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 Statussort descending Occupation DOB DOD Age Grave Location Grave Marker Biography
Roebuck [??] Male African American Free Porter December 31, 1899 December 31, 1951 52 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Roger Roebuck was born on March 15, 1900. He married Katie Roebuck prior to 1918. According to his First World War Draft Card, he lived at 328 Atlanta Street and worked as a laborer. He worked as a laborer for a Fertilizer Company in 1920 and a porter in 1940. According to the 1952 City Directory, he worked as a deliveryman at Beussee's Flowers and he and his wife lived at 770 Bray Street. He died from unknown causes in 1952.
Matthews Anderson Male African American Free Driver December 31, 1887 December 31, 1917 29 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Jennie Mathews, Anderson Matthews was born on July 15, 1888. He married Julia Cheney in November 1914. During First World War, he lived on W Hancock Avenue and worked as a chauffeur. According to the 1914 City Directory, he lived at 1423 W Broad Street. At 29 years old, he died from unknown on May 17, 1918.
Ramey Geo. Male African American Free Farmer December 31, 1923 51 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.
Bryant Lillie Female African American Free December 31, 1894 December 31, 1970 76 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Lillie Wade Bryant was born around 1895. She appears to have married. At 76 years old, she died from unknown causes on April 25, 1971. According to her obituary, she lived at 872 W Broad Street at the time of her death.
Haynes Rachel Female African American Free Student December 31, 1904 December 31, 1920 15 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Morton Maude Female African American Free Teacher December 31, 1896 December 31, 1986 90 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of and Monroe “Pink” Bowers Morton and Tallulah Morton, Maude Muller Morton was born on January 5, 1897. In 1910, she attended school and lived with her parents on Prince Avenue. She graduated college and worked as a public school leveler in 1930 and as an elementary school teacher in 1940. According to the 1958 City Directory, she lived at 823 Prince Avenue. At 90 years old, she died from unknown causes on October 15, 1987.
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.
Stricklyn Mary Female African American Free Laborer December 31, 1921 45 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.
Newsome Harry Male African American Free Porter December 31, 1902 December 31, 1954 52 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Harry C. Newsome was born on September 3, 1903 in Monroe, Georgia. He most likely married Bessie Newsome and, in 1942, they lived at 153 Lyndon Avenue. He worked for Krowe & Knowles, a local furniture store. According to the 1952 City Directory, he worked as porter for "Patrick's Pharm" and lived at 153 Lyndon Avenue. At 52 years old, he died from unknown causes on July 30, 1955.
Merritt J. P. Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1924 51 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Walker Joe Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1864 December 31, 1926 62 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Joe Walker was born around 1865. He may have been arrested and jailed in Texas from 1883 to 1885. According to the 1924 City Directory, he worked as a laborer and lived with his wife, Mary, at 464 N Foundry Street. At 62 years old, he died from unknown causes on December 10, 1927.
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.
Wiley Serema Female African American Free Seamstress December 31, 1922 49 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.
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.
Bugg Edd Male African American Free December 31, 1953 December 31, 1986 32 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Edd W. Bugg was born around 1954. He attended Clarke Junior High School and his photo appears in the 1970 Yearbook. At 32 years old, he died from unknown causes on March 7, 1987. His funeral was held at Springfield Baptist Church.
Hearel Eddie Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1922 37 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Stroud Baby Ezekiel Male African American Free December 31, 1972 December 31, 1972 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Baby Ezekiel L. Stroud was born and died in 1973.
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.
Stricklyn Pearl Female African American Free Teacher December 31, 1919 21 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.
Greene Marcus Male African American Free December 31, 1901 December 31, 1934 32 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Salemma Greene, Marcus James Greene was born on September 18, 1902. As a child he lived with family on Foundry Street in 1910. He died from unknown causes on August 4, 1935. He was 32 years old at the time of his death.
Nolan Mary Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1877 December 31, 1947 70 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Mary “May” Jackson Nolan was born around 1878. She married Robert Nolan on December 28, 1895 and the couple had at least three children: Edward, Robert, and Eva. In 1930, she worked as a cook and her husband worked as a “yard man.” The family lived at 434 Peabody Street in 1930 and, in 1931, they lived at 167 Peabody Street. According to the 1942 City Directory, At 70 years old, she died from unknown causes on November 9, 1948.
Jones Robert Male African American Free Railroad Employee December 31, 1920 54 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Merritte Claud Male African American Free Child December 31, 1922 December 31, 1922 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Walker Lizzie Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1873 December 31, 1941 68 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Lizzie Walker was born on April 7, 1874. She appears to have gotten into an altercation with a neighbor in 1914. According to the 1924 City Directory, she worked as a laundress and lived at 220 Atlanta Avenue. In 1940 and 1942, Lizzie lived with Jason Walker, a laborer, and they lived at 259 N Chase Street. At 68 years old, she died from unknown causes on April 16, 1942.
Cobb Minnie Female African American Free Wife December 31, 1891 December 31, 1943 52 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Born around July 14, 1890, Minnie Johnson Cobb married Crawford Cobb, a tailor. According to the 1938 City Directory, he worked as a tailor and they lived at 874 Water Street. In 1940, she did not work and lived with her husband at 874 Hobson Avenue. According to the 1942 City Directory, she lived once again at 874 Water Street. She died from unknown causes on February 12, 1944.
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.
Williams J. Male African American Free Child December 31, 1918 December 31, 1918 0 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.
Samuels Flora Female African American Free December 31, 1915 December 31, 1936 21 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to the tombstone, Flora Samuels was born around 1916. She married Samuels Buster, a helper at the Cherokee Service Station, and the couple lived at 288 Second Street in 1935. and At only 21 years old, she died from unknown causes around 1937.
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.
Ray Seymour Male African American Free Cook December 31, 1881 December 31, 1923 41 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]
Bunkley Carrie Female African American Free Housewife December 31, 1894 December 31, 1946 52 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Carrie Woods Bunkley was born around 1895. She married Frank Bunkley and the couple had one child. In 193 and 1930, she was a housewife and the family lived at 447 Reese Street. At 52 years old, she died from unknown causes on May 30, 1947. Her funeral was held at the First AME Church.
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.
Hemphill Susie Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1926 51 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Stroud Sarah Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1873 December 31, 1944 71 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Sarah J. Stroud was born in 1874. In 1920, she was married, but lived with her brother-in-law (Roy L. Thornton) at 553 Hancock Avenue. She worked as a cook at a boarding house in 1920 and as a private cook in 1930. According to the 1942 City Directory, she worked as a cook and lived at 369 Meigs Street. She died from unknown causes in 1945.
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.
Brown [Susie?] Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1883 December 31, 1936 53 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Susian Mcintosh and Robert L. Jones, Susie C. Jones Brown was born around 1884 in Oconee County. She worked as laundress during the 1910s and 1920s. She married J. Wilson Brown, a grocery store merchant, and the couple had at least five children: Georgia, Mamie, Caleb, Lila, and Susie. After the death of her husband, she lived at 1353 W Hancock Avenue and worked as a domestic. At 53 years old, she died from apoplexy on December 13, 1937.
Strong Husey Male African American Free December 31, 1925 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.
Greene Ellen Female African American Free Teacher December 31, 1892 December 31, 1976 79 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Ellen F. Greene was born around December 1, 1893. In 1910, she attended school and lived on Foundry Street. She graduated from college and moved to Nashville to take a deanship at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. After leaving Athens, she instructed Leo Barnett, an Athens-area resident known for performing cemetery maintenance, “to keep the family plot cleaned and maintained.” In 1977, Ellen died in Nashville. She was interred, in Athens, near her mother, Salemma, and two brothers: Marcus and Augustus, a Sergeant Major who had preceded her in death in 1941.
Nolan Robert Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1870 December 31, 1935 65 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Eliza Harris Nolan and Peter Nolan, Robert Nolan was born around 1871 in Walton County, Georgia. He married Mary “May” Jackson on December 28, 1895 and the couple had at least three children: Edward, Robert, and Eva. In 1930, she worked as a cook and he worked as a “yard man.” The family lived at 434 Peabody Street. In 1931, they lived at 167 Peabody Street. At 65 years old, he died from “Nephritis [relation?] of the heart” on October 14, 1936. At the time of his death, he worked as a laborer and lived at 167 Peabody Street.
Joseph Anna Female African American Free December 31, 1919 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Merriweather Carrie Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1921 27 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Walker Benjamin Male African American Free Farm Laborer December 31, 1878 December 31, 1959 55 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Manda and Taylor Walker, Benjamin F. Walker was born around 1879. In 1880, he lived with his parents in Athens. He married Susie Walker and the couple had at least seven children: Asa, Violet, Jenever, Bulah, Watkins, Ned, and Henry. In 1910, the family lived on Newtons Bridge Road and he worked as a laborer at the planning mill. He worked as a farm laborer and lived at White Hall Road in 1930. At 55 years old, he died from unknow causes on August 21, 1939.
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.
Ector Piety Female African American Free December 31, 1879 December 31, 1921 42 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Sanders Edward Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1896 December 31, 1920 24 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Sarah Coleman and Will Sanders, Edward O. Sanders was born around 1897. In 1910, he lived with his parents on Hull Street and worked as an Ice Cream “Padder.” According to the 1914 City Directory, he worked as a laborer and lived at 270 Arch Street. During the First World War, he served as a private in the 530th Service Battalion. After the war, he married Susie Sanders. He died from heart disease on June 2, 1921. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a laborer and lived at 149 Piedmont Avenue in Atlanta, Georgia. Richard Sanders, most likely his brother, applied for a military headstone after his death.
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.
Redding Bertha Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1919 17 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.
Clarke Gertrude Female African American Free December 31, 1895 December 31, 1976 81 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Gertrude W. Clarke was born on December 24, 1894 (or 1896). She married Ivy C. Clark and, in 1920, the couple lived on S Thomas; she worked as a dressmaker and he was a “Truck Hand” in a “Cotton Warehouse.” In 1940, she was a widow living with her niece or nephew at 131 Linden Row. At 81 years old, she died from unknown causes on May 3, 1977. According to her obituary, she lived at 175 Glenhaven Ave at the time of her death. Her funeral was held at Ebenezer Baptist Church West.
Drake Cornelius Male African American Free Insurance Agent December 31, 1870 December 31, 1945 74 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to his tombstone, Cornelius Drake was born on November 25,1871. According to the 1904 City Directory, he worked as a janitor at the State Normal School and lived at 111 Billups Street. He married Virgie C. sometime between 1904 and 1942. According to the 1942 City Directory, he was an agent at the Pilgrim Health and Life Insurance Company and he lived at 986 Reese Street. At 74 years old, he died from unknown causes on October 17, 1946.
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.
Hill [??] Female African American Free December 31, 1918 December 31, 1918 0 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.
Brown Grapell Female African American Free December 31, 1933 December 31, 1935 2 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Ola Mae and Caleb L. Brown, Grapell O. Brown was born in 1934. The family lived at 1353 W Hancock Avenue. She died from influenza on January 6, 1936, when she was just 2 years and 4 months old.
Boyd Claura Female African American Free Laborer December 31, 1923 26 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Greene Augustus Male African American Free Soldier December 31, 1894 December 31, 1940 46 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Salemma Greene and brother of Ellen Greene, Augustus C. Greene was born on August 4, 1895. As a child, he lived with his grandmother, Harriett Stroud, at 508 Foundry Street. He attended school. He served as a Sergeant Major in the 11th Triangle Battalion during the First World War. He died from unknown causes on December 22, 1941. He was only 46 years old at the time of his death.
Owens Alphonso Male African American Free Porter December 31, 1899 December 31, 1929 30 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Isabella Owens, Alphonso A. Owens was born on February 5, 1900. In 1910, he lived with his mother and siblings at 228 Cleveland Avenue. He served in the First World War and applied for Victory Metal in 1921. At that time, he was living 147 Plum Street in Athens and attended school. Sometime prior to 1930, he moved to Chicago and worked as porter. He died from unknown causes on August 8, 1930. At the time of his death, he lived at 5321 Calumet Avenue in Chicago.
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.
Joseph George Male African American Free Child December 31, 1922 December 31, 1922 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Merriweather Johnnie Male African American Free December 31, 1921 5 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
White Joseph Male African American Free Porter December 31, 1873 December 31, 1959 86 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Joseph C. White was born around 1874. In 1930, he was married to Flora Gresham White and lived with his mother-in-law (Mary Elder Gresham) at 623 Vine Street. He worked as a hotel porter in 1930. At 86 years old, he died from unknown causes on October 4, 1960.
Cole Robt. Male African American Free Hackman December 31, 1868 December 31, 1915 46 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Robert C. Cole was born on December 18, 1869. He married Nona Cole and, in 1910, he worked on the Transfer Line as a hackman. According to the 1909 City Directory, he lived at 343 Hull Street, He died from unknown causes on December 10, 1916.
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.
Williams Susie Female African American Free Housewife December 31, 1899 December 31, 1919 19 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Sanders Richard Male African American Free December 31, 1901 December 31, 1944 42 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Richard Sanders was born on December 26, 1902. According to the 1916 City Directory, he worked as a "wks [at] Costa's" and lived at 240 Newton Street. In 1917, he worked as a porter and lived at 241 Newton Street. He served in the stationed at 327 Service Battalion and was stationed at Camp Gordon during the First World War. In 1940, he worked as a butler and lived in the rear of 724 Prince Avenue. He died from unknown causes on September 25, 1945.
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.
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]
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.
Drake Franklin Male African American Free Business December 31, 1891 December 31, 1914 24 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Laura and Cornelius Drake, Franklin B. Drake was born on October 24, 1892. In 1900, he lived in Athens and attended school. He graduated from Knox Institute and then worked “in business.” In 1910, he lived with his grandmother and parents at 853 Prince Avenue. He died from unknown causes on July 5, 1915.
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.
Hill John Female African American Free Child December 31, 1918 December 31, 1918 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Taylor Ida Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1898 December 31, 1959 61 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Ida M. Taylor was born around 1899. In 1920, she was married to S. D. Taylor and the couple lived at the corner of Athens and Lula Road. In 1920, she was apparently shot during an altercation at the Morton Theatre. According to the newspaper report, she had been with a man who was not her husband when the shooting occurred. She recovered from the minor flesh wound. In 1930, she lived alone in Patrick Alley and worked as a hotel cook. In 1940, she worked as a cook and lived at 360 Madison Avenue. According to the 1958 City Directory, she worked as a maid The Webb-Crawford Company and lived at 634 N Foundry Street. She died from unknown causes on March 25, 1960.
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.
Sullivan Mary Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1919 46 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.
Greene Salemma Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1869 December 31, 1948 79 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Salemma Greene was born sometime between 1870 and 1873. She may have married Iyah Stroud. In 1910, she was widowed and living with her mother-in-law, Harriett Stroud, and three children—Ellen, Augustus, and Marcus—at 634 Foundry Street. As a widow in 1940, she worked as a Personal Companion and owned a home at 380 Lyndon Avenue. She died from unknown causes on December 21, 1949. After her death, her daughter Ellen Greene, made sure “ the family plot [was] cleaned and maintained.”
Lay Hattie Female African American Free December 31, 1899 December 31, 1965 65 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Hattie Christopher Lay was born on October 4, 1900 and died from unknown causes on May 3, 1966.
Killian Sarah Female African American Free Housewife December 31, 1901 December 31, 1926 24 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Miller Lucy Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1922 52 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Cole Victoria Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1878 December 31, 1960 82 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Victoria J. Cole was born in 1879. She married Lucius C. Cole, a university janitor, and worked as a laundress. In 1930, the couple lived at 169 Newton Street. According to the 1958 City Directory, she lived at 160 Hendrix Street. At 82 years old, she died from unknown causes on August 22, 1961. She was 82 years old.
Hunter Ed Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1918 December 31, 1957 39 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Annie Hunter, Ed Willie Hunter was born around 1919. In 1930, he attended school and lived with his mother on Finley Street. In 1940, he worked as a butler. He married Juanita Gross on January 25, 1943. According to the 1956 City Directory, he worked as yardman and lived at 540 S Finley Street. He died from unknown causes on June 5, 1958. According to his obituary published in The Atlanta Constitution, he lived at 548 Finley Street.
Wilson Jeorge Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1921 46 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.
Sanders-McGee Sarah Female African American Free December 31, 1873 December 31, 1933 60 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Lou McCree, Sarah Sanders McGee (or McCree) was born around 1874. In 1880, she lived with her mother and siblings on Throne Street. She most likely married William Sanders and, in 1910, lived at 370 Hull Street.
Banks Jessie Female African American Free December 31, 1912 December 31, 1961 49 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Jessie Mae Banks was born in 1913 and died in 1962. She is not listed in the city directories during the 1950s, so her address remains unknown.
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]
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.
Drake Virgie Female African American Free Teacher December 31, 1882 December 31, 1957 74 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Virgie C. Drake was born on April 8, 1883. She graduated from Hampton Institute in 1903 and later worked as a teacher in Athens. She married Cornelius Drake and, in 1920 and 1940, the couple lived at 986 Reese Street. After his death, she still lived in the house, according to the 1956 City Directory. She died from unknown causes on July 6, 1958.
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.
Hill Mamie Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1880 December 31, 1922 42 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Terrell Annie Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1893 December 31, 1931 37 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Charles and Lucy Shaw, Annie Terrell was born in 1894. She married Kino Terrell and, in 1910, they lived at 427 First Street. She died from acute myocarditis on October 30, 1932. According to her Death Index, she lived at 426 First Street and worked as a domestic.
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.
Brunt Wakefield Male African American Free Post Office December 31, 1892 December 31, 1926 33 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Wakefield C. Brunt was born around November 14, 1893 in Salisbury, North Carolina and lived at 660 Hancock Avenue in 1917. During the First World War, he served oversees as a private in the Company M, 304th Stevedore Regiment. He returned to Athens following the war and worked as postman. In 1922, he won a “friendly competition between the Athens [mail] carriers.” According to the 1923 City Directory, he most likely lived at 640 W Hancock Avenue. He died of unknown causes on February 1, 1927.

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