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 descending Race Status Occupation DOB DOD Age Grave Location Grave Marker Biography
Morton Clara Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1872 December 31, 1956 84 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Clara H. Morton was born around 1873. In 1900, she was a widow living with her five children (Susie, Clara B., Frank, Leroy, and Emma) at 682 Chase Street. In 1910, she is listed as “divorced” in the census. She worked as washer in 1900 and a chamber maid in 1910. In 1930, she lived alone at 784 Chase Street. According to the 1952 City Directory, she lived at 780 N Chase Street. She died from unknown causes on August 31, 1957.
Johnson Flora Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1922 54 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Harden Cora Female African American Free December 31, 1891 December 31, 1975 84 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Cora Jones Harden was born around June 15, 1892. According to the 1952 City Directory, she was married to Edgar Harden and they lived at 658 Hull Street. She died on November 26, 1976. She was around 84 years old at the time of her death and lived at 530 W Hancock Avenue.
Jones Lillie Female African American Free December 31, 1970 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Lillie May Jones died on January 9, 1971. At the time of her death, she lived at 105 Walton Street.
Davis Mary Female African American Enslaved Housewife December 31, 1926 79 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.
Holbrook Rowena Female African American Free December 31, 1891 December 31, 1968 77 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Anna Hughes and Eugene Shepard, Rowena Antoinette Shepard Holbrook was born around 1892. In 1928, she lived at 1847 Broad Street with her husband, Stephen Holbrook, a carpet layer. According to the 1958 City Directory, the couple lived at 1347 W Broad Street. She died from unknown causes in 1969.
Odoms Corene Female African American Free December 31, 1921 2 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
S[??] Emma Female African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Fields Susie Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1858 December 31, 1926 68 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Alice Tomas and Jack Shaw, Susie Shaw Fields was born around August 1859 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1880, she worked as a servant. She married Eldon Fields, a teamster, and she worked as a washerwoman in 1900. In 1920, she worked cook and lived at 144 Warsaw Street. She died from [myoclonia?] and nephritis on September 29, 1927.
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.
Bush Annie Female African American Free December 31, 1895 December 31, 1961 65 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Annie B. Bush was born around 1897. Before 1920, she married Clarence Bush, a grocery store wagon driver. She, herself, worked as a laundress during the 1920s and 1930s. In 1930, she lived with her husband at 850 Broad Street. According to the 1958 City Directory, they remained at that address. Little is known about her adult life and she died from unknown causes on April 14, 1962.
Johnson Harrett Female African American Enslaved Housework December 31, 1918 70 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Jones Sallie Female African American Enslaved Laundress December 31, 1859 December 31, 1884 25 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Jennie and Levi Jones, Sallie Jones was born around 1860 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1870, she lived in Watkinsville with her parents. She married Robert Jones, a laborer. In 1880, she worked as a “washer & ironer” and lived with her husband at 377 River Street. She died from unknown causes on July 25, 1885.
Nolan Mary Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1877 December 31, 1947 70 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Mary “May” Jackson Nolan was born around 1878. She married Robert Nolan on December 28, 1895 and the couple had at least three children: Edward, Robert, and Eva. In 1930, she worked as a cook and her husband worked as a “yard man.” The family lived at 434 Peabody Street in 1930 and, in 1931, they lived at 167 Peabody Street. According to the 1942 City Directory, At 70 years old, she died from unknown causes on November 9, 1948.
Tompkins Corine Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1922 24 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Walker Lizzie Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1873 December 31, 1941 68 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Lizzie Walker was born on April 7, 1874. She appears to have gotten into an altercation with a neighbor in 1914. According to the 1924 City Directory, she worked as a laundress and lived at 220 Atlanta Avenue. In 1940 and 1942, Lizzie lived with Jason Walker, a laborer, and they lived at 259 N Chase Street. At 68 years old, she died from unknown causes on April 16, 1942.
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]
Malcolm Henrietta Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1869 December 31, 1935 66 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of William Whiles, Henrietta Malcolm was born around 1870. In 1920, she worked as a laundress and rented a home on Reese Street. On February 7, 1936, she died from cerebral apoplexy and acute [??] nephritis. At the time of her death, she was a domestic living at 1125 W Broad Street.
Harrison Annie Female African American Free Housewife December 31, 1926 43 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.
Samuels Flora Female African American Free December 31, 1915 December 31, 1936 21 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to the tombstone, Flora Samuels was born around 1916. She married Samuels Buster, a helper at the Cherokee Service Station, and the couple lived at 288 Second Street in 1935. and At only 21 years old, she died from unknown causes around 1937.
Shenault Carrie Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1919 53 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Derricott Mariah Female African American Enslaved Housework December 31, 1925 95 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.
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]
Martin Jessie Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1877 December 31, 1923 45 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Jessie Martin was born around 1878. She worked as a domestic and died from apoplexy on December 17, 1924. At the time of her death, she was 50 years old and living at 1055 Prince Avenue.
Owens Emberly Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1924 99 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Flag Ida Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1899 December 31, 1945 56 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Ida J. Flag was born around 1900. Sometime before 1930, she gained and lost a husband. As a widow, in 1930, she worked as laundress and lived with her sister, Emma Virgil, at 1490 W Broad Street. In 1940, her and her sister lived at 268 Parris Street. She died from unknown causes on July 28, 1946. At the time of her death, she was 56 years old.
Jameson Ella Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1888 December 31, 1909 29 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Ella Underwood Jameson was born on July 4, 1881. In 1910, she worked as a cook and lived with her husband, Shoals Jamison, at 193 Pendley Street (193 Finley Street). At 29 years old, she died from unknown causes on June 30, 1910.
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.
Bayne Annia Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1918 50 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.
Stroud Sarah Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1873 December 31, 1944 71 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Sarah J. Stroud was born in 1874. In 1920, she was married, but lived with her brother-in-law (Roy L. Thornton) at 553 Hancock Avenue. She worked as a cook at a boarding house in 1920 and as a private cook in 1930. According to the 1942 City Directory, she worked as a cook and lived at 369 Meigs Street. She died from unknown causes in 1945.
Harris Mary Female African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Jones Georgia Female African American Enslaved Merchant December 31, 1850 December 31, 1921 71 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter Caroline Foster and Sam Thomas, Georgia Jones was born on February 7, 1849 (or 1851) and most likely spent her early life enslaved. She married John W. Jones, a cook, around 1881 and the couple had three living children. In 1900, they both worked as cooks and owned a house at 360 Broad Street. In 1910, she worked as a grocery store merchant and they rented a house at 563 Broad Street. After her husband’s death in 1917, she lived with her son-in-law (Marion Holbrook) at 522 Broad Street. Later in life she worked as a dressmaker. According to the 1920 City Directory, she lived at 522 Broad Street. She died from mitral regurgitation and nephritis on December 9, 1922.
Davis Minnie Female African American Free December 31, 1939 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Minnie [H?] Davis died in February 1940. According to the 1904 City Directory, J. W. Daivs worked as a mail carrier and lived at 24 Strong Street. In 1909, he was married to Minnie Davis and they lived at 178 Strong Street.
Holt Caroline Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1838 December 31, 1901 62 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Caroline Holt was born on December 2, 1839 and enslaved. In the 1880s, she worked as a cook for Mrs. Martha Wilson Lumpkin Compton, and was accused of possibly poisoning a member of this white family. The accusation was most likely false, but the lurid story appeared in the local news reports. She died from unknown causes on October 8, 1902.
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.
Boyd Rosa Female African American Free Wife December 31, 1871 December 31, 1915 44 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Rosa S. Boyd was born on July 1872 in Florida. In 1883, she married Willie Boyd, a shoemaker, and was either the mother or step-mother of at least eight children: Barlien, Rosa, Willie, Lucy, Racheal, Lydia, Thelma, and Constance. In 1900 and 1910, the family owned a house at 307 Pope Street. According to the 1915 City Directory, he worked as shoemaker and they lived at 437 Pope Street. She died from unknown causes in 1916 and was 44 years old around at the time of her death.
Hawkins Julia Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1924 37 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.
Foster Ethel Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1893 December 31, 1958 65 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Born around 1894, Ethel Foster was the daughter of Charlotte and Lorenzo Foster, a City Hall Janitor. In 1920, she worked as a cook and lived with her brother, Henry Foster, on Flint Street.According to the 1958 City Directory, she worked as a maid and lived at 373 Flint Street. She died from unknown causes in 1959.
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.
Simmons Harett Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1921 95 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Harris Maggie Female African American Free December 31, 1896 December 31, 1909 12 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Ledie and Robert Harris, Maggie L. Harris was born around August 9,1897. As a child, in 1910, she attended school lived with her father and siblings on Flint Street. She died from unknown causes on June 26, 1910.
[??] Mattie Female African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Jones Florence Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1893 December 31, 1930 37 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Elizabeth Flagg and Milledge A. Shaw, Florence Shaw Jones was born sometime between August 29, 1894 and 1897. She married Stepheny Jones, a laborer and school dish washer, and the couple owned a home at 138 Billups Street. She worked as a laundress during the 1920s and 1930s. She died from mitral regurgitation on January 22, 1931. At the time of her death, she worked as a domestic and lived at 138 Billups Street.
Mack Claudie Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1885 December 31, 1924 41 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Owens Isabella Female African American Enslaved Laundress December 31, 1853 December 31, 1918 64 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Rhodes and Tom Owens, Isabella Owens was born around 1854 and most likely enslaved. In 1894, she was jailed for receiving stolen goods. In 1900, she was a widow with three children: Pearl, Susie, and Alphonso. She worked as a day laborer. She died from cystitis nephritis and uremia on November 8, 1919. At the time of her death she was around 64 years old, worked as a wash woman, and lived at 147 Plum Street.
Davis Minnie Female African American Enslaved Teacher December 31, 1858 December 31, 1939 80 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Aggie Crawford and James Young, Minnie Davis was born on December 13, 1859 near Penfield, Georgia. Enslaved to John Crawford, Davis spent her childhood in Athens, Georgia. Denied a formal education in slavery, Davis took full advantage of freedom’s offerings. She enrolled at Knox Institution, a school for black children that had been established by the Freedmen’s Bureau in the spring of 1868. She then graduated from Atlanta University before returning to Athens to teach school for over forty years. Her husband, Samuel B. Davis, published the Athens Clipper, a newspaper catering to Athens's emerging black, middle-class community. After his death, she ran the newspaper for a few years, before selling it. She died as a result of a dislocated hip on February 13, 1940.
Wales Cassie Female African American Free Laborer December 31, 1921 48 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Horton Susie Female African American Free Teacher December 31, 1884 December 31, 1921 37 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Mary Lovinggood, Susie Lovinggood Horton was born around 1885. In 1910, she worked as a “nurse teacher.” She married William J. Horton, a mail carrier, and the couple had at least one child: Ora. In 1920, the family lived at 1327 W Hancock Avenue and she worked as a music teacher. According to the 1921 City Directory, the house address was 1337 W Hancock Street. She died from unknown causes in 1922.
White Anna Female African American Unknown December 31, 1913 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Anna E. White died on October 24, 1914.
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]
Martin Mary Female African American Enslaved Laundress December 31, 1829 December 31, 1902 73 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Mary Martin was born around 1830 and most likely spend the majority of her life enslaved. She married George Martin and the couple had at least one child: Essen Martin. In 1880, she worked as a “washer and ironer” and the family lived on an “unnamed street near River Street.” According to the 1897 City Directory, she lived at 648 Odd Street, East Athens. She died from unknown causes on April 25, 1903.
Sanders-McGee Sarah Female African American Free December 31, 1873 December 31, 1933 60 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Lou McCree, Sarah Sanders McGee (or McCree) was born around 1874. In 1880, she lived with her mother and siblings on Throne Street. She most likely married William Sanders and, in 1910, lived at 370 Hull Street.
Jarrell Roxie Female African American Free Librarian December 31, 1893 December 31, 1961 68 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Savanah and Jackson Jarrell, Roxie Jarrell was born around 1894 and, at the turn of the century, lived with her parents in Madison, Georgia. In 1910, she worked as a Farm Laborer and attended school. She lived with her brother and mother on a farm on Nowhere Road in 1920. According to the 1956 City Directory, she was the librarian at Athens Regional Library Dunbar Branch and she lived at 247 N Chase Street. The Dunbar Branch Library opened on August 16, 1942 in the Knox Institute building and was one of the few libraries in Georgia catering to African Americans. In 1957, the library moved into Athens High and Industrial Collection on Reese Street. Roxie Jarrell was the first library clerk and her salary was paid by the Works Progress Administration. She remained in this position into the late 1950s or early 1960s. At 68, years old she died from unknown causes on September 2, 1962.
Morton Amanda Female African American Enslaved Baker December 31, 1849 December 31, 1884 35 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Amanda Morton was born between 1850 and 1853 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1880, she lived on Prince Avenue and worked “At Laura McCrays,” which was a bakery in town. She is buried in the Morton plot in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery and most likely lived at 823 Prince Avenue with the other members of the Morton family.
Sloan Lucinda Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1919 80 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Taylor Ida Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1898 December 31, 1959 61 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Ida M. Taylor was born around 1899. In 1920, she was married to S. D. Taylor and the couple lived at the corner of Athens and Lula Road. In 1920, she was apparently shot during an altercation at the Morton Theatre. According to the newspaper report, she had been with a man who was not her husband when the shooting occurred. She recovered from the minor flesh wound. In 1930, she lived alone in Patrick Alley and worked as a hotel cook. In 1940, she worked as a cook and lived at 360 Madison Avenue. According to the 1958 City Directory, she worked as a maid The Webb-Crawford Company and lived at 634 N Foundry Street. She died from unknown causes on March 25, 1960.
Terrell Annie Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1893 December 31, 1931 37 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Charles and Lucy Shaw, Annie Terrell was born in 1894. She married Kino Terrell and, in 1910, they lived at 427 First Street. She died from acute myocarditis on October 30, 1932. According to her Death Index, she lived at 426 First Street and worked as a domestic.
Harris Millie Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1894 December 31, 1911 17 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Millie Harris was born around 1895. According to the 1909 City Directory, she worked as a laundress and lived at 197 Bridge Street. She died from unkonow causes on September 16, 1912.
Jones Effie Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1893 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Effie Jones was born between 1890 and 1894.Around 1908, she married Robert Jones, a mason, and the couple appears not to have had children. She worked as a laundress in 1910, 1930, and 1940. In 1930, she lived at 167 Paris Street. As a widow in 1940, she lived at 1353 W Hancock Avenue. She died of unknown causes at an unknown date.
Eberhart Martha Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1918 33 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Mack Cynthia Female African American Unknown Housework December 31, 1921 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Owens Pearl Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1884 December 31, 1918 34 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Isabelle Owens, Pearl Owens was born around March 25, 1885. In 1900, she worked as a day laborer and, in 1910, she was a waste picker at the cotton mill. She was arrested with her mother, sister, and two other women for “creating a disturbance” in 1915. She lived at 228 Cleveland Avenue in 1910 and obtained a piece of property on Flynt Street in 1915. According to the 1916 City Directory, she worked as a cook and lived at 228 Cleveland Avenue. She died from unknown causes on January 10, 1919.
Walker [??] Female African American Free Child December 31, 1924 December 31, 1924 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Horton Emily Female African American Free December 31, 1916 December 31, 1917 1 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Emily Horton was the infant of Susie Lovinggood Horton, a music teacher, and William J. Horton, a mail carrier. She was born in 1917 and died in 1918.
Whitehead Carrie Female African American Free Laborer December 31, 1878 December 31, 1927 49 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Carried A. Whitehead was born on March 2, 1879. In 1910, she was divorced and worked as a laborer. She married Reese Brown on November 25, 1917. According to the 1923 City Directory, she lived with her husband at 151 Strickland Street. She died from unknown causes on November 27, 1928.
Boyd Mirtie Female African American Enslaved Seamstress December 31, 1843 December 31, 1894 51 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Mirtie or Minta Boyd (spelling varies) was born on June 9, 1844 and most likely enslaved as a young woman. According to the 1881 City Directory, she worked as a seamstress and lived at 1019 W Hancock Avenue. At 51 years old, she died on September 18, 1895.
Mason Mattie Female African American Enslaved Nurse December 31, 1853 December 31, 1941 88 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Mattie Shaw Mason was born in April 1854 and most likely spend her childhood enslaved. In 1900, she was a wife and nurse living at 1024 Billups Street. Still working as a nurse in 1920, her address was listed as Hancock Avenue. By 1930, she her address was again listed as Billups Street, this time living at 1196 Billups Street. She, then, lived at 1196 Hancock Avenue according to the 1940 Census. At 88 years old, she died from unknown causes on November 16, 1942.
Hawkins Rebecca Female African American Enslaved Housework December 31, 1848 December 31, 1926 78 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Patterson Nellie Female African American Free December 31, 1922 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Jefferson Ella Female African American Enslaved Seamstress December 31, 1841 December 31, 1903 62 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Salley and Robert Holsey, Ella Baker Jefferson was around 1842 and most likely enslaved as a young woman. She married Edgar Jefferson and the couple had at least two children: Minta and Jackson. In 1870, she was keeping house. In 1880, she worked as a dressmaker and lived with her close and extended family at 81 Broad Street. As a widow in 1900, she lived at 22 E Valley and still worked as a dressmaker. She died from unknown causes on September 4, 1904.
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.
Bimett Mary Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1921 70 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
[Campbell?] Female African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Known as "Mother" on her tombstone, she most likely a member of the Campbell family.
Jones Callie Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1925 39 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Smith Lizzie Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1922 48 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Adams Mentie Female African American Enslaved Wife December 31, 1854 December 31, 1902 46 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Mentie Adams was born around 1855 and most likely enslaved as a child. Even so, according to the 1900 Census, she could both read and write. In 1875, she married John H. Adams, who worked as a “Presser” in Athens. The couple had five children, but only four—John, William, Mentie, and David—lived to adulthood. In 1900, the family lived at 272 Attica Avenue. Adams died from unknown causes on March 31, 1903. She was 46yrs, 7mons, 11 days old. According to the 1904 City Directory—published only a year after her death—John Adams lived at 1020 W Hancock Avenue; this is most likely her last known address.
Mack Mollie Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1925 40 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Deadwyler Mattie Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1851 December 31, 1938 86 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Mattie Deadwyler was born around 1852 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1870, she worked as a domestic servant and lived in Elbert, Georgia. She moved to Athens sometime before 1900, and, at that time, lived with her two daughters (Mary and Martha) and a granddaughter (Gertrude) at 410 Reese Street. According to the 1900, 1910, 1920 Census, she worked as a cook. In 1930, she no longer worked and lived at 600 W Broad Street. She remained at this address, according to the 1938 City Directory. She died from unknown causes on January 4, 1939.
Horton Mary Female African American Free December 31, 1916 December 31, 1918 2 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Mary Horton was the infant of Susie Lovinggood Horton, a music teacher, and William J. Horton, a mail carrier. She was born in 1917 and died in 1919.
Whitelock Martha Female African American Unknown December 31, 1896 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Martha Whitelock died from unknown causes in 1897. She may have been the wife of John Whitelock (or Whittlock), who worked as a laborer and lived at 805 Athens Avenue, according to the 1894 City Directory.
Hayes Annie Female African American Free December 31, 1921 December 31, 1922 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Scruggs Viola Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1885 December 31, 1925 30 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Viola Scruggs was born on June 15, 1886. She married Ellie Scruggs, a railroad fireman. In 1910, she worked as cook and lived with her husband and sister on Pearl Street. In 1926, she lived at 447 Third Street. At 30 years old, she died from unknown causes on December 5, 1926.
Foster Emma Female African American Enslaved Wife December 31, 1859 December 31, 1948 88 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Eliza and George Shropshire, Emma Shropshire Foster was born on May 20, 1860 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1870, she lived with her parents and attended school in Athens. She married Robert Foster and, in 1880, she was “keeping house.” The couple had six children, including William, Robert, and John. In 1920, as a widow, she lived “South Athens Town Athens to Whitehall Road Runing South East.” By 1930, her address was listed as “Milledge Extension.” In 1940, she lived at 195 Milledge Avenue. She died from unknown causes on January 6, 1949.
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.
Binns Elizzebeth Female African American Free Teacher December 31, 1925 24 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Morton Tallulah Female African American Enslaved December 31, 1861 December 31, 1940 79 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Tallulah “Lula” Morton was born around 1862 and most likely enslaved as a young child. She was the second wife of Monroe “Pink” Bowers Morton and the mother of Monroe, Maude, Ida, and Charlie. She had borne six children, but only four lived to adulthood. In 1910, she lived with her family at 823 Prince Avenue. She did not work outside the home from 1910 to 1930. After the death of her husband in 1919, she remained in the house and lived with her son and daughter in 1930. At 69 years old, she died from unknown causes on August 3, 1941.
Smith Lula Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1919 45 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Alexander Minnie Female African American Free Insurance Agent December 31, 1892 December 31, 1947 55 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Minnie L. Alexander was born in Florida sometime between 1892 and 1895. She completed three years of high school. She married George Alexander, a local postman, and they had at least one daughter, Selma Alexander. According to the 1930 Census, the couple owned their own home at 239 Finely Street valued at $2,000. She was active in the Athens community as a member of the “Colored Missionary Workers.” Over the course of her lifetime, she worked as “Life Insurance Agent” and “Proprietor.” Alexander, in her mid-fifties, died from unknown causes on December 6, 1948.
Marshall Nannie Female African American Enslaved Housework December 31, 1919 80 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Payne Stella Female African American Free December 31, 1906 December 31, 1907 1 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Stella Grace Payne was born on January 11, 1907 and died from unknown causes on July 18, 1908. She was 1 year and 6 months old at the time of death.
Deadwyler Mary Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1892 December 31, 1962 69 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Mattie Deadwyler, Mary Deadwyler was born in 1893. In 1900, she lived with her mother, sister (Martha), and a niece (Gertrude) at 410 Reese Street. She worked as a house maid in 1900, a maid at a hotel in 1910 and as a cook in 1920 and 1930. In 1930, she was a widow living with her mother, sister, and brother-in-law at 600 W Broad Street. According to the 1958 City Directory, she lived at 817 Waddell Street. She died from unknown causes on February 12, 1963.
Walker Fannie Female African American Enslaved Farmer December 31, 1920 70 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Houston Laura Female African American Enslaved Laundress December 31, 1854 December 31, 1925 71 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Mary White and Henry Brown, Laura Brown Houston was born around 1855 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1915, she was hit by automobile, but survived the accident. As a widow, in 1920, she lived with her brother at 760 Chase Street and worked as a “cartman” “washer.” According to 1920s newspapers reports customers frequently mixed up their ticket items when collecting laundry. She died from Lagrippe on January 27, 1926. According to her Death Certificate, she lived at 768 Chase Street and worked as a domestic.
Teasley Annie Female African American Free December 31, 1983 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Annie S. Maxwell Teasley was born in 1917. At 67 years old, she died on November 13, 1984. At the time of her death, resided in Fulton County and, according to her obituary, had three sisters and a daughter. [Researched and written by Nicole Powell]
Hayes Magnola Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1922 18 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.

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