 1919 21 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Terrell Charles Male African American Unknown December 31, 1933 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Charles Terrell Jr. was born around 1916. His parents, Charles Terrell and Julia Stuts, were both Athens natives. His father, “Chas” Terrell was noted to be a carpenter before his son was born, being listed along with his wife Julia in a 1912 Athens, GA directory living at 347 First Street. In the 1931 directory, however, “Chas” Terrell is said to be a cook, living on 389 Meigs St. On October 6, 1934, Terrell Jr.’s life was cut short after passing away at a tender age of 18 while he was still a schoolboy. The place of death is recorded to be 376 Odd Street. The cause of death was noted to be an acute dilatation of the heart, or nowadays known as dilated cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle), with contributary causes of importance being listed as fever and overexertion. He was buried five days later in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery on October 11, 1934 with his family in attendance. [Researched and written by Bita Jadali]
Merritte Claud Male African American Free Child December 31, 1922 December 31, 1922 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Hearel Eddie Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1922 37 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Williams J. Male African American Free Child December 31, 1918 December 31, 1918 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Bugg Edd Male African American Free December 31, 1953 December 31, 1986 32 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Edd W. Bugg was born around 1954. He attended Clarke Junior High School and his photo appears in the 1970 Yearbook. At 32 years old, he died from unknown causes on March 7, 1987. His funeral was held at Springfield Baptist Church.
Booth Richard Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1920 38 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Ray Elsie Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1924 79 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Joseph Anna Female African American Free December 31, 1919 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Ector Piety Female African American Free December 31, 1879 December 31, 1921 42 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Strong Husey Male African American Free December 31, 1925 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Thomas Ethal Female African American Free December 31, 1944 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked The daughter of Charles and Fannie Walker, Ethel Walker Thomas was born in May of 1884. As a teenager and young adult, she resided in Sandy Creek with her family, where she worked as a laborer on their farm. She did not attend school, but she was able to read and write. In 1910, she married Lonnie Thomas, and the couple had several children: Edward, Melvin, Azzie, Charles, Elmore, and Alfonza. According to the 1920 census, she lived on Oak Street with her husband and children and worked as a washerwoman. In 1930, she resided at the same address with her family and worked as a maid for a private family. She died from unknown causes on February 1, 1945. [Researched and written by Jake Underwood]
Merriweather Carrie Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1921 27 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Hemphill Susie Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1926 51 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Williams Jim Male African American Enslaved Farmer December 31, 1921 64 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Bunkley Carrie Female African American Free Housewife December 31, 1894 December 31, 1946 52 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Carrie Woods Bunkley was born around 1895. She married Frank Bunkley and the couple had one child. In 193 and 1930, she was a housewife and the family lived at 447 Reese Street. At 52 years old, she died from unknown causes on May 30, 1947. Her funeral was held at the First AME Church.
Bowmans Jack Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1924 60 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Ray Seymour Male African American Free Cook December 31, 1881 December 31, 1923 41 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.
Stroud Harriet Female African American Enslaved Housework December 31, 1920 90 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Thomas Bennie Male African American Free December 31, 1989 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, Bennie Thomas, who resided at 230 Pauldoe Street, died from unknown causes in February 1990. The funeral was handled by Mutual Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Merriweather Johnnie Male African American Free December 31, 1921 5 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Hill [??] Female African American Free December 31, 1918 December 31, 1918 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Williams Susie Female African American Free Housewife December 31, 1899 December 31, 1919 19 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Clarke Gertrude Female African American Free December 31, 1895 December 31, 1976 81 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Gertrude W. Clarke was born on December 24, 1894 (or 1896). She married Ivy C. Clark and, in 1920, the couple lived on S Thomas; she worked as a dressmaker and he was a “Truck Hand” in a “Cotton Warehouse.” In 1940, she was a widow living with her niece or nephew at 131 Linden Row. At 81 years old, she died from unknown causes on May 3, 1977. According to her obituary, she lived at 175 Glenhaven Ave at the time of her death. Her funeral was held at Ebenezer Baptist Church West.
Boyd Claura Female African American Free Laborer December 31, 1923 26 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Redding Bertha Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1919 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.
Sullivan Mary Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1919 46 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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]
Miller Lucy Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1922 52 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.
Wilson Jeorge Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1921 46 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Clemons Clifford Male African American Free December 31, 1945 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, Clifford T. Clemons died from unknown causes in July 1946. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave is unmarked.
Bradley Lena Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1918 48 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Reeves John Male African American Enslaved Gardener December 31, 1920 86 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.
Taylor Samul Male African American Free Chauffer December 31, 1923 31 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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]
Milner Sam Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1925 51 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.
Wingfield Bertha Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1920 24 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Cobb Minnie Female African American Free December 31, 1943 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Minnie Lee Crawford Cobb died from unknown causes in February 1944. The funeral was handled by Mack & Payne Funeral home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave is unmarked.
Brewer [??] Female African American Free December 31, 1904 December 31, 1920 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Reid Sallie Female African American Enslaved Housework December 31, 1919 66 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.
Teasly Walter Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1921 34 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Miner J. T. Male African American Free December 31, 1920 December 31, 1922 1 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.
Wise L. Male African American Free Child December 31, 1922 1 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Colbert Mary Female African American Free Nurse December 31, 1946 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Mrs. Mary J. Colbert, the mother of Mrs. Mamie Harden and a “veteran nurse civic and religious leader,” died from unknown causes in November 1947. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave is unmarked.
Bridy Camilla Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1924 74 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Rhodes Joe Male African American Free December 31, 1920 0 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.
Terrell George Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1922 37 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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]
Mongumory Tom Male African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1923 60 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.
Witcher Nolia Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1920 29 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Dallas Elzia Female African American Free December 31, 1965 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Elzia Duck Dallas, who resided at 742 Madison Avenue, died from unknown causes in August 1966. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave is unmarked.
Brittin George Male African American Free Carpenter December 31, 1925 50 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Richards J. Male African American Free Reverend December 31, 1920 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.
Robinson Charity Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1833 December 31, 1920 87 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.
Terrell Mannie Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1922 23 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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]
Moore Robert Male African American Free Child December 31, 1925 1 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.
Powers Amanda Female African American Enslaved December 31, 1917 73 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Daughter of Harriett Powers. According to her obituary, she died at 73 years of age in May 1918. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Davis James Male African American Free December 31, 1948 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, James W. Davis, who resided at 178 Strong Street, died from unknown causes on June 28, 1949. He married Mrs. Minnie Reid and had at least five children. The funeral was handled by Mack & Payne Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave is unmarked.

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