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 Racesort descending Status Occupation DOB DOD Age Grave Location Grave Marker Biography
Odoms Corene Female African American Free December 31, 1921 2 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Kenney Charlie Male African American Unknown December 31, 1964 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to his tombstone, Charlie Kenney died on August 16, 1965.
Colbert Guy Male African American Free Student December 31, 1922 18 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Derricotte Annie Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1883 December 31, 1928 44 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Lula Lee and Charlie Shaw, Annie Bell Derricotte was born on August 28, 1884. She died from lung pneumonia on December 14, 1929. According to her tombstone, she was the “wife of J.W. Derricotte.” She worked as a domestic and lived at 157 Warsaw Street, according to her Death Certificate.
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.
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.
Hudson Charlie Male African American Enslaved Merchant December 31, 1857 December 31, 1941 84 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Charlie Hudson was born around 1858 and most likely enslaved as a child. He married Maggie Hutson, a laundress, around 1904 and the couple lived at 387 Odd Street in 1910. He worked as a retail grocery merchant in 1910 and 1920. He died from unknown causes on October 29, 1942.
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.
Brewer Gladys Female African American Free Teacher December 31, 1896 December 31, 1971 75 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Gladys H. Brewer was born around 1897. She graduate college and worked as a teacher in Athens. She married Manis Brewer, a chauffeur, and the couple rented a home at 270 Chase Street in 1940. She died from unknown causes in 1972. At the time of her death, she lived at 223 North Billups Street in Athens.
Shaw Will Male African American Free Chauffer December 31, 1926 38 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Matthews John Male African American Free Merchant December 31, 1883 December 31, 1940 57 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked John T. Matthews was born between 1874 and 1884. He married Margaret “Maggie” Matthews, and the couple rented a home at 1095 W Hancock Avenue in 1920 and 1930. He worked as farmer in 1920 and was a dry goods store merchant in 1930. He died from unknown causes on March 27, 1941.
Grant Render Male African American Free Chauffer December 31, 1922 23 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Franklin [?] Unknown African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Smith Martha Female African American Enslaved Domestic December 31, 1859 December 31, 1921 62 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Jim Nealy, Martha Smith was born around 1860 in Alabama and most likely enslaved as a child. She married Seboon (or “Siabam”) Smith around 1870 and the couple had at least six children: Inez, Willie, and Samuel. In 1910, she worked as a “sick nurse” and lived with her family on Bertin Street. She died from “cancer return” on May 30, 1922. According to her Death Certificate, she worked as a domestic and lived at 181 Lyndon Avenue.
Hill Emerline Female African American Free December 31, 1950 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Emerline Hill, who resided at 654 North Avenue NW in Atlanta, died in May 1951. The funeral was handled by Hanley’s Ashby Street Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Johnson Alice Female African American Enslaved December 31, 1856 December 31, 1917 61 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Thomas Jones and Mary E. Jones, Alice V. Johnson was born on August 27, 1857 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1879, she married William D. Johnson, a Athens clergyman originally hailing from Maryland. Over the course of her life she had six children, but only five of those children survived into adulthood. In 1900, the couple owned a home at 529 Lumpkin Street. Sometime after the death of her husband on April 10, 1909, she moved to 681 W. Lumpkin St. She died of unknown causes on April 4, 1918.
Davis Rebekah Female African American Unknown December 31, 1921 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Rebekah Davis was born in 1832 in Georgia. She was enslaved to Dr. and Mrs. Edward Ware. As a young woman, she married Ned Davis (also enslaved) and the couple had 7 children. Later, at least one of her sons moved to Chicago as a grown man. Three of her sons remained in Athens, and James A. Davis worked as a mail carrier. After the Civil War, she worked as a seamstress. She appears to have learned to read and write in the later years of her life and she was an active member of the First A.M.E. Church. She lived at 179 Strong Street in Athens, Georgia until her death from unknown causes on January 19, 1922. Her obituary, published in the Athens Daily Herald, described her as “one of the oldest citizens of Athens and was the oldest member of the First A. M. E. church.” She was 90 years old. But even after death, the white newspaper remembered her as a ‘faithful slave,’ an element of Lost Cause ideology. “‘Aunt Rebekah’ . . . as a family servant of Dr. and Mrs. Edward Ware, who lived on Hoyt street, during the ante bellum days, and her husband Ned Davis, belonged to Captain John Thomas, and was her personal servant. Ned died many years ago. These darkies were servants in the homes of two of the best known and most aristocratic families of the day, and were well known to many of the white people of the time,” stated the obituary. [Researched and written by Trey Smith]
[Carey?] Floarey Unknown African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Tompkins Corine Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1922 24 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Morton Charles Male African American Free Entertainment Industry December 31, 1902 December 31, 1969 67 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Monroe “Pink” Bowers Morton and Tallulah Morton, Charles Morton was born on February 27, 1903. In 1910 and 1920, he attended school and lived with his parents and siblings on Prince Avenue. In 1930, he worked as a “Machine operator” at the “picture show,” most likely at the Morton Theatre. According to his Second World War draft card, he worked for his family and lived at 823 Prince Avenue. According to the 1958 City Directory, he worked at Twentieth Century Billiards and lived, with Goldiee W., at 659 W Hancock Avenue. At 67 years old, he died from unknown causes on June 20, 1970.
Hurt Francis Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1919 75 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Upson Brinie Female African American Free December 31, 1952 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Brynie Upson was born around 1880. She married Neal Upson, a farmer, and the couple lived outside of town on Hull Road. She died from unknown causes on December 21, 1953. According to the 1942 City Directory, he lived at 450 Fourth Street; this was most likely her last known address.
Au[??] Ned Male African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Osborne Anna Female African American Free December 31, 1919 December 31, 1919 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
L. C. Unknown African American Unknown December 31, 1888 December 31, 1890 2 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to the child’s tombstone, C. H. L. died on October 14, 1891. The child only lived 2 years, 4 months, and 7 days.
Cole Loucious Male African American Free Driver December 31, 1904 December 31, 1924 20 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Derricotte Charlotte Female African American Enslaved Domestic December 31, 1862 December 31, 1926 64 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Lucy Dodson and Andrew Jackson, Charlotte L. Derricotte was born on May 12, 1863 and most likely enslaved as an infant. In 1882, she married Edward J. Derricotte and the couple had at least four children: Ophelia, Edward Jr., Tom, and Andrew. She worked as a house maid in Athens in 1900 and as a laundress in Massachusetts in 1910. At 64 years old, she died from arteriosclerosis and myocarditis on November 5, 1927. According to the Death Index, she had been living in Everett, Massachusetts and employed as a caterer.
Reid Fannie Female African American Free Secretary December 31, 1889 December 31, 1983 93 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Laura and Lorenza Reid, Fannie J. Reid was born on October 5, 1890. In 1910, she attended school and lived with her parents at 431 Bridge Street. In 1910, she remained at the same address. According to the 1958 City Directory, she worked as a secretary at the Athens High and Industrial School and lived at 243 Bridge Street. She died from unknown causes on February 19, 1984.
Wymbs J. Male African American Free Minister December 31, 1890 December 31, 1935 45 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Janette and Lewis Wymbs, J. H. Wymbs was born around 1891. He died from an acute infection on August 15, 1936. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a minister and lived at 175 Second Street.
Huff Will Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1894 December 31, 1934 40 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Alois Howard and Gib Huff, Will Huff was born on March 12, 1893 in Crawford, Georgia. He died from [??] of heart and nephritis on February 11, 1935. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as laborer and lived at 264 Bridge Street.
Maxwell Charlie Male African American Free December 31, 1971 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, Charlie Joe Maxwell, who resided at 253 Lyndon Avenue, died from unknown causes on June 12, 1972. The funeral was handled by Mutual Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
Brittain Will Male African American Free City Worker December 31, 1866 December 31, 1925 57 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Gabriel Brittain, Will Brittain was born in November 1867 in Georgia. He married Brayne Brittin and the couple may or may not have had children. He died from apoplexy on March 21, 1926 and, at the time of his death, he “worked for the city” at lived at 140 [Glyn?].
Shenault Carrie Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1919 53 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Matthews Margaret Female African American Free Teacher December 31, 1877 December 31, 1977 101 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Margaret “Maggie” Matthews born around 1878.She married John T. Matthews, and the couple rented a home at 1095 W Hancock Avenue in 1920 and 1930. She worked as a rural school teacher and public school teacher. According to the 1956 City Directory, she stilled lived at that address. At 101 years old, she died from unknown causes on March 6, 1978.
Green Rudell Male African American Unknown December 31, 1924 December 31, 1924 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Franklin R. Unknown African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Mattie Franklin and Eddie Ted Johnson, Eddie Johnson was born on May 9, 1920 and died on from unknown causes on November 13, 1947. He is buried alongside R. Franklin—who is most likely a sibling.
Smith Robert Male African American Free Carpenter December 31, 1888 December 31, 1924 36 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Nellie Thomas and Scott Smith, Robert Smith was born around 1889. He married Pearl Smith and served in the 313 Service Battalion during the First World War. He died from being “shot by police in self defense” on December 25, 1925. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as carpenter and lived at 387 Flint Street.
Lyons Hannah Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1922 56 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Howell Leonard Male African American Free December 31, 1954 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, Leonard Howell, who resided in Atlanta, died from unknown causes in November 1955. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
Johnson Eddie Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1919 December 31, 1946 27 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Mattie Franklin and Eddie Ted Johnson, Eddie Johnson was born on May 9, 1920. He never married. In 1941, he lived in Chicago and worked on the Pennsylvania Railroad. Still living in the city, he was working as a “Bumper Factory Worker” when he died from unknown causes on November 13, 1947. The body was returned to Athens for burial in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery.
McQueen Mahala Female African American Unknown December 31, 1909 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Mahala Wooden McQueen survived four wars throughout her lifetime, including the War of 1812 at the time of her birth. She later sewed and mended clothes for soldiers in the Mexican American War, Civil War, and the Spanish American War. Born at Cherokee Corners in Oglethorpe County, and was enslaved to the Hill family. Her obituary notes her labor for the Barrow family in raising David Crenshaw Barrow, former University of Georgia Chancellor from 1906 to 1925. At the time of her death, she birthed twelve children with only two surviving, Sam McQueen and a daughter, Julia Witheld. She passed away at 98 years old in her cottage home at 658 Hull Street on March 22nd, 1910.
[Carey?] Eddie Male African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
[Murfrey?] [??] Unknown African American Free December 31, 1892 December 31, 1928 36 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to the tombstone, this individual was born around 1893 and died in 1929; they were 36 years old.
Varnell Will Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1925 55 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Morton Claud Male African American Free December 31, 1892 December 31, 1892 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to his tombstone, Claud Morton was born in February 1893 and died in June; he was just over 3 months old. He most likely lived at 823 Prince Avenue with the other members of the Morton family.
Jacks Mary Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1923 70 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Virgil Emma Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1879 December 31, 1943 64 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Mary and Louis Jackson, Emma Virgil was born around 1880; her parents had been enslaved to John Montgomery in Oconee County. In 1930, she worked as a cook. When interviewed by the WPA in the 1930s, she lived at 1491 W. Broad Street. According to the 1952 City Directory, she lived at 268 Parris Street. At 64 years old, she died from unknown causes on February 14, 1944.
Hawkins Ida Female African American Enslaved December 31, 1860 December 31, 1908 47 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Ida Hawkins was born on May 12, 1861 and most likely spent her early years enslaved. She married Perry Hawkins around 1907. She gave birth to seven children, but only five were living in 1910. On March 11, 1909, she died from unknown causes.
Austin Nicey Female African American Enslaved Domestic December 31, 1842 December 31, 1934 92 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Nicey Austin was born on May 12, 1843 (or sometime between 1843 and 1848) and most likely spent her youth enslaved. Described as a “Mulatto” in the 1880 Census, she could not read or write and worked as house servant in Athens, Georgia. In 1920 she was still working as a housekeeper and lived with her adult daughter, Mary Jefferson, at 130 Harris Street. Austin died from unknown causes on March 19, 1935.
Owens Emberly Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1924 99 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Lawrence Carrie Female African American Enslaved Domestic December 31, 1849 December 31, 1923 74 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Wiley and Asbury Lawrance, Carrie Lawrence was born in August 1850 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1880, she worked as a “Washer & Ironer” and lived on Jackson Street. She was a founding member of the Gospel Pilgrim Society. As a widow in 1900, she worked as a “Janitress” and lived at 129 Alley Street. She no longer worked in 1920 and lived in a boarding house on Berry Street. At age 74, she died on December 15, 1924. According to her Death Certificate, she did “housework” and lived at 112 Berry Street.
Collins Eva Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1919 70 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Derricotte Mathew Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1899 December 31, 1943 54 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Mathew “Booby” Derricotte was born around 1890. In 1909, he worked as a laborer and lived at 46 Hull Street. He married Lucy Derricotte and, according to the 1942 City Directory, they lived at 270 Fifth Street. He still worked as laborer. At 54 years old, he died from unknown causes on October 28, 1944.
Reid Mattiline Female African American Free December 31, 1892 December 31, 1893 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Laura and Lorenza Reid, Mattiline I. Reid was born on August 14, 1893 and died on July 30, 1894. She was only 6 months old. In 1897, her father lived at 431 Bridge Street; this is most likely her last known address.
Young Agnes Female African American Enslaved Laundress December 31, 1836 December 31, 1897 60 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Agnes “Aggie” Crawford Young was born in March 1837. In 1870, she was “keeping house.” She was married James Young in 1864 and they had at least six children: Edward, John, Minnie (Davis), Maria, James, and Young. As a widow in 1880, she lived at the corner of Foundry Street and Connecticut Street and worked as a “Washer & Ironer.” According to the 1889 City Directory, she lived at 438 Bridge Street and worked as a laundress. At he died from unknown causes on January 10, 1898. After her death, she bequeathed her possessions to her daughter, Minnie Davis.
Hunt Doll Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1898 December 31, 1946 48 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Doll Hunt was born in 1899. In 1930, she lived with her sister, Mollie Clark, on Crawford Avenue and worked as a laundress. She married Dozier Hunt and, according to the 1931 City Directory, the couple lived at 67 Crawford Avenue. According to the 1942 City Directory, she lived at 350 Barber Street and worked as a cook. She died from unknown causes on September 28, 1947.
Maxwell Mary Female African American Free December 31, 1969 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Mary Brooks Maxwell, who resided at 258 Lyndon Avenue, died from unknown causes on February 21, 1970. She was the mother of Charlie J. Maxwell, Mary T. Maxwell, V. Blanche Moore, Ann S. Teasly, Frederica N. Maxwell, and Lucy V. Johnson. The funeral was handled by McWhorter Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
Brown Martha Female African American Enslaved December 31, 1831 December 31, 1858 27 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Martha M. Brown was born on September 27, 1832 and died on November 4, 1859; she was most likely enslaved. Her body was most likely moved to Gospel Pilgrim sometime after 1882, when the cemetery opened.
Shortey Bobie Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1924 35 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
McCleskey Edward Male African American Free Carpenter December 31, 1864 December 31, 1931 67 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Julia and William McCleskey, Edward McCleskey was born in March 1865. In 1930, he was widowed and owned a home at 220 Harris Street. He worked as a carpenter for much of his life. At age 67, he died from cardiovascular renal disease on September 19, 1932.
Griffen Thomas Male African American Free December 31, 1919 26 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Freeman Fannie Female African American Enslaved Seamstress December 31, 1963 December 31, 1930 67 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Fannie Martin Freeman was born between 1860 and 1864 and was most likely enslaved as a child. In 1883, she married R. S. Freeman. According to the 1910 Census, she was a widow working as a seamstress and living at 564 Fourth Street. In 1930, she lived with a son in Spalding, Georgia. She died from a cerebral hemorrhage on January 10, 1931. According to her Death Certificate, she worked as a cook and lived at 50 Madison Street.
Griffieth Mayfield Female African American Free Student December 31, 1925 16 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
G S Unknown African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Smith Julia Female African American Unknown December 31, 1939 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Julie E. Smith died on July 11, 1940. She is buried alongside Winnie Moore.
Lyons John Male African American Free Mason December 31, 1920 56 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Howell Lamar Female African American Free December 31, 1967 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Mrs. Leonard Howell, who resided in Atlanta, died from unknown causes in February 1968. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Johnson Rhoda Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1875 December 31, 1931 55 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Rhoda Ann Johnson was born around 1876. In 1920, she was a widow and worked as a washerwoman. In 1920, she lived with her two daughters (Minnie and Lula) and her mother-in-law (Emma Lee Johnson) at 882 Water Street. According to the 1931 City Directory, she still lived at that same address. At 55 years old, she died from unknown causes on May 29, 1932.
Adams Clarence Male African American Free December 31, 1919 1 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
[Carey?] Clara Female African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Neely Helen Female African American Free December 31, 1898 December 31, 1963 65 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Helen B. Neely was born on September 10, 1899 and died on March 26, 1964. She was 65 years old.
Wagner George Male African American Enslaved Plasterer December 31, 1918 65 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Morton Lizzy Female African American Free Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Lizzy C. Morton died around 10 months old. She was the sister of William Morton, who died when he was 10 years old. She most likely lived at 823 Prince Avenue with the other members of the Morton family.
Jackson Hattie Female African American Free Child December 31, 1923 2 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
W Unknown African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Hawkins S. Unknown African American Enslaved December 31, 1858 December 31, 1936 78 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to the tombstone, S. H. Hawkins was born (most likely enslaved) in 1859 and died in 1937.
Austin Henry Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1895 December 31, 1939 44 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Henry L. Austin was born on February 28, 1896 in Washington, Georgia. During the First World War, he served as a private in the 157 Depot Brigade at Camp Gordon. At the start of the war, he lived at 528 Strong Street. After the war, he married Ada Austin, a cook, and in 1930 the couple lived in the rear of 574 Pulaski Street. It is unknown if they had children. In 1930, he worked as a laborer for the University of Georgia and, in 1935, he was a janitor, most likely for the university. In 1935, he and Ada lived at 150 N. Harris Street. He died from unknown causes on June 29, 1940. His wife, still living at 150 N Harris Street, ordered a military tombstone marker in1941.
Owens Isibella Female African American Enslaved Laundress December 31, 1918 65 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Lawrence Odessia Female African American Free December 31, 1902 December 31, 1903 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Odessia Lawrence was a 15 month old infant who died from unknown causes on October 6, 1904.
Cook Mary Female African American Free Laborer December 31, 1925 60 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Derricotte Annie Female African American Free Teacher December 31, 1882 December 31, 1963 81 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Rosa Smith, Annie Smith Derricotte was born on September 17, 1883. Around 1907, she married Thomas L. Derricotte, a hotel waiter. In 1910, she lived with her mother, husband, and a boarder (Eula Davis) at 293 Cherry Street. She graduated from Atlanta University and she worked as a private school teacher in 1910 and an elementary school teacher in 1940. She lived alone at 389 Dubose Avenue in 1940. According to the 1956, she remained at that address. At 81 years old, she died from unknown causes on October 21, 1964.
Reid Laura Female African American Free December 31, 1892 December 31, 1893 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Laura and Lorenza Reid, Laura Ella Reid was born on August 14, 1893 and died on July 30, 1894. She was 11 months old. In 1897, her father lived at 431 Bridge Street; this is most likely her last known address.
[??] Barbara Female African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Barbara [M??] [??] is believed to be buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. Little is known about her life.
Hunter Richard Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1868 December 31, 1928 60 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Carolina and Richard Hunter, Richard Hunter was born sometime between 1857 and 1869 in Charlotte, North Carolina. He worked as a laborer on the city streets in 1910 and as a “general worker” in 1920. He married Rachel Hunter and the couple had at least three children: Anna Bell, Nellie Bell, and Christine. He died from pneumonia on March 16, 1929. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a mechanic and lived at 487 Madison Avenue.
McCree Sam Male African American Free December 31, 1955 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, Sam McCree, the son of Ella Kelly and the husband of Rowena McCree, died from unknown causes on October 1956. The funeral was handled by McWhorter Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
Brown Hamilton Male African American Free Printer December 31, 1903 December 31, 1970 66 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Mamie E. and Anderson Brown, Hamilton J. Brown was born on May 3, 1904. As a child, he lived on Reese Street with his parents. In 1947, he worked as a printer and, according to the 1947 and 1949 City Directories, he lived at 987 Reese Street. He died from unknown causes on January 25, 1971.
Simmons Harett Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1921 95 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
McCombs Sarah Female African American Free Student December 31, 1884 December 31, 1906 21 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Serena and Cisero McCombs, Sarah R. McCombs was born on October 22, 1885. In 1900, she attended school and lived with her parents at 901 Reese Street. At 21 years old, she died from unknown causes.
McCray Laura Female African American Enslaved Baker December 31, 1817 December 31, 1912 95 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Dolly Billops, Laura McCray was born on June 7, 1818 and enslaved for much of her live. While a slave, she received a letter in 1841. In 1870, she was “keeping house” in Athens. In 1880, she worked at “Confectionery Baking” and lived on Prince Avenue. According to the 1897 City Directory, she worked at a cake shop and lived at 819 Prince Avenue. In 1910, she lived on Prince Avenue and worked as a baker. Indeed, she was famous for her cakes. She died from unknown causes on December 5, 1913.
Griffin Carrie Female African American Free Housewife December 31, 1926 48 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Gaiy Harriet Female African American Free 55 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Harriet C. Gaiy died during the 1940s at 55 years old.
Snelson A. Unknown African American Free December 31, 1896 December 31, 1899 2 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked A. O'Luwole Snelson was born on July 29, 1897 and died from unknown causes on March 1, 1900. This child was 2 years and 8 months old at the time of death.
Mack Claudie Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1885 December 31, 1924 41 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Johnson Curtis Male African American Free December 31, 1983 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, Curtis Johnson, who resided at 97 Broad Acres, died from unknown causes in September 1984. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
Johnson Emanuel Male African American Free Janitor December 31, 1896 December 31, 1939 43 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Lulu and George Johnson, Emanuel Johnson was born in May 1897. In 1900, the family lived at 8 Oconee Street. He married Lonie Johnson and, in 1929, they lived at 260 Vine Street. At that time, he worked as a janitor. According to the 1931 City Directory, he worekd as a janitor at the First Baptist Church and lived at 260 Vine Street. He remained at that address, according to the 1940 City Directory. He died from unknown causes on October 2, 1940. He was only 43.
Anderson J. Male African American Enslaved Painter December 31, 1919 60 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
[Carey?] Anna Female African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Nesbit John Male African American Enslaved Mason December 31, 1853 December 31, 1895 42 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Sarah and Charles Nesbit, John Nesbit was born around 1854. In 1870, he lived with his parents and siblings in Athens. He married Ella Virginia Richardson on February 3, 1884 and the couple had six living children, including John, Fannie, Sarah, Julia, and Laura. According to a 1889 editorial on East Athens, “Mr. John Nesbitt has a pretty house that can vie with many of our handsome ones on this side.” According to the 1894 City Directory, he worked as a brickmason and lived at 310 Pearl Street. He died from unknown causes on October 13, 1896.
Wales Cassie Female African American Free Laborer December 31, 1921 48 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Mullins William Male African American Free Driver December 31, 1882 December 31, 1954 71 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked William J. Mullins was born around 1883. In 1910, he lived on Reese Street and worked as an ice wagon driver. According to the 1928 City Directory, he worked as a laborer and lived with his wife, Nancy, at 223 N Church Street. In 1930, he drove truck for the ice company and still worked as a driver in 1940. In 1952, he lived with his wife at 223 N Church Street and worked as a truck driver at Atlantic Company. At 71 years old, he died from unknown causes on August 26, 1955.

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