Decedent

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

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

Last Name First Name Gender Race Status Occupation DOB DOD Age Grave Location Grave Markersort descending Biography
Thomas Eluice Male African American Free Child December 31, 1923 December 31, 1924 1 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.
Hawkins Julia Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1924 37 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Neelia Peter Male African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1925 78 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Bayne Richard Male African American Enslaved Farmer December 31, 1920 75 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Clemons Clifford Male African American Free December 31, 1945 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, Clifford T. Clemons died from unknown causes in July 1946. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave is unmarked.
Johnson William Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1919 26 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Scott Magnolia Female African American Free Student December 31, 1921 17 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Dunfoy Male African American Free December 31, 1920 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Thomas Laura Female African American Free Farmer December 31, 1870 December 31, 1923 52 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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]
Hawkins Peter Male African American Free Construction December 31, 1921 36 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Nesbitt Sibyl Female African American Free December 31, 1918 December 31, 1921 2 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Benford Henry Male African American Free Fireman December 31, 1922 49 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Cobb Minnie Female African American Free December 31, 1943 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Minnie Lee Crawford Cobb died from unknown causes in February 1944. The funeral was handled by Mack & Payne Funeral home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave is unmarked.
Jones Callie Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1925 39 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Shanks Armina Female African American Free Laborer December 31, 1924 31 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Eberhart Martha Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1918 33 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Thomas Margret Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1919 80 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Stanton John Male African American Free December 31, 1947 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked John R. Stanton was an Athens resident who was born around 1899. He was married and had multiple siblings. He died from unknown causes on October 25, 1948 and was buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery on October 31, 1948. [Researched and written by Abby Lauterbach]
Hawkins Rebecca Female African American Enslaved Housework December 31, 1848 December 31, 1926 78 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Nesbrit Hellen Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1919 70 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.
Colbert Mary Female African American Free Nurse December 31, 1946 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Mrs. Mary J. Colbert, the mother of Mrs. Mamie Harden and a “veteran nurse civic and religious leader,” died from unknown causes in November 1947. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave is unmarked.
Jones John Male African American Free Drayman December 31, 1919 40 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Shaw Henry Male African American Free Mason December 31, 1922 36 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Echols Hiram Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1923 53 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Thomas Matt Male African American Enslaved Driver December 31, 1923 60 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Strickland Willie Male African American Free December 31, 1973 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked The son of Edward Strickland and Jennie (Wagner or Wagoner) Strickland, Willie Strickland was born in Athens, GA around 1898. He grew up on First Street, and after marrying Bertha Mae Harvey in 1937, the couple moved down the street to another residence on First Street. Throughout his life, Strickland had many different jobs including working in a saw mill according to the 1920 census, a cotton mill according to the 1930 census, and as a maid according to a 1931 Athens directory. During the Second World War, Strickland registered for the draft, but was not drafted into service, most likely because he was already married and 43 years old at the time. He died from unknown causes on April 6, 1974 in Athens, and was buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. [Researched and written by Casey Serrano]
Hayes Annie Female African American Free December 31, 1921 December 31, 1922 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Newsome Susie Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1860 December 31, 1926 66 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Binns Elizzebeth Female African American Free Teacher December 31, 1925 24 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Dallas Elzia Female African American Free December 31, 1965 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Elzia Duck Dallas, who resided at 742 Madison Avenue, died from unknown causes in August 1966. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave is unmarked.
Jones Louvenia Female African American Enslaved Housework December 31, 1919 65 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Shaw Warren Male African American Free Presser December 31, 1922 33 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Ector Benjiman Male African American Free December 31, 1920 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Thomas Orrie Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1867 December 31, 1923 56 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Norman John Male African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1923 68 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.
Davis James Male African American Free December 31, 1948 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, James W. Davis, who resided at 178 Strong Street, died from unknown causes on June 28, 1949. He married Mrs. Minnie Reid and had at least five children. The funeral was handled by Mack & Payne Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave is unmarked.
Jones Margaret Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1920 87 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Shaw Will Male African American Free Chauffer December 31, 1926 38 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Ector Carrie Female African American Free December 31, 1918 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Thomas Palace Female African American Enslaved Housework December 31, 1924 71 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.
Haynes Rachel Female African American Free Student December 31, 1904 December 31, 1920 15 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Odoms Corene Female African American Free December 31, 1921 2 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Booke Ben Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1926 50 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Diggs Minnie Female African American Free Teacher December 31, 1995 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Minnie Diggs died from unknown causes in 1996. A 1922 graduate from Morris Brown College, she was active as an alumni and a local community member. She was remembered as “a very powerful, strong women; not in stature, but in determination.” She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Jones Robert Male African American Free Railroad Employee December 31, 1920 54 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Shenault Carrie Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1919 53 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Ector M. Male African American Free Janitor December 31, 1925 49 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Tompkins Corine Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1922 24 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Terrell Charles Male African American Unknown December 31, 1933 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Charles Terrell Jr. was born around 1916. His parents, Charles Terrell and Julia Stuts, were both Athens natives. His father, “Chas” Terrell was noted to be a carpenter before his son was born, being listed along with his wife Julia in a 1912 Athens, GA directory living at 347 First Street. In the 1931 directory, however, “Chas” Terrell is said to be a cook, living on 389 Meigs St. On October 6, 1934, Terrell Jr.’s life was cut short after passing away at a tender age of 18 while he was still a schoolboy. The place of death is recorded to be 376 Odd Street. The cause of death was noted to be an acute dilatation of the heart, or nowadays known as dilated cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle), with contributary causes of importance being listed as fever and overexertion. He was buried five days later in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery on October 11, 1934 with his family in attendance. [Researched and written by Bita Jadali]
Hearel Eddie Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1922 37 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Osborne Anna Female African American Free December 31, 1919 December 31, 1919 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Booth Richard Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1920 38 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Bowmans Jack Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1924 60 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Diggs William Male African American Free December 31, 1972 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, William Diggs, who resided at 357 DuBose Avenue, died from unknown causes on January 27, 1973. The funeral was handled by Mutual Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
Joseph Anna Female African American Free December 31, 1919 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Shortey Bobie Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1924 35 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Ector Piety Female African American Free December 31, 1879 December 31, 1921 42 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Lyons Hannah Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1922 56 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Varnell Will Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1925 55 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Thomas Ethal Female African American Free December 31, 1944 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked The daughter of Charles and Fannie Walker, Ethel Walker Thomas was born in May of 1884. As a teenager and young adult, she resided in Sandy Creek with her family, where she worked as a laborer on their farm. She did not attend school, but she was able to read and write. In 1910, she married Lonnie Thomas, and the couple had several children: Edward, Melvin, Azzie, Charles, Elmore, and Alfonza. According to the 1920 census, she lived on Oak Street with her husband and children and worked as a washerwoman. In 1930, she resided at the same address with her family and worked as a maid for a private family. She died from unknown causes on February 1, 1945. [Researched and written by Jake Underwood]
Hemphill Susie Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1926 51 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Owens Emberly Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1924 99 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Boyd Claura Female African American Free Laborer December 31, 1923 26 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Dixon Laura Female African American Free December 31, 1946 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Laura Annie Dixon, who resided at 201 Butler Street in Atlanta, Georgia, died in January 1947. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Joseph George Male African American Free Child December 31, 1922 December 31, 1922 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Simmons Harett Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1921 95 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Edwards Fred Male African American Enslaved Fireman December 31, 1922 62 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Lyons John Male African American Free Mason December 31, 1920 56 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Wagner George Male African American Enslaved Plasterer December 31, 1918 65 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Thomas Bennie Male African American Free December 31, 1989 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, Bennie Thomas, who resided at 230 Pauldoe Street, died from unknown causes in February 1990. The funeral was handled by Mutual Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Hill [??] Female African American Free December 31, 1918 December 31, 1918 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Owens Isibella Female African American Enslaved Laundress December 31, 1918 65 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Bradley Lena Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1918 48 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Edwards Roberta Female African American Free December 31, 1948 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Roberta Woods Edwards, the wife of Joseph Edward, died in November 1949. The funeral was handled by Mack & Payne Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Killian Sarah Female African American Free Housewife December 31, 1901 December 31, 1926 24 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Sloan Lucinda Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1919 80 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Everaton Mamie Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1920 17 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Mack Claudie Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1885 December 31, 1924 41 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Wales Cassie Female African American Free Laborer December 31, 1921 48 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Thomas Lonnie Male African American Free December 31, 1962 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Lonnie Thomas was born on May 6, 1879. He married Ethel Thomas, who worked as a hotel maid. Lonnie and Ethe had at least six children: Edward, Melvin, Hassie (or “Azzie”), Alfonzo, Charlie, and St. Elmore. Census records show that Lonnie owned his house on 160 Water Oak Street in Athens, Georgia. In 1910, Mr. Thomas went to court and won against someone who had wrongfully disposed of his personal property. His draft card for the military in 1918 listed the same address, along with his employer, the Georgia Plow Company, where he worked for many years as a laborer in the factory. He died from unknown causes on January 20, 1963, and was buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. [Researched and written by McKenna Sanville]
Hill John Female African American Free Child December 31, 1918 December 31, 1918 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Parrott Henry Male African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1918 70 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.
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.
Laney Minnie Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1920 28 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Smith Betney Male African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1922 71 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.
Mack Cynthia Female African American Unknown Housework December 31, 1921 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Walker [??] Female African American Free Child December 31, 1924 December 31, 1924 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]
Hill Mamie Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1880 December 31, 1922 42 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Patterson Nellie Female African American Free December 31, 1922 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Bridy Camilla Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1924 74 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.

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