Decedent
Gospel Pilgrim Decedents has a comprehensive list of men, women, and children interred in the cemetery. Using grave markers, obituaries, and death certificates, we have complied a list of individuals buried within the cemetery and, to the extent possible with archival silences, developed short biographies of each persons' life. Some decedents have marked graves, while others do not.
In part, this data is based on an early 2000s GIS survey of the cemetery, which was completed by David Berle, Gail Tarver, Taylor Ladd from the University of Georgia's Horticulture Department. The Athens-Clarke County Death Certificate data was, likewise, transcribed by Leah Richier, an graduate alumni of the University of Georgia's Department of History.
| Last Name | First Name | Gender | Race | Status | Occupation | DOB | DOD | Age |
Grave Location |
Grave Marker | Biography |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garfield | Carrie | Female | African American | Enslaved | Housewife | December 31, 1924 | 63 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Brown | Anderson | Male | African American | Free | Barber | December 31, 1868 | December 31, 1938 | 70 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Anderson S. Brown was born in 1869. In 1900, he was widowed and worked as a post office clerk. He remarried before 1910; he and Mamie E. Brown at had least three children: Hamilton, Fedrick, and Julius. They were active in the Odd Fellows and, during a 1915 convention, she “welcomed the visitors to the colored households of Athens.” He was also a member of the Knights of Pythias. He worked as a “Special Deputy” for the “City Odd Teller” in 1910 and aa barber in 1920 and 1930. In 1910, 1920, and 1930, the family lived at 987 Reese Street. He died from unknown causes in 1939. She remained in the house after his death. |
| 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. | ||
| Watson | Myrtie | Female | African American | Free | Child | December 31, 1920 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| George | Maria | Female | African American | Enslaved | December 31, 1824 | December 31, 1914 | 90 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Maria George was born around 1825 and most likely spent the first half of her life enslaved. As a widow in 1910, she owned a home at 584 Strong Street. She still lived at that address in 1912, according to the City Directory. She died from unknown causes on March 14, 1915. | |
| Pope | Ida | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1883 | December 31, 1964 | 81 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Ida Ruby Neal Pope was born around March 18, 1884. In 1910, she had property on Vine Street. In 1935, she was married to Simon Pope, a janitor at the University of Gerogia. Accoridng to the 1958 City Directory, she lived alone at 524 Vine Street. At age 81, she died from unknown causes on September 11, 1965. | |
| 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. | |
| Wilcox | Dora | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1970 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to her obituary, Dora Sapp Wilcox, who resided at 550 W Hancock Avenue, died from unknown causes in February 1974. The funeral was handled by Mutual Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked. | |||
| Williams | Harriet | Female | African American | Free | House Keeper | December 31, 1852 | December 31, 1930 | 76 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The daughter of Harriett Dardey, Harriet Williams was born around October 11, 1853. At 76 years of age, she died from arterio sclerosis on February 24, 1930. According to her Death Certificate, she was a “house keeper” and lived in Atlanta, Georgia. |
| Powell | Major | Male | African American | Free | Farmer | December 31, 1894 | December 31, 1922 | 28 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |
| Howard | Aurodite | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1919 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
| Carrington | Sarah | Female | African American | Free | Housewife | December 31, 1883 | December 31, 1931 | 48 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The daughter of Eliza and Mayor Saggors, Sarah L. Carrington was born on March 23, 1884 in Georgia. She married Chas H. Carrington, a railroad shop laborer, and the couple lived in Birmingham, Alabama. She died from unknown causes on January 8,1932. Her body was returned to Athens and interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery on January 11, 1932. She was only 48 years old at the time of her death. |
| Jones | Thomas | Male | African American | Enslaved | Driver | December 31, 1829 | December 31, 1899 | 70 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Thomas Jones was born around 1830 and most likely enslaved. In 1870, he worked as a domestic servant and in 1880 he worked as a street car driver. He married Mary Jones in 1863 and the couple most likely did not have living children. In 1900, he lived at 529 Lumpkin Street. He died from unknown causes on October 13, 1900. |
| Sheppard | Anna | Female | African American | Enslaved | December 31, 1861 | December 31, 1884 | 22 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to her tombstone, Anna M. H. Sheppard was born on August 17, 1862 and most likely enslaved as a child. At 22 years of age, she died from unknown causes on April 25, 1885. | |
| Cheney | Alex | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1922 | 34 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
| B[??] | Gar[?]le | Unknown | African American | Unknown | 37 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | [biographical information unknown] | |||
| Ellis | Sarah | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1945 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to her obituary, Sarah Ellis died in November 1946. The funeral was handled by Mutual Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked. | |||
| 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. | |
| Stokes | Corneilus | Female | African American | Free | Laundress | December 31, 1920 | 25 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Lungkins | Elnora | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1912 | December 31, 1921 | 10 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Derricotte | Savannah | Female | African American | Enslaved | December 31, 1851 | December 31, 1899 | 47 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Savannah Derricotte was born on November 17, 1852 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1874, she married Henry Derricotte, a carpenter, and, in 1900, the couple had seven living children. According to the 1900 Census, she did not work. At 47 years old, she died from unknown causes on September 25, 1900. According to the 1909 City Directory, Henry Derricotte lived at 213 Chase Street and this is most likely her last address. | |
| Lyles | Eugene | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1972 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Eugene Lyles was born around 1870. He married Mattie Owens Lyles and, in 1930, they lived at 147 Plum Street. He worked as a plasterer in both 1910 and 1930. According to the 1956 City Directory, he still lived at 147 Plum Street. According to his tombstone, he died on November 25, 1973. | ||
| Johnson | Seaborn | Male | African American | Unknown | December 31, 1946 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to his obituary, Seaborn Johnson, who resided in Monroe, Georgia, died from unknown causes in August 1947. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked. | |||
| Thomas | Hamilton | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1909 | December 31, 1939 | 30 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Hamilton Thomas was born around 1910. At 30 years old, he died from unknown causes on December 26, 1940. | |
| Mcqueen | Sam | Male | African American | Enslaved | Barber | December 31, 1920 | 72 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Gleen | Albirdie | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1919 | 5 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
| Brown | Alice | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1910 | December 31, 1912 | 2 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to her tombstone, Alice E. Brown was born on 1911 and died on 1913. | |
| Jackson | Alfred | Male | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1821 | December 31, 1883 | 62 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Alfred Jackson was born around 1822 in Virginia and most likely spent most of his life enslaved. He married Louisa Jackson and the couple had at least six children: Camilla, Edward, Albin, Bettie, Mary, and Judy. He worked as a day laborer in 1870 and a white washer in 1880. He lived on River Street. He died from unknown causes on February 14, 1884. |
| White | Nettie | Female | African American | Free | Housewife | December 31, 1926 | 54 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Geter | Otis | Male | African American | Free | Unemployed | December 31, 1899 | December 31, 1967 | 67 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Ida and Dink Geter, Otis Geter (or Jeter) was born around 1900. As a child, he attended school and lived on Fourth Street with his parents. He married Alice Brown on May 17, 1937. At the time of the Second World War, he was unemployed and living at 630 Madison Avenue. On February 12, 1959, he was arrested for liquor possession and spent twelve months in jail. He died from unknown causes on May 6, 1969. |
| Pope | Simon | Male | African American | Free | Janitor | December 31, 1869 | December 31, 1939 | 70 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Washington Pope, Simon G Pope was born on July 4, 1870. He married Ida Pope and the couple had at least four children: Edwin, Leroy, Edmund, Celastine, and Simmie. He worked as a day laborer in 1900, gas worker in 1910, oil mill laborer in 1920, and janitor in 1940. He owned a house at 524 Vine Street in 1940. He died at home from a spontaneous hemorrhage and chronic myocarditis on October 31, 1940. At the time of his death, he worked as a janitor for the University of Georgia. |
| 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. | |||
| Woods | Lizzie | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1977 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to her obituary, Lizzie Beth Woods, who resided at 200 Washington Drive, died from unknown causes on July 9, 1978. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked. | |||
| Williams | Lula | Female | African American | Free | Domestic | December 31, 1896 | December 31, 1922 | 26 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The daughter of Roda Calloway and Mark Johnson, Lula Jane Williams was born in August 1897. She married Ed Williams and, in 1920, the couple lived on Lyndon Street. She worked as a cook in 1920. She died from [??] on February 26, 1923. According to her Death Index, she worked as a domestic and lived at 882 Water Street. |
| Powers | Annie Bell | Female | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1926 | 33 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Huff | J. | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1923 | 1 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
| Clark | Minnie | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1889 | December 31, 1932 | 43 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to her tombstone, Minnie Lee Clark was born around 1890 and died in November 1933. She was only 43years old at the time of her death. | |
| Jones | Julius | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1907 | December 31, 1941 | 34 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to his tombstone, Julius C. Jones was born in 1908 and died in 1942. | |
| Simmons | Mitchell | Male | African American | Free | Church Employee | December 31, 1905 | December 31, 1964 | 59 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Anna B. Simmons, Mitchell Simmons was born on November 2, 1906. In 1910, he lived with his mother and grandmother in Madison, Georgia. In 1920, he worked as a theatre porter in Atlanta and lived with his mother in the city. By 1930, he had moved to South Carolina and was married to Thelma Simmons. The couple had at least one child: Mitchell J. Simmons. According to his Second World War draft registration, he worked for Reverend Frank Gantt and lived at 814 Hampton Street in Columbia, South Carolina. He died from unknown causes on February 12, 1965. |
| Clarke | Joseph | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1923 | 13 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| B. | W. | Unknown | African American | Unknown | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | [biographical information unknown] | ||||
| Evans | Julia | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1961 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to her obituary, Julia Evans, who resided at 360 First Street, died in December 1962. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked. | |||
| Heard | M. | Unknown | African American | Free | December 31, 1887 | December 31, 1888 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to the tombstone, this 7 month-old infant was born on October 12, 1888and died from unknown causes on May 14, 1889. | ||
| Stokley | Lizzie | Female | African American | Free | Cook | December 31, 1873 | December 31, 1922 | 48 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |
| Derricotte | Edward | Male | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1856 | December 31, 1939 | 83 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Edward J. Derricotte was born on March 12, 1858 and most likely enslaved as an infant. He worked as a day laborer in 1870 and as a “Sexton To Church” in 1880. In 1882, he married Charlotte L. Derricotte and the couple had at least four children: Ophelia, Edward Jr., Tom, and Andrew. He worked as a laborer at “odd jobs” while living in Everett, Massachusetts in 1920. Upon returning to Athens, he worked as carpenter in 1920. After the death of his wife, he moved back to Everett, Massachusetts where he worked as a janitor and lived with extended family. He died from unknown causes on June 4, 1940. |
| 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. |
| Jones | Charlie | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1959 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to his obituary, Charlie Grant Jones, who resided at 462 Reese Street, died from unknown causes in January 1960. The funeral was handled by Hurley’s Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked. | |||
| Thomas | Tommie | Male | African American | Enslaved | Labroer | December 31, 1863 | December 31, 1939 | 76 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son or Margaret and Hampton Thomas, Tommie Thomas was born on May 15, 1864 and most likely enslaved. In 1870, he lived in Athens with his parents. He still lived with them in 1880, but also worked as butcher in that year. In 1930, he worked as a foreman for the transfer company. He died from chronic nephritis on March 11, 1940. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a laborer and lived at 168 Warsaw Street. |
| Menifield | Ella | Female | African American | Enslaved | Housework | December 31, 1921 | 94 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Grady | Mary | Female | African American | Free | Cook | December 31, 1919 | 22 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Brown | Mary | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1913 | December 31, 1944 | 31 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to her tombstone, Mary Frances Brown was born on 1914. She most likely married Reese Brown, a "helper" at Athens Labor Company, and, according to the 1940 City Directory, the couple lived at 151 Strickland Avenue. At 31 years old, she died from unknown causes on 1945. | |
| 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. | ||
| Wilburn | Boyd | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1921 | 21 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| [Goon?] | [??] | Female | African American | Free | 75 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to her tombstone, [??] Sally [Goon?] died during the 1940s at 75 years old. | |||
| Porter | Walter | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1889 | December 31, 1960 | 71 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Walter Porter was born around 1890. He married Susie Porter and the couple appears not to have had living children. He worked as an insurance agent in 1910, a tailor in 1920, a hotel servant in 1930, and a porter in 1940. At that time, the couple owned a house at 554 Strong Street. According to the 1958 City Directory, he and his wife lived at 554 E Strong Street. At 71 years old, he died from unknown causes on March 6, 1961. |
| 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. |
| Wright | Inez | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1977 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to her obituary, Inez Flanigan Wright, who resided in Dayton, Ohio, died from unknown causes in March 1978. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked. | |||
| Williams | Willie | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1914 | December 31, 1965 | 51 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Willie Asa Williams was born around 1915. He died from unknown causes on December 6, 1966. | |
| Pulliam | Lucy May | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1919 | 2 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
| Huff | John | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1884 | December 31, 1926 | 42 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |
| Clark | Julia | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1880 | December 31, 1940 | 60 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to her tombstone, Julia Shaw Clark was born in 1881. She most likely married William W. Clark, a laborer, and the couple lived at 144 Warsaw Street, according to the 1929 City Directory. At 84 years old, she died in 1941. | |
| 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. | |
| Sims | Minnie | Female | African American | Free | Cook | December 31, 1874 | December 31, 1930 | 56 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The daughter of Caroline and D. Charlie Whales, Minnie Whales Sims was born around 1875. She married John H. Sims and the couple had at least four children: Robert, M. C, Susie, and George. She worked as a Laundress in 1910 and a cook in 1930. At 56 years old, she died from [??] on November 4, 1931. At the time of her death, she lived at 499 Madison Avenue and worked as a domestic. |
| Cleveland | J. | Male | African American | Free | Student | December 31, 1925 | 18 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Bacon | Robert | Male | African American | Enslaved | Porter | December 31, 1818 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Robert Bacon was born around 1819 and most likely enslaved for much of his life. He married Minerva Bacon sometime before 1870 and the couple had at least three children: Robert Jr., Edward, and Mary. He worked as a La laborer in 1870 and porter in 1880. In 1880, he lived with his wife, children, daughter-in-law, and grand children at 353 Foundry Street in Athens. According to the 1889 City Directory, his wife lived at 414 N Foundry Street and this is most likely his last address. He died from unknown causes on an unknown date. | ||
| Flanigan | Albert | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1880 | December 31, 1967 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to his obituary, Albert Capp Flanigan, who resided at 87 Broad Acres, died from unknown causes in June 1968. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked | ||
| Heard | J. | Unknown | African American | Free | December 31, 1893 | December 31, 1893 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to the tombstone, J. T. Heard Jr. was born on July 31, 1894 and died August 30, 1894. It was the sibling of M. L. Heard. | ||
| Stovall | Will | Male | African American | Free | Blacksmith | December 31, 1921 | 42 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Dillard | Hansel | Male | African American | Enslaved | Barber | December 31, 1792 | December 31, 1852 | 60 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Hansel Dillard was born enslaved around 1793. Trained as a barber, Dillard advertised his services to white Athenians in The Southern Whig: “Barbering and Hair-dressing. Hansel Dillard, Respectfully informs the citizens of Athens and the public generally, that he will, at all times, be found at his Shop, happy to accommodate those who favor him with their patronage.” In an era that barred almost all free and enslaved men from skilled employment, barbers enjoyed steady, profitable work. Indeed, this profession paid well; Dillard’s earning bought him freedom. As a free man of color, Dillard carved out a respectable space for himself in the slaveholding South. Dillard, according to The Weekly Banner, “made a great deal of money.” In addition to his barbershop, Dillard owned a bakery, operated a confectionery, kept a stable, and ran a delivery service. For him, and many other African-American men, barbering was a path to freedom and middle-class prosperity. It allowed him to procure not only his own freedom, but purchase his wife’s freedom for $1000 as well. She, then, took in student’s washing for additional income. In 1851, Dillard owned property; he paid taxes. Sixty-year-old Dillard died of unknown causes on Sept. 5, 1853. He was buried in Athens. Exactly where, however, is unknown. At some point, years after Hansel Dillard’s death, friends from Charleston, South Carolina erected a tombstone in his memory. While damaged by age and neglect, the stone, inscribed “I know that my Redeemer livith,” still stands in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery today. |
| Lyons | C.H.S. | Male | African American | Free | Academic | December 31, 1880 | December 31, 1954 | 74 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | C. H. S. (or C. M. S.) Lyons Sr. was born on July 25, 1881. He may have worked as a professor or teacher. According to the 1952 City Directory, he was president of the Union Baptist Institute (known Jeruel Academy) and lived at 427 Baxter Street. He died on June 26, 1955. |
| Jones | Walter | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1954 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to his obituary, Walter Jones died from unknown causes in April 1955. He married Annie Jones, and the couple had at least two children—Melease Jones Winston and Walter Jones Jr. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked. | |||
| Thomas | Bennie | Unknown | African American | Free | December 31, 1940 | December 31, 1989 | 49 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Bennie Thomas was born in 1941. At 49 years old, this individual died from unknown causes. | |
| Thomas | Susie | Female | African American | Free | Cook | December 31, 1872 | December 31, 1969 | 97 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The daughter of Hannah and G. Thomas, Susie Lee Thomas was born around 1873. In 1880, she lived with her parents on Richardson Street and attended school. She married Anderson Thomas and the couple had at least two children. She worked as a laundress in 1910, a farm laborer in 1920, and a cook in 1940. She died from unknown causes in July 1970. According to her funeral notice, she lived at 130 Hickman Drive. |
| Merritt | J. P. | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1924 | 51 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Grant | Render | Male | African American | Free | Chauffer | December 31, 1922 | 23 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Brown | Ella | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1879 | December 31, 1928 | 49 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to her tombstone, Ella Smith Brown was born on 1880 ans died from unknown causes on 1929. At the time of her death, she was around 49 years old. | |
| Jackson | Thomas | Male | African American | Free | Doctor | December 31, 1896 | December 31, 1930 | 34 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Sweetie Poline and Thomas Nathaniel Jackson, Thomas N. Jackson was born on June 12, 1897. As a child in 1900, he lived on Barber Street with his family. He graduated from Knox Institute in 1915. At the start of the First World War, he lived at 133 Cleveland Avenue and worked as a grist mill operator. During the war, he was a student at the Army Training Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. In 1930, he worked as a physician in Athens. He died from [??] on November 8, 1931. According to the Death Certificate, he worked as a physician and lived at 133 Cleveland Avenue. |
| Wiley | Serema | Female | African American | Free | Seamstress | December 31, 1922 | 49 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Green | Unknown | African American | Unknown | December 31, 1934 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to the tombstone, [??] Green died on [August?] 4, 1935. | ||||
| Porter | Susie | Female | African American | Free | Laundress | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Susie Bason Porter was born around 1886. She married Walter Porter and the couple appears not to have had living children. In 1930, she worked as a laundress. In 1940, the couple owned a house at 554 Strong Street, according to the 1958 City Directory, they remained at 554 E Strong Street. At 82 years old, she died from unknown causes in 1968. | |||
| Merriweather | W. | Unknown | African American | Free | December 31, 1912 | December 31, 1930 | 17 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to the tombstone, W. G. Merriweather was born on November 26, 1913 and died on July 20, 1931. This individual was only 17 years at the time of their death. | |
| Infant of A. S. Brown | Unknown | African American | Unknown | December 31, 1912 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to the obituary, the infant of A.S. Brown and his wife died from pneumonia in February 1913. The baby was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; its grave may be unmarked. | ||||
| Williams | Willie | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1940 | December 31, 1962 | 22 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Willie James Williams was born around 1941. He died from unknown causes on 1963. | |
| Ramey | Geo. | Male | African American | Free | Farmer | December 31, 1923 | 51 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Hunter | Sebe | Male | African American | Free | Merchant | December 31, 1921 | 35 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Cleveland | John | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1868 | December 31, 1930 | 62 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | John Cleveland was born between 1865 and 1875. He married Liza Cleveland, a laundress, and the couple had a least one child: Johnnie, Magnolia, and Manda. Unable to read or write, he worked as an oil mill laborer in 1920 and was working as a laborer in 1929. He was not working in 1930 and lived at 168 John Street in Athens. He died from unknown causes on November 27, 1931; he was around 62 years of age at the time of his death. |
| Jones | Robert | Male | African American | Free | Mason | December 31, 1876 | December 31, 1936 | 60 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Susan Harris and Robert Jones, Robert L. Jones was born on July 9, 1872 (or 1877). Around 1908, he married Effie Jones and the couple appears not to have had children. He worked as a brick mason in 1910 and as a “Tiel Setter” in 1930. He died from apoplexy on February 12,1937. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a brick mason and lived at 167 Paris Street |
| Small | Howard | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1908 | December 31, 1972 | 65 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Howard Small was born April 9, 1909. According to his Second World War Draft Card, he lived in Atlanta, Georgia and his next of kin was Louvenia Guinn, a friend. By 1951, he was living in Seattle, Washington. He died from unknown causes on April 5, 1973. | |
| Colbert | Guy | Male | African American | Free | Student | December 31, 1922 | 18 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Bacon | Marenia | Female | African American | Enslaved | Cook | December 31, 1823 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Minerva Bacon was born around 1824 and most likely enslaved as a young woman. She married Robert Bacon sometime before 1870 and the couple had at least threechildren: Robert Jr., Edward, and Mary. In 1880, she lived with her husband, sons, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren at 353 Foundry Street in Athens. She worked as a “Washer & Ironer” in 1880 and as a “cook” in 1889. According to the 1889 City Directory, she lived at 414 N Foundry Street. She died from unknown causes on an unknown date. | ||
| Flanigan | Melvin | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1914 | December 31, 1976 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to his obituary, Melvin Coot Flanigan, who resided at 190 Cleveland Avenue, died from unknown causes in December 1977. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked. | ||
| 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. |
| Stricklyn | Mary | Female | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1921 | 45 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Dillard | William | Male | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1907 | 70 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | William Dillard was born around 1844 and most likely enslaved. According to the 1870 Census, he worked as Day Laborer. She married Racheal Dillard and they had at least two children: Nannie and Annie. In 1904, he worked as a laborer and lived at 640 Fourth Street. He was one of the founding members of the Gospel Pilgrim Society. | |
| 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. |
| Killian | W. | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1951 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to his obituary, W. H. Killian Sr. died from unknown causes in March 1952. He married Ruth Moon Killian, and the couple had at least three children, William Herty Killian Jr., Archibald Killian, Alfred Killian, and Clarence Killian. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked. |
