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 Locationsort descending Grave Marker Biography
[Brydie?] Eugene Male African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Wilson Annie Female African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Annie Wilson died sometime in April.
Reeves John Male African American Enslaved Gardener December 31, 1920 86 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Brewer [??] Female African American Free December 31, 1904 December 31, 1920 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Hardeman Harry Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1896 December 31, 1970 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Harry Hardeman born on May 23, 1897. The son of Juliette Cornelius Hardeman, a single mother and Athens washerwoman, Hardeman and his two sisters lived at 425 Pope Street. By all accounts, he appeared to be a mischievous child; he, at least once, was caught “casting pebbles” at another boy. Whereas a white child most likely escaped the attention of law enforcement, a black child in Jim Crow Georgia did not. Twelve-year-old Hardeman—for his harmless, childish antics—found himself before the local police court. As punishment for the ‘crime,’ reported The Weekly Banner, the Athens mayor “assessed the scrapper the sum of one dollar,” but remitted the fine after “one of the older darkeys in the court volunteered to administer the necessary chastisement, in the place of the absent parent.” During the First World War, he served stateside as a sergeant in the 157th Depot Brigade. Retuning to Athens after the war, he worked as a laborer and lived at 171 Church Street in 1920. According to the 1958 City Directory, he worked as a butler and lived at 405 Benning Street. He died on April 10, 1971 from an unknown aliment.
Johnson Will Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1907 December 31, 1935 28 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Alice Johnson and N. Derricotte, Will Henry Johnson was born on September 10, 1936. He died from “labor pneumonia” and “pleural effusion” on May 21, 1936. He was living in Atlanta, Georgia at the time of his death.
Smith Flournoy Unknown African American Unknown Laborer December 31, 1941 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to the 1931 City Directory, Flournoy Smith worked as a labor and lived at 160 Hendrix Avenue. They died from unknown causes on May 6, 1942.
Laney Minnie Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1920 28 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Mullins Henry Male African American Free Cook December 31, 1869 December 31, 1930 61 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Henry A. Mullins was born around 1870. He married Georgia Mullins and the couple had at least four children: Owen, Samson, Lumpkins, and Mary. In 1910, he worked as a city cook and owned a house at 236 S Collins Street. He died from unknown causes in 1931.
Cox Mollie Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1872 December 31, 1934 62 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Mollie Cox was born around 1873. She married Richard Cox, a cotton mill laborer, and the couple had at least one child: Archie Cox. In 1900, she worked as a cook. According to the 1931 City Directory, she lived at 236 Bridge Street. At the time of her death on December 3, 1935, she worked as a laundress and lived at 237 Bridge Street in Athens.
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.
Hawkins Lucy Female African American Free Homemaker December 31, 1871 December 31, 1921 50 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Lucy M. Hawkins was born in October 1872. She married David Hawkins, a plasterer, in 1886 and the couple had three children: Peter, Lurean, and Harry. According to the July 21, 1899 edition of The Weekly Banner, she “was . . . called before the mayor. She was changed with scrapping and general disorderly conduct. Not being able to prove her innocence she was fined $2.90.” In 1900, she lived with her husband and children at 732 Oconee Street. According to the 1921 City Directory, she lived at 924 Oconee Street. She died from unknown causes in 1922.
Taylor Samul Male African American Free Chauffer December 31, 1923 31 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.
Lee Henry Male African American Free Farm Laborer December 31, 1878 December 31, 1934 56 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Ella and John Menifee, Henry L. Lee was born on March 14, 1879. He married Maggie Lee around 1900 and the couple rented a home in Oconee County in 1910. He worked as farm laborer. In 1930, he lived at 45 Rocky Branch Road in Oconee County. He died from unknown causes on December 15, 1935.
Billups William Male African American Free December 31, 1971 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to his tombstone, William C. Billups died in 1972. His date of birth is unknown.
Tuggle N. Unknown African American Free December 31, 1897 December 31, 1966 68 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked N. Tuggle was born on February 25, 1898 and died from unknown causes on February 5, 1967.
Milner Sam Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1925 51 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]
Favors Cynthia Female African American Enslaved Laundress December 31, 1863 December 31, 1943 80 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Cynthia Favors as born in July 1864 and most likely spent her first year of life enslaved. She married Tom Favors and the couple had a least four children: Lela, Ada, Lillie, and Homer. In 1930, the couple lived at 481 Billups Street and she worked as a laundress. After the death of her husband, she lived at 170 Dublin Street with her daughter.
[Hunter?] Annie Female African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Wingfield Bertha Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1920 24 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Hill Mamie Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1880 December 31, 1922 42 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
McCree Guy Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1883 December 31, 1950 66 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Guy W. McCree was born on October 10, 1884. He was arrested for gambling in 1914. According to the 1940 Census, he had been married but lived with a boarder at 143 Fourth Street. He worked as a laborer in 1940. According to the 1949 City Directory, he lived at 923 Water Street. He died from unknown causes on October 3, 1951.
Bullock Fletcher Male African American Free Janitor December 31, 1914 December 31, 1957 42 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Fletcher Bullock was born around 1915. He married Janie Beatrice Bullock and the couple had at least two children: Fletcher Jr. and Willie. In 1940, he worked as a janitor and lived at 468 First Street. According to the 1956 City Directory, he worked as a construction worker and he and his wife lived at 426 First Street. He died from unknown causes on August 9, 1958.
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.
Reid Sallie Female African American Enslaved Housework December 31, 1919 66 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Bridy Camilla Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1924 74 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Harden Edgar Male African American Free December 31, 1891 December 31, 1953 61 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Mary Harden, Edgard Harden was born on November 2, 1892. As a 16 year old in 1910, he worked as a “poster” and did not attend school. During the First World War, he served as a corporal in Company D, 346 Service Battalion. He married Cora Harden and, according to the 1952 City Directory, he and his wife lived at 658 Hull Street. He died from unknown causes on June 26, 1954.
Johnson William Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1877 December 31, 1957 80 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked William Johnson was born on January 3, 1878. In 1910, he was divorced, worked as a street laborer, and lived in his mother’s (Laura Johnson) household in Warsaw Alley. He died from unknown causes on January 11, 1956.
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.
Lawrence Orrin Male African American Enslaved December 31, 1920 82 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Crowder George Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1896 December 31, 1932 35 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Chatie T. and George Crowder, George Crowder was born between 1897 and 1898 in Warren, Georgia. He married Lizzie Mae Powers on February 28, 1915 and they had at least one child. He worked various jobs, including a public laborer (1920 Census), laborer (1926 City Directory), and a porter (1931 City Directory). In 1931, he lived at "50 Brays Al[ley]. He died from a “sudden natural cause” on August 21, 1933. According to his Death Index, he lived at 50 Madison Avenue and worked as a common laborer.
Griggs Joe Male African American Free December 31, 1949 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, Joe Henry Griggs, who resided at 280 Cain St NE in Atlanta, died from unknown causes in May 1950. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
Hawkins Katie Female African American Enslaved Domestic December 31, 1854 December 31, 1937 85 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Katie B. Hawkins was born around 1853 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1880, she worked as a servant and was married to Perry F. Hawkins, a blaster. The couple had at least five children: Julia, Fred, Will, Robert, and Clifford. As a wife and mother, she no longer worked in 1900 and the family lived at 320 Pearl Street. In 1928, she worked as a cook and was widowed at some point in the early 1900s. For two and a half years she was ill with chronic interstitial nephritis, and she died from cerebral apoplexy on September 9, 1938. At the time of her death, she was domestic and living at 147 Pearl Street (or 143 Pearl Street, According to the 1909 City Directory).
Teasly Walter Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1921 34 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.
Lee Albert Male African American Free Butler December 31, 1912 December 31, 1940 28 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Susie B. and Albert Lee, Albert Thomas Lee was born around 1914. In 1930, he worked as a butler and lived at 424 Reese Street. In 1922, he was arrested for stealing goods and jailed. At 28 years old, he died from unknown causes on September 8, 1941.
Billups Betty Female African American Enslaved Domestic December 31, 1859 December 31, 1937 76 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Sally and Joe McCree, Betty McCree Billups was born around 1860 and most likely spent her childhood enslaved. She married Simon Billups, a farm laborer, and the couple had at least thirteen children: including Jordan, Louis, M. J., Fannie, Sally, Anna, and Ivy. In 1910, however, only five children were living. She worked as a laundress in 1910 and was listed as a "domestic" at the end of her life. She died from apoplexy caused by a second stoke on December 8, 1938. As a 76 year old widow, she had been living at 670 W Broad Street at the time of her death .
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.
Miner J. T. Male African American Free December 31, 1920 December 31, 1922 1 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.
Feaster Annie Female African American Free December 31, 1893 December 31, 1913 20 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Annie Ree Feaster was born on February 24, 1894 and died on July 3, 1914. According to a newspaper article published on June 13, 1911, she appeared in court for a criminal or civil case against the state.
Hurley Langston Male African American Free December 31, 1884 December 31, 1904 20 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Langston Hurley was born on March 9, 1885 and, at 20 years old, he died from unknown causes on November 5, 1905. According to his will, he bequeathed his possessions to Lizzie Hamilton, his mother.
Wise L. Male African American Free Child December 31, 1922 1 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Hill Patsy Female African American Free December 31, 1925 50 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
McCree Nettie Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1864 December 31, 1939 75 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Nettie McCree was born around 1865. She married Ed McCree, a city street laborer, and the couple had at least one child: Maggie. In 1910, she worked as a laundress and rented a home at Green Street. According to the 1938 City Directory, the coupled lived at 543 Reese Street. At 75 years old, she died from unknown causes on May 7, 1940.
Bunkley Robert Male African American Free Pressing Club Proprietor December 31, 1894 December 31, 1938 45 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Luna Strickland and Frank Bunkley, Robert L. Bunkley was born on December 12, 1895. As a youth, he was a hack driver (1910) and worked as a pressing club proprietor for much of his adult life. He married Mildred Bunkley sometime after 1920. According to the 1937 City Directory, he owned a billards saloon at the corner of Hull and Washington Streets and lived at 449 Reese Street. On August 7, 1939, he died at St. Mary’s Hospital from a post-operative cerebral embolism, after his right leg had been amputated. He was only 45 years old and had been living at 449 Reese Street at the time of his death.
Winkfield Walter Male African American Free Mail Carrier December 31, 1887 December 31, 1931 43 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Ellen and William Wingfield, Walter P. Winkfield (or Wingfield) was born around 1888. In 1910, he lived with his parents on Bridge Street and worked as a barber. In 1920, he worked as a “US City Carrier.” He died from “[cancer?] of face” on March 14, 1932. According to his Death Certificate, he was a “postman” and lived at 221 Bridge Street.
Rhodes Joe Male African American Free December 31, 1920 0 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.
Brittin George Male African American Free Carpenter December 31, 1925 50 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.
Johnson Dora Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1874 December 31, 1956 82 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Dora Mack Johnson was born on May 3, 1875. According to the 1952 City Directory, she worked as a domestic and lived at 220 N Harris Street. At 82 years old, she died from unknown causes on July 5, 1957.
Smith [??]ssie Unknown African American Free December 31, 1940 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Lee Della Female African American Free Laborer December 31, 1923 48 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Davis Addie Female African American Free December 31, 1905 December 31, 1906 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Addie May Davis was the twin daughter of J. W. and M. C. Davis. She was born on December 5, 1906 and died seven months later, on June 6, 1907. 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. This is most likely their child.
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.
Hawkins Perry Male African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1848 December 31, 1917 69 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Perry F. Hawkins was born around 1849 and most likely enslaved as a young adult. In 1871, he married Katie B. Hawkins, a servant, and the couple had at least five children: Julia, Fred, Will, Robert, and Clifford. In 1881, he was a registered voter. He worked as a blaster in 1880 and a “rock breaker” in 1900. According to the 1909 City Directory, he worked as a laborer and lived at 143 Pearl Street. In 1911, at the Mayor’s orders, “the old negro, Perry Hawkins, went to the city hall according to promise and there gave his boy the licking on his life.” He died from unknown causes o October 25, 1918.
Terrell George Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1922 37 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.
Lester Harris Alice Female African American Free Farmer December 31, 1874 December 31, 1941 67 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Alice M. Lester Harris was born around 1875. In 1930, she worked as a farmer and lived in Madison County. She married Robert L. Harris and had at least nine children: O’Neal, John, Mattie, James, Eddie, Willie, Bettie, Ruby, and Sarah. In 1940, she no longer worked and lived with her husband at 473 Third Street. She died from unknown causes on November 23, 1942.
Billups Willie Male African American Free Teacher December 31, 1903 December 31, 1962 59 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Mary Billups, Willie Lewis Billups was born on either March 1, 1904 or May 15, 1903. As a child he lived on Reese Street. At the time of Second World War, he lived at 123 Pope Street and was self-employed. According to the 1958 City Directory, he worked as a teacher Athens High and Industrial School and lived at 1820 W Hancock Avenue. He died from unknown causes on Feburary 27, 1963.
Turner Luther Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1884 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Luther Turner was born around 1885. He married Frances 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 and he worked as a laborer for the Southern Railroad. In 1940, they lived at 970 Hobson Street and he worked as a watchman. He died from unknown causes on an unknown date.
Mongumory Tom Male African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1923 60 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]
Fields Lillie Female African American Free Nurse December 31, 1888 December 31, 1956 68 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Lillie Fields was born around June 2, 1889. She married Henry C. Fields, a Cotton Sampler, and she worked as laundress in 1910. She sold her milk cow in 1915 and lost ownership of her property on Fourth Street to sheriff’s sale in 1916. In 1920, the couple lived at the same property at 226 Fourth Street and she worked as cook. In 1940, she worked as a nurse. She died from unknown causes on May 2, 1957.
Hurt James Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1914 December 31, 1956 42 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Nancy Demeritt Hurt, James T. Hurt was born in 1915. At the start of the Second World War, he worked as a farm hand in Athens, Georgia and lived at 1734 E Broad Street. He served as a private Branch Immaterial Warrant Officers at Fort Benning, Georgia. In the middle of the war, he married Emma Lou Campbell on August 15, 1942. According to the 1949 City Directory, he worked at Western Markets and lived at 948 Reese Street. He remained at that address, but worked as a “hlpr Bradley Provision Co.” in 1956. At 42 years old, he died from unknown causes on September 30, 1957.
Witcher Nolia Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1920 29 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Reid Dina Male African American Free Seamstress December 31, 1885 December 31, 1917 32 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Dina Reid was born around 1886. She married Lorenza W. Reed Jr. and, in 1910, the couple lived on Pearl Street. She worked as a seamstress. She died from unknown causes on April 17, 1918.
Hiram Ellen Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1919 56 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
McCree Edward Male African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1859 December 31, 1954 95 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Louisa and Squire H. McCree, Edward McCree was born around 1860 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1870, he lived with his parents and siblings on a farm in Watkinsville, Georgia. By 1880, the family had moved to Throne Street. Instead of attending school, 13 year-old McCree worked as a laborer. He married Nettie McCree, a laundress, and the couple had at least one child: Maggie. In 1910, he worked as a city street laborer and rented a home at Green Street. According to the 1938 City Directory, the coupled lived at 543 Reese Street. He died from unknown causes in 1955.
Bunkley Mildred Female African American Free Pressing Club Worker December 31, 1891 December 31, 1940 49 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Mildred Bunkley was born around 1886 and competed the first year of high school. Sometime after 1920, she married Robert L. Bunkley, a pressing club proprietor, and worked alongside her husband at the pressing club. For most of their life, the couple lived at 449 Reese Street. According to the 1937 City Directory, they lived at 449 Reese Street. On August 21, 1941, she died from unknown causes. She was in her late 40s at the time of her death.
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.
Robinson Charity Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1833 December 31, 1920 87 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.
Harris Marion Male African American Free December 31, 1899 December 31, 1911 11 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to his tombstone, Marion O. Harris was born on September 18, 1900 and died on April 16, 1912. He was only 11 years old at the time of his death.
Johnson May Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1882 December 31, 1960 77 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Maybelle Johnson was born between 1883 and 1884. According to the 1952 City Directory, she worked as a maid and lived at 198 Marlin Street. She died from unknown causes on February 16, 1961.
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.
Lewis Ellen Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1920 55 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Davis J. Male African American Free December 31, 1905 December 31, 1906 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked J. W. Davis was the twin son of J. W. and M. C. Davis. He was born on December 5, 1906 and died nine months later, on September 8, 1907. 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. This is most likely their child.
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.
Heard William Male African American Free Blacksmith December 31, 1864 December 31, 1938 74 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Manerva and Thomas Heard, William Heard was born on February 12,1865 in Elberton, Georgia. Sometime before 1880, the family moved to Athens and he lived with his parents on Market Street. He worked as a “horseler” in 1880 and as a blacksmith in 1900, 1910, and 1920. He married Mattie Heard, a teacher, in 1897 and the couple does not appear to have had living children. He died from acute mitral regurgitation on September 26, 1939. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a blacksmith and lived at 475 Reese Street.
Terrell Mannie Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1922 23 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.
Livingston Richard Male African American Free Mail Carrier December 31, 1877 December 31, 1950 73 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Richard Livingston was born in 1878. In 1900, he worked as a mail carrier and boarded at 819 Hill Street. Sometime before 1910, he married Laura Livingston and the couple rented a home at 540 Hancock Avenue. In 1940, the couple owned the home at 540 Hancock Avenue. According to the 1949 City Directory, he reamined at that address. He died from unknown causes in 1951. He was 73 years old.
Billups Burrell Male African American Free Restaurant Owner December 31, 1873 December 31, 1937 61 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Isabelle and John Billups, Burrell W. Billups was born on July 4,1874. In 1911, he was a registered voter living in Athens. He married Janie Billups and the couple had at least two children: Katie and Arabella. He worked as a restaurant owner in 1920 and the family lived at 367 Chase Street. They still resided at that address in 1931 and 1938. He died from P. O. suppurative peritonitis on June 28, 1938.
Upson Neal Male African American Enslaved December 31, 1860 December 31, 1941 74 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Jane and Harold Upson, Neal Upson was born around 1861. According to a 1930s WPA interview, he was enslaved on Frank Upson’s plantation in Oglethorpe County. He married Brynie Upson. According to the 1942 City Directory, he lived at 450 Fourth Street. At 74 years old, he died from unknown causes on July 22, 1942.
Moore Robert Male African American Free Child December 31, 1925 1 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]
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.
Iverson Edward Male African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1827 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Edward Iverson was born around 1828 and most likely enslaved. He married Amanda Iverson, a cook, sometime before 1870. In 1880, he worked as a laborer and they lived at 268 10th Street. She died of unknown causes at an unknown date.
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.
Reid Willie Male African American Free Butcher December 31, 1893 December 31, 1937 42 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Nora Smith and Willie Reid, Willie Reid was born on August 16, 1894. In 1910, he lived with his grandmother (Della Batiste) and worked as a brick yard laborer. During the First World War he served in the 315th Labor Battalion. At 43 years old, He died from rheumatic heart disease on April 15, 1938. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a butcher and lived at 462 Madison Avenue.
Hirams Rubin Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1922 55 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
McIntosh Susan Female African American Enslaved Domestic December 31, 1849 December 31, 1939 90 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of May Jane Stroud and Christopher “Kitt” Harris, Susan McIntosh was born around 1850 and enslaved as a child According to the WPA interviews, she was owned by the Stroud family. She married George McIntosh and the couple had one child: Andrew Jones. She worked as a domestic servant in 1870, a servant in 1880, and a laundress in 1900. As a widow in 1910 and 1920, she lived at 170 Paris Street. She died from on February 10, 1940. According to her Death Certificate, she worked as a domestic and lived at 1203 W. Hancock Street.
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.
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.

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