Decedent

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

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

Last Name First Name Gender Race Status Occupation DOB DOD Age Grave Locationsort descending Grave Marker Biography
Holbrook Rowena Female African American Free December 31, 1891 December 31, 1968 77 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Anna Hughes and Eugene Shepard, Rowena Antoinette Shepard Holbrook was born around 1892. In 1928, she lived at 1847 Broad Street with her husband, Stephen Holbrook, a carpet layer. According to the 1958 City Directory, the couple lived at 1347 W Broad Street. She died from unknown causes in 1969.
Harris Marion Male African American Free December 31, 1899 December 31, 1911 11 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to his tombstone, Marion O. Harris was born on September 18, 1900 and died on April 16, 1912. He was only 11 years old at the time of his death.
Thomas Palace Female African American Enslaved Housework December 31, 1924 71 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.
Harris Will Male African American Free Shoemaker December 31, 1925 41 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Harrison Annie Female African American Free Housewife December 31, 1926 43 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Malcolm Henrietta Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1869 December 31, 1935 66 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of William Whiles, Henrietta Malcolm was born around 1870. In 1920, she worked as a laundress and rented a home on Reese Street. On February 7, 1936, she died from cerebral apoplexy and acute [??] nephritis. At the time of her death, she was a domestic living at 1125 W Broad Street.
Davis Clifford Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1893 December 31, 1919 26 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Jennie L. and Will Davis, Clifford L. Davis was born on February 13, 1894. As a child, he attended school and lived with his family at 425 Bridge Street. In 1910, he worked as a tagger in a warehouse. At the start of the First World War, he lived at 237 Bridge Street. During the war, he served stateside as a private in the 157 Depot Brig. He died from unknown causes on December 6, 1920.
Osborne Anna Female African American Free December 31, 1919 December 31, 1919 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Thomas Katie Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1897 December 31, 1975 78 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Laura and Eugene Thomas, Katie C. Thomas was born around 1898. In 1910, she attended school and lived with her parents and siblings at 1248 W Broad Street. She did not work in 1920. In 1940, she worked as a maid and lived on Flint Street. According to the 1958City Directory, she lived at 748 N Hull Street. She died from unknown causes in 1976.
Barrett Luther Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1918 5 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Jameson Shores Male African American Free Driver December 31, 1871 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Shoals Jamison was born around 1872 in Alabama. According to the 1904 City Directory, he worked as a butler and lived at 23 N Findley Street. In 1910, he worked as a coachman and lived with his wife, Ella Jamison, at 193 Pendley Street (193 Finley Street). He died from unknown causes on an unknown date.
Johnson Herbert Male African American Free December 31, 1922 51 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Blont [J or G?] Unknown African American Unknown December 31, 1942 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Morton William Male African American Free 10 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked William Morton died when he was 10 years old. He was the brother of Lizzy C. Morton.
Pinckney Hopie Female African American Enslaved Boarding December 31, 1811 December 31, 1887 76 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Hopie Pinckey was born on May 18, 1812. She was enslaved to Mr. A. Hull of Athens. In 1860, someone attempted to burn down her dwelling, but she escaped the fire. According to the 1880 Census, she was married, worked as day boarder, and lived alone on Melchior Street. At 76 years of age, she died from unknown causes on July 7, 1888.
Fields Eldon Male African American Enslaved Janitor December 31, 1848 December 31, 1924 76 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Eldon Fields was born on September 12, 1849 and most likely spend his childhood enslaved. In 1880, he worked as a carriage driver and lived at 440 Jackson Street. He married Susie Shaw Fields around that time. By 1900, he lived with his wife at 144 Warsaw Street and worked as teamster. He, then, worked as an janitor in an office building in 1920. He died from “paralysis following apoplexy” on January 29, 1925.
Shenault Carrie Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1919 53 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Whitlock John Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1856 December 31, 1916 60 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked John Whitelock (or Whittlock) was born around 1857. According to the 1894 City Directory, worked as a laborer and lived at 805 Athens Avenue. He may have been married to Martha Whitelock. At 60 years old, he died from unknown causes on March 3, 1917.
Davis Wm Male African American Enslaved Cotton Worker December 31, 1922 63 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Jones Sallie Female African American Enslaved Laundress December 31, 1859 December 31, 1884 25 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Jennie and Levi Jones, Sallie Jones was born around 1860 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1870, she lived in Watkinsville with her parents. She married Robert Jones, a laborer. In 1880, she worked as a “washer & ironer” and lived with her husband at 377 River Street. She died from unknown causes on July 25, 1885.
Bush Clarence Male African American Free Deliveryman December 31, 1896 December 31, 1964 66 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Lula Bush, Clarence Bush was born on January 25, 1897. In 1900, he lived with his grandfather and mother on Broad Street. Sometime before 1920, he married Annie Bush and the couple most likely did not have living children. He worked various jobs during his lifetime, included “poster” (1910), a “grocery store wagon driver,” (1920) and “grocery store deliveryman” (1930). According to the 1958 City Directory, they lived at 850 Broad Street and he worked as “firman” at “Holmain Hotel.” In addition to those jobs, he served in the First World War as a private. He died from unknown causes on November 28, 1965.
Shaw Adeline Female African American Enslaved Domestic December 31, 1819 December 31, 1894 75 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Adeline Shaw was born around 1820 and most likely enslaved. In 1880, she worked as a servant and was a widow living near Foundry Street. She died from unknown causes in 1895.
Oglesby Lula Female African American Free December 31, 1952 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Lula Oglesby was born in Georgia in 1888. She attended school until 7th grade. She married Robert Oglesby and had at least five children: Sandford, Robert, Carrie, Beatrice, and Lenard. She worked as a laundress in both 1930 and 1940. She was widowed prior to 1930, but the exact date of her husband’s death is unknown. She died in 1953 from unknown causes. [Researched and written by Savannah Jane Williams]
Holbrook Marion Male African American Free Post Office Clerk December 31, 1879 December 31, 1928 49 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Marion J. Holbrook was born on April 14, 1879 or 1880. He married Carrie Jones Holbrook and the couple had at least two children: Marion and Georgia. He worked various jobs in his early years; he was barber in 1900 and a laborer at “Odd Jobs” in 1910. He started working as a post office clerk in 1911, and remained at that position for the remainder of his life. He intentional shot himself and died from two gunshot wounds on May 6, 1929. At the time of his death, he had been living with his wife at 130 Harris Street.
Harris Robert Mae African American Enslaved December 31, 1835 December 31, 1913 76 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Robert Harris was born around 1836 and most likely enslaved as a young man. At 76 years old, he died from unknown causes on August 6, 1914. According to the 1909 City Directory, Robert Harris and Robert Harris Jr. both lived at 226 Flint Street. Robert Harris—a one-legged criminal mastermind with a perchance for jail breaking—appears regularly within the local newspapers; this could be the same man or his son.
Tompkins Corine Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1922 24 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.
Hawkins Dave Male African American Enslaved Construction December 31, 1919 60 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
[??]ll Se[??] Unknown African American Free 34 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Martin Jessie Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1877 December 31, 1923 45 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Jessie Martin was born around 1878. She worked as a domestic and died from apoplexy on December 17, 1924. At the time of her death, she was 50 years old and living at 1055 Prince Avenue.
Davis Madison Male African American Enslaved Legislator December 31, 1832 December 31, 1901 68 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Madison Davis was born around September 27, 1833 and spent his youth and young adulthood enslaved to a carriage maker. His father, who was from Ireland according to the 1900 Census, may have been a white slaveholder. Davis married Ella Davis and the couple had at least six children: Willie, Annie, Lizzie, Mattie, Mana, and James. During Reconstruction he served as a Republican in the Georgia House of Representatives. Later in life, he worked as a merchant, postmaster, and a real estate agent. In 1900, he was living at 27 Newton Street and just two years later, on August 20, 1902, he died from unknown causes.
Owens Emberly Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1924 99 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Thomas Ada Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1902 December 31, 1965 63 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Mary A. Thomas, Ada Kate Thomas was born on September 12, 1903 in Mississippi. In 1910, she attended school and lived with her mother on Water Street. In 1940, she worked as a maid and lived at 187 Third Street. She was still living at that address in 1958. She died from unknown causes on November 4, 1966.
Bayne Annia Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1918 50 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Jameson Ella Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1888 December 31, 1909 29 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Ella Underwood Jameson was born on July 4, 1881. In 1910, she worked as a cook and lived with her husband, Shoals Jamison, at 193 Pendley Street (193 Finley Street). At 29 years old, she died from unknown causes on June 30, 1910.
Johnson La Fayette Male African American Enslaved Drayman December 31, 1855 December 31, 1920 65 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Blont [Gary?] Male African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Morton Charlie Male African American Free Soldier December 31, 1894 December 31, 1947 52 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Charlie L. Morton was born on November 17, 1895. At the start of the First World War, he lived at 784 Chase Street. He died from unknown causes on March 12, 1948. After his death, Mrs. Clara Morton applied for a military headstone on his behalf. She lived at 784 Chase Street, which was most likely his last known address as well.
Pinkard Amos Male African American Free Grocer December 31, 1888 December 31, 1961 73 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Amos Pinkard was born in 1889. In February 1908, he was charged “for violation of the prohibition law.” He married Nettie Pinkard and, 1940, the couple lived at 264 N Billups Street. According to the 1940 City Directory, he worked as a grocer. He still lived at 264 N Billups Street in 1958. He died from unknown causes on December 16, 1962.
Flag Ida Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1899 December 31, 1945 56 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Ida J. Flag was born around 1900. Sometime before 1930, she gained and lost a husband. As a widow, in 1930, she worked as laundress and lived with her sister, Emma Virgil, at 1490 W Broad Street. In 1940, her and her sister lived at 268 Parris Street. She died from unknown causes on July 28, 1946. At the time of her death, she was 56 years old.
Shortey Bobie Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1924 35 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Wilder Rachel Female African American Free December 31, 1830 December 31, 1888 58 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Rachel Wilder was born around 1831. She married James Wilder, a farm laborer, and they could had at least five children: Dennis, Samuel, Charles, William, and Berry. In 1870, they lived in Madison, Georgia. At 58 years old, she died from unknown causes on October 19, 1889.
Derricott Mariah Female African American Enslaved Housework December 31, 1925 95 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Jones Tena Unknown African American Enslaved December 31, 1847 December 31, 1887 40 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Tena Jones was born in 1848 and most likely enslaved as a child. This individual died from unknown causes on September 23, 1888. Madison Davis was the executor of the will.
Campbell John Male African American Free Porter December 31, 1876 December 31, 1943 67 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Ann Harden, John B. Campbell was born on March 18, 1877 in Athens, Georgia. In 1900, he was serving as a sergeant in the 48th Volunteer Infantry and stationed at Naquilian, Philippine Islands. Rather than return to Athens following his tour of duty, he moved to Chicago and, according to the 1910 Census, worked as a railroad porter. He died from unknown causes on July 4, 1944. He may or may not have returned to Athens, Georgia before his death. Mrs. Katie Thomas, of 748 Hull Street, applied for a military tombstone for his grave in 1944.
Lyons Hannah Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1922 56 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Shaw Charles Male African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Peek Sallie Female African American Free December 31, 1942 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Sallie Peek was born around 1885. She died from unknown causes in Fulton, Georgia on November 6, 1943. Her death was reported in the Atlanta Constitution, where it mentioned her funeral was to be held at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Atlanta on November 11, 1943, after which her remains would be taken to Athens for interment in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. Her obituary stated that she had many friends and family. [Researched and written by Roshni Hariharan]
Holsey [??] Unknown African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Harris R Unknown African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Varnell Will Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1925 55 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.
Hawkins Julia Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1924 37 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
[Re?]id Male African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Martin George Male African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1819 December 31, 1880 61 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked George Martin was born around 1820 and most likely spend the majority of his life enslaved. He married Mary Martin and the couple had at least one child: Essen Martin. In 1880, he worked as a laborer and the family lived on an “unnamed street near River Street.” He died from unknown causes in 1881. According to the 1897 City Directory, his wife lived at 648 Odd Street, East Athens; this is most likely his last address as well.
Davis Minnie Female African American Free December 31, 1939 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Minnie [H?] Davis died in February 1940. According to the 1904 City Directory, J. W. Daivs worked as a mail carrier and lived at 24 Strong Street. In 1909, he was married to Minnie Davis and they lived at 178 Strong Street.
Owens Isibella Female African American Enslaved Laundress December 31, 1918 65 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Thomas Violet Female African American Free Teacher December 31, 1892 December 31, 1935 42 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Julia Collins and Lucins Thomas, Violet Clyde Thomas was born on July 4, 1893 in Athens Georgia. She moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. She died from a cerebral apoplexy on January 28, 1936. According to her Death Certificate, she worked as a teacher and lived in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Bayne Richard Male African American Enslaved Farmer December 31, 1920 75 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Jarrell Robet Male African American Free Driver December 31, 1883 December 31, 1959 70 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Robert Jarrell was born around 1883. In 1904, he married Mearly Taylor, who worked as “servant at Moss-Side, 497 Cobb Street, for forty-three years.” According to his First World War Draft Card, he worked as a driver and lived at 190 Cohen Street. According to the 1956 City Directory, he still lived at that address in 1956. At 77 years old, he died from unknown causes on May 13, 1960.
Johnson Will Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1924 54 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Boyd Rosa Female African American Free Wife December 31, 1871 December 31, 1915 44 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Rosa S. Boyd was born on July 1872 in Florida. In 1883, she married Willie Boyd, a shoemaker, and was either the mother or step-mother of at least eight children: Barlien, Rosa, Willie, Lucy, Racheal, Lydia, Thelma, and Constance. In 1900 and 1910, the family owned a house at 307 Pope Street. According to the 1915 City Directory, he worked as shoemaker and they lived at 437 Pope Street. She died from unknown causes in 1916 and was 44 years old around at the time of her death.
Morton Chester Male African American Free December 31, 1884 December 31, 1884 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to his tombstone, Chester Morton was born in March 1885 and died from unknown causes in July 1885. He was 4 or 5 months old at the time of his death. He is buried in the Morton plot in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery and most likely lived at 823 Prince Avenue with the other members of the Morton family.
Pledger William Male African American Enslaved Lawyer December 31, 1849 December 31, 1903 54 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked William A. Pledger was born in 1850 and enslaved as a child. Along with William Henry (Harrison) Heard, he was the co-owner and editor of the Athens Blade, a leading African-American newspaper that was distributed throughout Georgia and in several northeastern cities. As one of the first African-American lawyers in Atlanta, he was active in republican politics and a delegate to each republican convention from 1876 to 1900. According to the 1898 City Directory, he worked as a lawyer and lived at 209 Pearl Street. He died from unknown causes on January 8, 1904.
Foster Ethel Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1893 December 31, 1958 65 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Born around 1894, Ethel Foster was the daughter of Charlotte and Lorenzo Foster, a City Hall Janitor. In 1920, she worked as a cook and lived with her brother, Henry Foster, on Flint Street.According to the 1958 City Directory, she worked as a maid and lived at 373 Flint Street. She died from unknown causes in 1959.
Simmons Harett Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1921 95 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Wilder Charlie Male African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Rachel Wilder and James Wilder, Charlie Wilder was born around 1860. In 1870, the family lived in Madison, Georgia; this is most likely his last known address. He died from unknown causes on an unknown date.
Dorsey Crock Male African American Enslaved December 31, 1923 80 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Jones Georgia Female African American Enslaved Merchant December 31, 1850 December 31, 1921 71 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter Caroline Foster and Sam Thomas, Georgia Jones was born on February 7, 1849 (or 1851) and most likely spent her early life enslaved. She married John W. Jones, a cook, around 1881 and the couple had three living children. In 1900, they both worked as cooks and owned a house at 360 Broad Street. In 1910, she worked as a grocery store merchant and they rented a house at 563 Broad Street. After her husband’s death in 1917, she lived with her son-in-law (Marion Holbrook) at 522 Broad Street. Later in life she worked as a dressmaker. According to the 1920 City Directory, she lived at 522 Broad Street. She died from mitral regurgitation and nephritis on December 9, 1922.
Campbell Miller Male African American Free Soldier December 31, 1880 December 31, 1935 55 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Miller L. Campbell was born around 1881. He enlisted as a private in the 1Cl. Hospital Corps in 1905; his military records described him as a man of dark complexion, with brown eyes, standing 5 foot 5 ½ inches tall. He most likely married Jane Campbell and lived at 748 Hull Street. He died from unknown causes on July 13, 1936 and was around 55 years old at the time of his death.
Lyons John Male African American Free Mason December 31, 1920 56 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Shaw Dicy Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1876 December 31, 1932 49 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Clara Griffin and Remus Nesbit, Dicie Nesbit Shaw was born on October 16, 1877. She married Charley Shaw around 1896. According to the 1910 Census she worked as “Husbands Saleslady” in “Retail Groceries.” She died from interstitial nephritis and pulmonary stasis on July 1, 1933. At the time of her death, she worked as a domestic and lived at 428 Flynt Street.
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.
Holt Caroline Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1838 December 31, 1901 62 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Caroline Holt was born on December 2, 1839 and enslaved. In the 1880s, she worked as a cook for Mrs. Martha Wilson Lumpkin Compton, and was accused of possibly poisoning a member of this white family. The accusation was most likely false, but the lurid story appeared in the local news reports. She died from unknown causes on October 8, 1902.
Harris Mary Female African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Wagner George Male African American Enslaved Plasterer December 31, 1918 65 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.
Hawkins Peter Male African American Free Construction December 31, 1921 36 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
[??] Mattie Female African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Martin Mary Female African American Enslaved Laundress December 31, 1829 December 31, 1902 73 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Mary Martin was born around 1830 and most likely spend the majority of her life enslaved. She married George Martin and the couple had at least one child: Essen Martin. In 1880, she worked as a “washer and ironer” and the family lived on an “unnamed street near River Street.” According to the 1897 City Directory, she lived at 648 Odd Street, East Athens. She died from unknown causes on April 25, 1903.
Davis Minnie Female African American Enslaved Teacher December 31, 1858 December 31, 1939 80 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Aggie Crawford and James Young, Minnie Davis was born on December 13, 1859 near Penfield, Georgia. Enslaved to John Crawford, Davis spent her childhood in Athens, Georgia. Denied a formal education in slavery, Davis took full advantage of freedom’s offerings. She enrolled at Knox Institution, a school for black children that had been established by the Freedmen’s Bureau in the spring of 1868. She then graduated from Atlanta University before returning to Athens to teach school for over forty years. Her husband, Samuel B. Davis, published the Athens Clipper, a newspaper catering to Athens's emerging black, middle-class community. After his death, she ran the newspaper for a few years, before selling it. She died as a result of a dislocated hip on February 13, 1940.
Parrott Henry Male African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1918 70 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Thomas Marion Male African American Free December 31, 1903 December 31, 1936 33 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Marion Clemons Thomas was born around 1904. At 33 years old, he died on December 16, 1937.
Benford Henry Male African American Free Fireman December 31, 1922 49 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Jarrell Roxie Female African American Free Librarian December 31, 1893 December 31, 1961 68 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Savanah and Jackson Jarrell, Roxie Jarrell was born around 1894 and, at the turn of the century, lived with her parents in Madison, Georgia. In 1910, she worked as a Farm Laborer and attended school. She lived with her brother and mother on a farm on Nowhere Road in 1920. According to the 1956 City Directory, she was the librarian at Athens Regional Library Dunbar Branch and she lived at 247 N Chase Street. The Dunbar Branch Library opened on August 16, 1942 in the Knox Institute building and was one of the few libraries in Georgia catering to African Americans. In 1957, the library moved into Athens High and Industrial Collection on Reese Street. Roxie Jarrell was the first library clerk and her salary was paid by the Works Progress Administration. She remained in this position into the late 1950s or early 1960s. At 68, years old she died from unknown causes on September 2, 1962.
Johnson William Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1919 26 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Boyd William Male African American Enslaved Shoemaker December 31, 1859 December 31, 1918 59 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Thad Boyd, William H. Boyd was born around 1860 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1883, he married Rosa S. Boyd (most likely his second wife) and had at least eight children: Barlien, Rosa, Willie, Lucy, Racheal, Lydia, Thelma, and Constance. In 1900 and 1910, he worked as a shoemaker in Athens and owned a house at 307 Pope Street. According to the 1915 City Directory, he still worked as shoemaker but had moved to 437 Pope Street. He died from unknown causes in 1919 and was around 59 years old around at the time of his death.
Morton Amanda Female African American Enslaved Baker December 31, 1849 December 31, 1884 35 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Amanda Morton was born between 1850 and 1853 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1880, she lived on Prince Avenue and worked “At Laura McCrays,” which was a bakery in town. She is buried in the Morton plot in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery and most likely lived at 823 Prince Avenue with the other members of the Morton family.
Pope Celie Female African American Enslaved December 31, 1885 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Celie Pope died in 1886 and was most likely enslaved. She may have been born around 1771.
Foster John Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1903 December 31, 1930 27 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Emma Shropshire and Robert H. Foster, John Albert Foster was born around 1904. On June 23, 1931, he died from acute endocarditis. At the time of his death, he worked as a laborer and lived with his wife at 1683 South Milledge Avenue.
Sloan Lucinda Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1919 80 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Wilder Odessia Female African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Rachel Wilder and James Wilder, Odessia Wilder was born at an unknown issue. In 1870, the family lived in Madison, Georgia; this is most likely his last known address. In 1870, the family lived in Madison, Georgia; this is most likely her last known address.
Dunfoy Male African American Free December 31, 1920 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Jones Florence Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1893 December 31, 1930 37 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Elizabeth Flagg and Milledge A. Shaw, Florence Shaw Jones was born sometime between August 29, 1894 and 1897. She married Stepheny Jones, a laborer and school dish washer, and the couple owned a home at 138 Billups Street. She worked as a laundress during the 1920s and 1930s. She died from mitral regurgitation on January 22, 1931. At the time of her death, she worked as a domestic and lived at 138 Billups Street.
[Campbell?] Charles Male African American Unknown Janitor Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Charles Campbell most likely worked as a janitor and was married to Marzella Campbell. According to the 1937 City Directory, they lived at 660 W Hancock Avenue.
Mack Claudie Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1885 December 31, 1924 41 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Shaw Willie Male African American Free Driver December 31, 1879 December 31, 1926 39 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Elizabeth Shaw, Willie A. Shaw was born in October 1888. In 1900, he attended school and lived with his mother and grandmother in Athens. In 1915 and 1916, he was arrested and charged with violating prohibition. During the First World War, he served as a cook in the 157th Deport Brigade. After the war, he married Eliza Shaw. He died from [??] on April 5, 1927. At the time of his death, he worked as a chauffeur and, after his death, his wife lived at 330 N. Pope Street.
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]
Horton Susie Female African American Free Teacher December 31, 1884 December 31, 1921 37 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Mary Lovinggood, Susie Lovinggood Horton was born around 1885. In 1910, she worked as a “nurse teacher.” She married William J. Horton, a mail carrier, and the couple had at least one child: Ora. In 1920, the family lived at 1327 W Hancock Avenue and she worked as a music teacher. According to the 1921 City Directory, the house address was 1337 W Hancock Street. She died from unknown causes in 1922.

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