Decedent

Gospel Pilgrim Decedents has a comprehensive list of men, women, and children interred in the cemetery. Using grave markers, obituaries, and death certificates, we have complied a list of individuals buried within the cemetery and, to the extent possible with archival silences, developed short biographies of each persons' life. Some decedents have marked graves, while others do not.

In part, this data is based on an early 2000s GIS survey of the cemetery, which was completed by David Berle, Gail Tarver, Taylor Ladd from the University of Georgia's Horticulture Department. The Athens-Clarke County Death Certificate data was, likewise, transcribed by Leah Richier, an graduate alumni of the University of Georgia's Department of History.

Last Name First Name Gendersort ascending Race Status Occupation DOB DOD Age Grave Location Grave Marker Biography
Merriweather Carrie Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1921 27 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Williams Jane Female African American Enslaved Domestic December 31, 1836 December 31, 1890 54 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Jane Williams was born around 1837 and most likely enslaved. She married Isaac Williams and the couple had at least one child: Marie Williams. In 1800, she worked as a servant and lived at the corner of Foundry Street and Connecticut Street. At 54 years old, she died from unknown causes on January 13, 1891.
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.
Bayne Annia Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1918 50 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Smith Rosa Female African American Enslaved Domestic December 31, 1862 December 31, 1934 72 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Lottie and Mr. Jones, Rosa Jones Smith was born around July 4, 1863 and most likely enslaved as a child. She worked as a laborer in 1880 and a private family nurse in 1910. As a widow, in 1910, she lived 293 Cherry Street. She died from [??] and pneumonia on January 17, 1935. At the time of her death, she worked as a domestic and lived at 389 Dubose Avenue.
Freeman Bessie Female African American Unknown December 31, 1945 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Bessie Samuel Freeman died in October 1946. The funeral was handled by Mack & Payne Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Livingston Laura Female African American Free Seamstress December 31, 1880 December 31, 1991 111 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Laura Livingston was born in 1881. Sometime before 1910, she married Richard Livingston, a mail carrier, and the couple rented a home at 540 Hancock Avenue. In 1940, the couple owned the home at 540 Hancock Avenue and she worked as a seamstress. She died from unknown causes in 1992. She was around 100 years old.
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.
Stroud Harriet Female African American Enslaved Housework December 31, 1920 90 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Johnson Mary Female African American Free December 31, 1887 December 31, 1970 83 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, she was born on January 2, 1888 and died from unknown causes on January 18, 1971.
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.
Williams Susie Female African American Free Housewife December 31, 1899 December 31, 1919 19 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Heard Mary Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1844 December 31, 1927 83 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Born around 1845, Mary Heard was most likely enslaved as a child. In 1870, she worked as a domestic servant for Stevens Thomas and his white family. Sometime before 1880, she married Bartlett Heard a farmer and the couple lived in Buck Branch, Clarke County, Georgia. After his death in June 1890, she worked as a farm laborer. In 1909, she worked as a cook and lived 185 Valley [Road or Street]. She died from unknown causes in 1928.
Redding Bertha Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1919 17 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Freeman Julia Female African American Free December 31, 1963 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary Julia A. Freeman, who resided at 237 North Church Street, died from unknown causes in June 1964. She was married to Edward M. Freeman. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Harris Mary Female African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Tripp Genie Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1898 December 31, 1913 25 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Carry Pope, Genie E. Tripp was born on July 9, 1889. In 1900, she lived with her grandmother (Laura Gullins) and, even though a child, she worked as a nurse. In 1910, she lived with her mother and step-father (Harry Pope) at 163 Third Street. In 1910, she worked as a ironer at the laundry. She died from unknown causes on December 18, 1914.
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.
Sullivan Mary Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1919 46 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
McQueen Amanda Female African American Enslaved Seamstress December 31, 1857 December 31, 1915 58 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Amanda McQueen was born on March 26, 1858 and most likely spent her childhood enslaved. She married James McQueen, a laborer, and the couple had at least three children: Gerdine, Nelley, and Janie. In 1880, she worked as a laundress and lived with her family on Hull Street. As a widow in 1900, she lived alone and worked as a seamstress. According to the 1904 City Directory, she lived at 626 N Hull Street. At 58 years old, she died from unknown causes on December 31, 1916.
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]
Poynter Eddie Female African American Free December 31, 1897 December 31, 1953 56 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to the tombstone, Eddie Mae Crowder Poynter was born on January 5, 1898. According to the 1952 City Directory, he lived with Thomas Poynter (most likely her husband) at 115 Trail Creek Street. She died from unknown causes on March 10, 1954.
Miller Lucy Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1922 52 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Wilson Annie Female African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Annie Wilson died sometime in April.
Jones Lula Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1858 December 31, 1929 71 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Lula Jones was born on March 18, 1859 and most likely enslaved. She married and had three children. In 1910, she was a widow who worked as a cook and rented a house at 160 Lyndon Avenue. According to the 1928 City Directory, she worked as a cook and lived at 157 Warsaw Street. She died from unknown cause on April 3, 1930.
Smith Georgia Female African American Enslaved Laundress December 31, 1861 December 31, 1940 79 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Georgia Smith was born around 1862 and most likely enslaved as a child. Sometime before 1910, she was married and widowed. She worked as seamstress in a Shirt Factory in 1910 and a laundress in 1920. In 1940, she lived alone at 420 Athens Avenue. At 79 years old, she died from unknown causes on January 1, 1941.
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]
Eberhart Martha Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1918 33 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Jackson Cora Female African American Free December 31, 1886 December 31, 1887 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Cora Jackson was born on July 15, 1887 and died on February 7, 1888. The infant was only 7 months old at the time of her death.
McQueen Carrie Female African American Free December 31, 1883 December 31, 1883 1 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Carrie McQueen died in 1885; she was 1 year, 3 months, and 11 days old. She most likely was the infant daughter of Nettie and W. M. McQueen, who, according to the 1897 City Directory, lived at 630 Hull Street. She was the sibling of Mamie N. McQueen and William McQueen.
Ray Lizzie Female African American Free December 31, 1902 December 31, 1903 1 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Lizzie May Ray was born on July 7, 1903 and died on September 8, 1904. The infant was 1 year 2 months old when she died.
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.
Hawkins Rebecca Female African American Enslaved Housework December 31, 1848 December 31, 1926 78 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Winkfield Ellen Female African American Free Seamstress December 31, 1868 December 31, 1956 88 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Ellen Winkfield (or Wingfield) was born around 1869. She married William Wingfield and the couple had at least three children: Walter, Callie, and Hattie. In 1910 and 1920, the family lived on Bridge Street and she worked as a dressmaker. According to the 1954 City Directory, she lived at 229 Bridge Street. She died from unknown causes on November 2, 1957.
Wingfield Bertha Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1920 24 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Bimett Mary Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1921 70 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Heard Lizzie Female African American Free December 31, 1894 December 31, 1957 63 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Lizzie Dorsey Heard was born around December 25, 1880 or 1895 (according to the Death Index). She most likely married Hill Heard, a farmer, and, according to the 1926 City Directory, they lived at 275 Field [Rd? St? Av?]. She died from unknown causes July 31, 1958. She was around 63 years old.
[Campbell?] Female African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Known as "Mother" on her tombstone, she most likely a member of the Campbell family.
Reid Sallie Female African American Enslaved Housework December 31, 1919 66 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Jones Callie Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1925 39 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Griggs Mary Female African American Free December 31, 1966 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Mother Mary Thomas, who resided at 541 Irene St NE in Atlanta, died from unknown causes in September 1967. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
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.
Turner Frances Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1892 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Frances Truner was born around 1893. She married Luther Turner and the couple had at least seven children: John, Dorthey, Walter, Fannis, Charles, Joseph, and Crawford. In 1920, the couple lived on Water Street. In 1940, they lived at 970 Hobson Street and she worked as a laundress. She died from unknown causes on an unknown date.
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.
McQueen Mamie Female African American Free December 31, 1881 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Mamie McQueen died in 1885. She most likely was the infant daughter of Nettie and W. M. McQueen, who, according to the 1897 City Directory, lived at 630 Hull Street. Hull Street. She was the sibling of CarrieMcQueen and William McQueen.
Reed Julia Female African American Free Teacher December 31, 1879 December 31, 1960 81 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Julia W. Reed was born around 1880. According to the 1931 City Directory, she was the principal at West Broad Street School and lived at 669 Madison Avenue. She remained at that address in 1940 and worked as teacher. According to the 1958 City Directory, she lived at 147 North Avenue. At 81 years old, she died from unknown causes on July 19, 1961.
Hayes Annie Female African American Free December 31, 1921 December 31, 1922 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Binns Elizzebeth Female African American Free Teacher December 31, 1925 24 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Smith Priscilla Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1889 December 31, 1962 73 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Jane and Bedny Smith, Priscilla Smith was born around 1890. In 1900, she lived with her parents at 1112 Billups Street and attended school. She appears to have married and been widowed young. She worked as a cook in 1910, a nurse in 1930, and a maid in 1940. According to the 1958 City Directory, she worked as a maid and lived at 1160 W Hancock Avenue. At 73 years old, she died from unknown causes on January 28, 1963.
Lyles Mattie Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1880 December 31, 1934 55 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Isabel Owens and Coloumbus Hardman, Mattie Owens Lyles was born on March 12, 1881. She married Eugene Lyles sometime before 1910. In 1910, she worked as a washer woman and, in 1930, she was a housewife. She died from diabetes mellitus and candidiasis disease on August 25, 1935. According to her Death Certificate, she was a housewife living at 147 Plum Street.
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.
Jackson Louisa Female African American Enslaved Laundress December 31, 1825 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Louisa Jackson was born around 1826 in Georgia and most likely spent most of her life enslaved. She married Alfred Jackson, a day laborer and white washer, and the couple had at least six children: Camilla, Edward, Albin, Bettie, Mary, and Judy. She worked as a washer and ironer in 1880 and lived on River Street. She died sometime after 1880.
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.
Meriweather Senie Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1876 December 31, 1905 29 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Maria and James Meriwether. Senie or Sena Meriwether was born on April 5, 1877. In 1880, she lived with her parents and siblings at 295 Thomas Street. According to the 1904 City Directory, she worked as a washerwoman and lived at 26 Rock Spring Street. At 29 years old, she died from unknown causes on April 8, 1906.
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.
Winkfield Pattie Female African American Free December 31, 1918 December 31, 1964 48 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Pattie Winkfield was born in 1919. At 48 years old, she died from unknown causes on April 19, 1965. According to her obituary in The Atlanta Constitution, she lived at 229 Bridge Street.
Jones Ida Female African American Free December 31, 1888 December 31, 1948 60 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Ida Jones was born in 1889. In 1920, she lived with her husband, John Jones, a drayman, and their four children: William, Suise, Bernadett, and David. According to the 1942 City Directory, she lived at 425 Cleveland Avenue. At age 61, she died on June 29, 1949.
Witcher Nolia Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1920 29 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Boland Mary Female African American Free Laborer December 31, 1922 49 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Jones Louvenia Female African American Enslaved Housework December 31, 1919 65 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Harris Nora Female African American Free December 31, 1966 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Nora Harris, who resided at 462 Madison Avenue, died in October 1967. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
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.
Ector Carrie Female African American Free December 31, 1918 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Derricotte Annie Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1883 December 31, 1928 44 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Lula Lee and Charlie Shaw, Annie Bell Derricotte was born on August 28, 1884. She died from lung pneumonia on December 14, 1929. According to her tombstone, she was the “wife of J.W. Derricotte.” She worked as a domestic and lived at 157 Warsaw Street, according to her Death Certificate.
Terrell Mannie Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1922 23 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.
Brewer Gladys Female African American Free Teacher December 31, 1896 December 31, 1971 75 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Gladys H. Brewer was born around 1897. She graduate college and worked as a teacher in Athens. She married Manis Brewer, a chauffeur, and the couple rented a home at 270 Chase Street in 1940. She died from unknown causes in 1972. At the time of her death, she lived at 223 North Billups Street in Athens.
Haynes Rachel Female African American Free Student December 31, 1904 December 31, 1920 15 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Winkfield Callie Female African American Free Teacher December 31, 1894 December 31, 1969 76 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Jennie L. Davis, Callie V. Winkfield was born between 1892 and 1895. In 1930, she worked as a public school teacher and lived with her mother at 229 Bridge Street. In 1945, the National Alliance of Postal Employees meet at her home in Athens. She died from unknown causes on July 31, 1970 in Fulton, Georgia.
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.
Smith Candace or Candance? Female African American Enslaved Domestic December 31, 1847 December 31, 1927 84 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Violet Baxter, Candance Wylie Smith was born around 1848. She died on September 29, 1928. According to her Death Certificate, she worked as a domestic and lived on a “country farm” outside of Athens.
Heard Mattie Female African American Enslaved Teacher December 31, 1862 December 31, 1942 78 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Mattie I. Heard was born around 1863 and most likely enslaved. She married William Heard, a blacksmith, in 1897 and the couple does not appear to have had living children. She worked as a teacher in 1900, 1910, and 1920 At the time of her husband’s death in 1939, they lived at 475 Reese Street. She died from unknown causes on November 13, 1943.
Carey Fannie Female African American Enslaved December 31, 1853 December 31, 1937 84 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Fannie L. Carey was born on July 6, 1854 and most likely Enslaved as a child. She married Lucius Carey, a laborer, and the couple lived at 385 Arch Street in 1935. She diedfrom unknown causes on December 9, 1939. She was 84 years old at the time of her death.
Robinson Charity Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1833 December 31, 1920 87 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.
Hawkins Mattie Female African American Free December 31, 1952 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Mattie M. Hawkins, who resided at 650 Hancock Avenue, died on December 31, 1953. The funeral was handled by Mutual Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Lyons Lottie Female African American Free Academic December 31, 1911 December 31, 1956 45 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The granddaughter of Charlotte and Edward Derricotte and the daughter of Ophelia M. and Charles Lyons, Lottie M. Lyons was born around 1912. In 1920, she lived with her parents at 427 Baxter Street. She was the Dean of Woman at Ft. Valley State College (now Fort Valley State University). She died from unknown causes on May 19, 1957.
Upson Brinie Female African American Free December 31, 1952 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Brynie Upson was born around 1880. She married Neal Upson, a farmer, and the couple lived outside of town on Hull Road. She died from unknown causes on December 21, 1953. According to the 1942 City Directory, he lived at 450 Fourth Street; this was most likely her last known address.
Jackson Sweetie Female African American Free December 31, 1874 December 31, 1934 59 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Sweetie Poulain Jackson was born on November 15, 1875. She married Thomas Jackson, a miller, and the couple had at least seven children: Farris, Thomas, Burnett, Babe, Samuel, and Lloyd. In 1910, the family rented a house on Cleveland Avenue. According to 1931 City Directory, she and her husband lived at 133 Cleveland Avenue. At 59 years old, she died from unknown causes on July 17, 1935.
Derricotte Charlotte Female African American Enslaved Domestic December 31, 1862 December 31, 1926 64 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Lucy Dodson and Andrew Jackson, Charlotte L. Derricotte was born on May 12, 1863 and most likely enslaved as an infant. In 1882, she married Edward J. Derricotte and the couple had at least four children: Ophelia, Edward Jr., Tom, and Andrew. She worked as a house maid in Athens in 1900 and as a laundress in Massachusetts in 1910. At 64 years old, she died from arteriosclerosis and myocarditis on November 5, 1927. According to the Death Index, she had been living in Everett, Massachusetts and employed as a caterer.
Mi[??] Mamie Female African American Unknown 70 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Mamie Mi[??] died on October 31, [19??]. She was 70 years old at the time of her death.
Reid Fannie Female African American Free Secretary December 31, 1889 December 31, 1983 93 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Laura and Lorenza Reid, Fannie J. Reid was born on October 5, 1890. In 1910, she attended school and lived with her parents at 431 Bridge Street. In 1910, she remained at the same address. According to the 1958 City Directory, she worked as a secretary at the Athens High and Industrial School and lived at 243 Bridge Street. She died from unknown causes on February 19, 1984.
Smith Martha Female African American Enslaved Domestic December 31, 1859 December 31, 1921 62 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Jim Nealy, Martha Smith was born around 1860 in Alabama and most likely enslaved as a child. She married Seboon (or “Siabam”) Smith around 1870 and the couple had at least six children: Inez, Willie, and Samuel. In 1910, she worked as a “sick nurse” and lived with her family on Bertin Street. She died from “cancer return” on May 30, 1922. According to her Death Certificate, she worked as a domestic and lived at 181 Lyndon Avenue.
Heath Lula Female African American Free Boarding House December 31, 1873 December 31, 1912 39 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Lula Shaw Heath was born sometime between 1874 and 1878. In 1910, she ran a boarding house and lived with her husband, Charley Heath, their child, Charley, and two borders at 317 Chase Street. She died from unknown causes on September 15, 1913.
Robinson Vainiga Female African American Free Student December 31, 1921 6 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Hill Emerline Female African American Free December 31, 1950 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Emerline Hill, who resided at 654 North Avenue NW in Atlanta, died in May 1951. The funeral was handled by Hanley’s Ashby Street Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Austin Nicey Female African American Enslaved Domestic December 31, 1842 December 31, 1934 92 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Nicey Austin was born on May 12, 1843 (or sometime between 1843 and 1848) and most likely spent her youth enslaved. Described as a “Mulatto” in the 1880 Census, she could not read or write and worked as house servant in Athens, Georgia. In 1920 she was still working as a housekeeper and lived with her adult daughter, Mary Jefferson, at 130 Harris Street. Austin died from unknown causes on March 19, 1935.
Ector Piety Female African American Free December 31, 1879 December 31, 1921 42 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Virgil Emma Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1879 December 31, 1943 64 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Mary and Louis Jackson, Emma Virgil was born around 1880; her parents had been enslaved to John Montgomery in Oconee County. In 1930, she worked as a cook. When interviewed by the WPA in the 1930s, she lived at 1491 W. Broad Street. According to the 1952 City Directory, she lived at 268 Parris Street. At 64 years old, she died from unknown causes on February 14, 1944.
Thomas Alice Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1922 75 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Milner Ella Female African American Enslaved December 31, 1861 December 31, 1942 81 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Ella L. Milner was born in 1862 and most likely enslaved as a child. She married Sam Milner, a warehouse worker, and the couple had at least one child: Roberta Milner. She did not work during her married life. As a widow in 1930, she lived alone at 168 Peabody Street. She died from unknown causes in 1943.
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]
Reid Mattiline Female African American Free December 31, 1892 December 31, 1893 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Laura and Lorenza Reid, Mattiline I. Reid was born on August 14, 1893 and died on July 30, 1894. She was only 6 months old. In 1897, her father lived at 431 Bridge Street; this is most likely her last known address.
Brown Martha Female African American Enslaved December 31, 1831 December 31, 1858 27 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Martha M. Brown was born on September 27, 1832 and died on November 4, 1859; she was most likely enslaved. Her body was most likely moved to Gospel Pilgrim sometime after 1882, when the cemetery opened.

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