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 DODsort descending Age Grave Location Grave Marker Biography
Jones Charlie Male African American Free December 31, 1959 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, Charlie Grant Jones, who resided at 462 Reese Street, died from unknown causes in January 1960. The funeral was handled by Hurley’s Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
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.
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.
Reed Julia Female African American Free Teacher December 31, 1879 December 31, 1960 81 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Julia W. Reed was born around 1880. According to the 1931 City Directory, she was the principal at West Broad Street School and lived at 669 Madison Avenue. She remained at that address in 1940 and worked as teacher. According to the 1958 City Directory, she lived at 147 North Avenue. At 81 years old, she died from unknown causes on July 19, 1961.
Hill Whitman Male African American Free Janitor December 31, 1882 December 31, 1960 78 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Whitman Hill was born on September 17, 1883. In 1949, he worked as a janitor and lived with his wife, Sara H., at 157 Church Street, According to the 1958 City Directory, he still lived at 157 Church Street. He died on October 1, 1961. He may have worked as a reverend; this title is listed on his tombstone.
Johnson May Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1882 December 31, 1960 77 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Maybelle Johnson was born between 1883 and 1884. According to the 1952 City Directory, she worked as a maid and lived at 198 Marlin Street. She died from unknown causes on February 16, 1961.
Brown Mamie Female African American Free Teacher December 31, 1880 December 31, 1960 80 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Mamie E. Brown was born around 1881. She married Anderson S. Brown and the couple at had least three children: Hamilton, Fedrick, and Julius. She was active in the Odd Fellows and, during a 1915 convention, she “welcomed the visitors to the colored households of Athens.” In 1910 and 1930, she and her family lived at 987 Reese Street. She worked as a public school teacher, according to the 1930 Census. According to the 1958 City Directory, she lived still lived at 987 Reese Street, but now worked as a cook at “Chicken Shack.” She died from unknown causes on April 3, 1961.
Porter Walter Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1889 December 31, 1960 71 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Walter Porter was born around 1890. He married Susie Porter and the couple appears not to have had living children. He worked as an insurance agent in 1910, a tailor in 1920, a hotel servant in 1930, and a porter in 1940. At that time, the couple owned a house at 554 Strong Street. According to the 1958 City Directory, he and his wife lived at 554 E Strong Street. At 71 years old, he died from unknown causes on March 6, 1961.
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.
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.
Johnson Lewis Male African American Free Driver December 31, 1911 December 31, 1961 50 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Lewis Johnson was born on December 25, 1912. In 1930, he worked as a hat shop deliveryman and lived with his sister, Minnie Johnson, at 340 Lyndon Avenue. He died from unknown causes on October 21, 1962.
Evans Julia Female African American Free December 31, 1961 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Julia Evans, who resided at 360 First Street, died in December 1962. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Johnson Louise Female African American Free December 31, 1961 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Louise Johnson died from unknown causes in September 1962. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Bell Vino Female African American Free December 31, 1889 December 31, 1961 72 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Vino Bell was born around 1890. She married Dock Bell and the couple had at least four children: Willie, Susie, Daisy Lee, and Mary. In 1940, the family lived off Old Elberton Road in Bucks Branch. She died from unknown causes in 1962. According to her obituary, she lived at 473 Little Oak Street at the time of her death. Her funeral was held at Ebenezer Baptist Church.
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.
Whitield Mittie Female African American Free December 31, 1961 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Mittie Whitfield, who resided at 495 Reese Street, died from unknown causes in December 1962. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Bush Annie Female African American Free December 31, 1895 December 31, 1961 65 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Annie B. Bush was born around 1897. Before 1920, she married Clarence Bush, a grocery store wagon driver. She, herself, worked as a laundress during the 1920s and 1930s. In 1930, she lived with her husband at 850 Broad Street. According to the 1958 City Directory, they remained at that address. Little is known about her adult life and she died from unknown causes on April 14, 1962.
Thompson Florence Female African American Enslaved Laundress December 31, 1861 December 31, 1961 100 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Maria Derricotti, Florence Thompson was born around 1862 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1900 and 1910, she worked as a washerwoman and, as a widow, lived with her mother at 148 Strong Street. She died from unknown causes in 1962.
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.
Smith Priscilla Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1889 December 31, 1962 73 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Jane and Bedny Smith, Priscilla Smith was born around 1890. In 1900, she lived with her parents at 1112 Billups Street and attended school. She appears to have married and been widowed young. She worked as a cook in 1910, a nurse in 1930, and a maid in 1940. According to the 1958 City Directory, she worked as a maid and lived at 1160 W Hancock Avenue. At 73 years old, she died from unknown causes on January 28, 1963.
Deadwyler Mary Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1892 December 31, 1962 69 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Mattie Deadwyler, Mary Deadwyler was born in 1893. In 1900, she lived with her mother, sister (Martha), and a niece (Gertrude) at 410 Reese Street. She worked as a house maid in 1900, a maid at a hotel in 1910 and as a cook in 1920 and 1930. In 1930, she was a widow living with her mother, sister, and brother-in-law at 600 W Broad Street. According to the 1958 City Directory, she lived at 817 Waddell Street. She died from unknown causes on February 12, 1963.
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]
Hardeman Julia Female African American Free Homemaker December 31, 1896 December 31, 1962 66 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Julia L. Hardeman was born sometime around 1897. She married Lucas F. Hardeman, a farmer, and the couple had at least six children: Lucas, Garfield, Jerome, Willimena, Hunter, and Martin. In 1930, they lived at 139 Bailey Street. According to the 1949 City Directory, the couple lived at 230 Branch Street. She died from unknown causes on December 30, 1963.
Billups Willie Male African American Free Teacher December 31, 1903 December 31, 1962 59 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Mary Billups, Willie Lewis Billups was born on either March 1, 1904 or May 15, 1903. As a child he lived on Reese Street. At the time of Second World War, he lived at 123 Pope Street and was self-employed. According to the 1958 City Directory, he worked as a teacher Athens High and Industrial School and lived at 1820 W Hancock Avenue. He died from unknown causes on Feburary 27, 1963.
Williams Willie Male African American Free December 31, 1940 December 31, 1962 22 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Willie James Williams was born around 1941. He died from unknown causes on 1963.
Cannon Sharoy Unknown African American Unknown December 31, 1963 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to the tombstone, Sharoy Cannon died in 1964.
McGinthey Gussie Female African American Free December 31, 1963 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Gussie Mae McGinthey, who resided in Atlanta, Georgia, died in May 1964. She was the daughter of Leila Mae McGinthey and Harmon McGinthey. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Morgan Elizabeth Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1901 December 31, 1963 62 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Elizabeth Morgan was born between 1902 and 1904. According to the 1958 City Directory, she worked as a cook at "Co-Ed Restr" and lived at 1347 W Broad Street. At that times, she was a single householder and unmarried or widowed. She died from unknown causes on August 25, 1964.
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.
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.
Freeman Julia Female African American Free December 31, 1963 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary Julia A. Freeman, who resided at 237 North Church Street, died from unknown causes in June 1964. She was married to Edward M. Freeman. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Jones William Male African American Free Cook December 31, 1879 December 31, 1964 84 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked William Brown Jones was born on September 18, 1880. According to his First World War Draft Card, he worked as a cook at the State Normal School. He married Mamie Howell Jones and the couple had at least three children: Arthur, Thomas, and Clifford. In 1940, he worked as a cook and the family lived at 1063 W Hancock Avenue. According to the 1956 City Directory, he and his wife lived at 1063 W Hancock Avenue. At 84 years old, he died from unknown causes on January 19, 1965.
Winkfield Pattie Female African American Free December 31, 1918 December 31, 1964 48 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Pattie Winkfield was born in 1919. At 48 years old, she died from unknown causes on April 19, 1965. According to her obituary in The Atlanta Constitution, she lived at 229 Bridge Street.
Pope Ida Female African American Free December 31, 1883 December 31, 1964 81 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Ida Ruby Neal Pope was born around March 18, 1884. In 1910, she had property on Vine Street. In 1935, she was married to Simon Pope, a janitor at the University of Gerogia. Accoridng to the 1958 City Directory, she lived alone at 524 Vine Street. At age 81, she died from unknown causes on September 11, 1965.
Simmons Mitchell Male African American Free Church Employee December 31, 1905 December 31, 1964 59 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Anna B. Simmons, Mitchell Simmons was born on November 2, 1906. In 1910, he lived with his mother and grandmother in Madison, Georgia. In 1920, he worked as a theatre porter in Atlanta and lived with his mother in the city. By 1930, he had moved to South Carolina and was married to Thelma Simmons. The couple had at least one child: Mitchell J. Simmons. According to his Second World War draft registration, he worked for Reverend Frank Gantt and lived at 814 Hampton Street in Columbia, South Carolina. He died from unknown causes on February 12, 1965.
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.
Kenney Charlie Male African American Unknown December 31, 1964 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to his tombstone, Charlie Kenney died on August 16, 1965.
Dallas Elzia Female African American Free December 31, 1965 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Elzia Duck Dallas, who resided at 742 Madison Avenue, died from unknown causes in August 1966. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave is unmarked.
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.
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.
Williams Willie Male African American Free December 31, 1914 December 31, 1965 51 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Willie Asa Williams was born around 1915. He died from unknown causes on December 6, 1966.
Freeman Edward Male African American Free December 31, 1965 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, Edward M. Freeman, who resided at 237 North Church Street, died from unknown causes in May 1966. He was married to Julia A. Freeman. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
Harris Nora Female African American Free December 31, 1966 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Nora Harris, who resided at 462 Madison Avenue, died in October 1967. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Poyner Thomas Male African American Free December 31, 1895 December 31, 1966 69 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Thomas Poyner was born on October 15, 1896 (or around 1898). From his residence in Tignall, Georgia, he served in the 342 Labor Battalion during the First World War. According to the 1952 City Directory, he lived with Eddie F. (most likely his wife) lived at 115 Trail Creek Street. He died from unknow causes on April 25, 1967.
Tuggle N. Unknown African American Free December 31, 1897 December 31, 1966 68 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked N. Tuggle was born on February 25, 1898 and died from unknown causes on February 5, 1967.
Griggs Mary Female African American Free December 31, 1966 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Mother Mary Thomas, who resided at 541 Irene St NE in Atlanta, died from unknown causes in September 1967. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
McGinthey Leila Female African American Free December 31, 1967 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Leila Mae McGinthey, who resided in Madison, Georgia, died in June 1968. She was the wife of Harmon McGinthey and the mother of Gussie Mae McGinthey. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
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 Howard Male African American Free Janitor December 31, 1899 December 31, 1967 68 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to his tombstone, Howard F. Johnson was born on January 24, 1900. According to the 1856 City Directory, he worked as a janitor in Howell Clark Hall and lived in Hull, Georgia. At 68 years old, he died on February 21, 1968.
Geter Otis Male African American Free Unemployed December 31, 1899 December 31, 1967 67 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Ida and Dink Geter, Otis Geter (or Jeter) was born around 1900. As a child, he attended school and lived on Fourth Street with his parents. He married Alice Brown on May 17, 1937. At the time of the Second World War, he was unemployed and living at 630 Madison Avenue. On February 12, 1959, he was arrested for liquor possession and spent twelve months in jail. He died from unknown causes on May 6, 1969.
Flanigan Albert Male African American Free December 31, 1880 December 31, 1967 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, Albert Capp Flanigan, who resided at 87 Broad Acres, died from unknown causes in June 1968. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked
Powers Viola Female African American Free December 31, 1890 December 31, 1967 76 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Rosa and Peter Powers, Viola Powers was born on December 27, 1891. In 1900, she lived with her parents in Eddins, Georgia. According to the 1952 City Directory, she lived at 257 N Finley Street. She died from unknown causes on June 25, 1968.
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.
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.
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.
Warrick Anges Female African American Free December 31, 1969 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Agnes (Aremita) Heard Warrick was born in Athens, Georgia on October 13, 1897. On March 1, 1927, she married Ronald M. Warrick. At age 72, Warrick died on January 15, 1970 and was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery in Athens, Georgia. Her last known residence was in Fort Pierce, Saint Lucie, Florida. [Researched and written by Taliesin Utz]
Thomas Susie Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1872 December 31, 1969 97 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Hannah and G. Thomas, Susie Lee Thomas was born around 1873. In 1880, she lived with her parents on Richardson Street and attended school. She married Anderson Thomas and the couple had at least two children. She worked as a laundress in 1910, a farm laborer in 1920, and a cook in 1940. She died from unknown causes in July 1970. According to her funeral notice, she lived at 130 Hickman Drive.
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.
Jones Mamie Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1885 December 31, 1970 85 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Mamie Howell Jones was born on March 11, 1886. She married William Brown Jones and the couple had at least three children: Arthur, Thomas, and Clifford. In 1910, the family lived in Stone Mountain, Georgia. In 1940, she worked in “laundry” and they lived at 1063 W Hancock Avenue. According to the 1956 City Directory, she and her husband lived at 1063 W Hancock Avenue. She died from unknown causes on July 19, 1971.
Bryant Lillie Female African American Free December 31, 1970 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Lillie Bryant died from unknown causes in 1971.
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.
Jones Lillie Female African American Free December 31, 1970 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Lillie May Jones died on January 9, 1971. At the time of her death, she lived at 105 Walton Street.
Hardeman Harry Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1896 December 31, 1970 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Harry Hardeman born on May 23, 1897. The son of Juliette Cornelius Hardeman, a single mother and Athens washerwoman, Hardeman and his two sisters lived at 425 Pope Street. By all accounts, he appeared to be a mischievous child; he, at least once, was caught “casting pebbles” at another boy. Whereas a white child most likely escaped the attention of law enforcement, a black child in Jim Crow Georgia did not. Twelve-year-old Hardeman—for his harmless, childish antics—found himself before the local police court. As punishment for the ‘crime,’ reported The Weekly Banner, the Athens mayor “assessed the scrapper the sum of one dollar,” but remitted the fine after “one of the older darkeys in the court volunteered to administer the necessary chastisement, in the place of the absent parent.” During the First World War, he served stateside as a sergeant in the 157th Depot Brigade. Retuning to Athens after the war, he worked as a laborer and lived at 171 Church Street in 1920. According to the 1958 City Directory, he worked as a butler and lived at 405 Benning Street. He died on April 10, 1971 from an unknown aliment.
Johnson Mary Female African American Free December 31, 1887 December 31, 1970 83 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, she was born on January 2, 1888 and died from unknown causes on January 18, 1971.
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.
Wilcox Dora Female African American Free December 31, 1970 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Dora Sapp Wilcox, who resided at 550 W Hancock Avenue, died from unknown causes in February 1974. The funeral was handled by Mutual Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
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.
Johnson James Male African American Free December 31, 1971 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, James Johnson, who resided at 151 Lyndon Avenue, died from unknown causes in October 1972. He was married to Ethel Johnson and they had at least one child, Blanche Johnson Jones. The funeral was handled by Hurley’s Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
Billups William Male African American Free December 31, 1971 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to his tombstone, William C. Billups died in 1972. His date of birth is unknown.
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.
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.
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.
Small Howard Male African American Free December 31, 1908 December 31, 1972 65 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Howard Small was born April 9, 1909. According to his Second World War Draft Card, he lived in Atlanta, Georgia and his next of kin was Louvenia Guinn, a friend. By 1951, he was living in Seattle, Washington. He died from unknown causes on April 5, 1973.
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.
Watson Victoria Female African American Free December 31, 1973 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Victoria Watson, who resided at 175 Glenhaven Avenue, died from unknown causes in October 1974. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Strickland Willie Male African American Free December 31, 1973 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked The son of Edward Strickland and Jennie (Wagner or Wagoner) Strickland, Willie Strickland was born in Athens, GA around 1898. He grew up on First Street, and after marrying Bertha Mae Harvey in 1937, the couple moved down the street to another residence on First Street. Throughout his life, Strickland had many different jobs including working in a saw mill according to the 1920 census, a cotton mill according to the 1930 census, and as a maid according to a 1931 Athens directory. During the Second World War, Strickland registered for the draft, but was not drafted into service, most likely because he was already married and 43 years old at the time. He died from unknown causes on April 6, 1974 in Athens, and was buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. [Researched and written by Casey Serrano]
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.
Bates Alice Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1891 December 31, 1974 83 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Alice Johnson Bates was born on April 10, 1892. In 1940, she worked as a laundress and was married to William Bates; the couple lived at 1537 W Broad Street in 1940. She was widowed in 1943 and, sometime before her own death on June 27, 1975, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where she lived at the time of her death. The funeral was held at 4pm on June 29 at Hurley’s Chapel in Athens. Burial at Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery followed.
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.
Johnson Ethal Female African American Free December 31, 1975 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Ethel Johnson, who resided at 151 Lyndon Avenue, died from unknown causes in August 1976. She was married to James Johnson and they had at least one child, Blanche Johnson Jones. The funeral was handled by Hurley’s Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Harden Cora Female African American Free December 31, 1891 December 31, 1975 84 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Cora Jones Harden was born around June 15, 1892. According to the 1952 City Directory, she was married to Edgar Harden and they lived at 658 Hull Street. She died on November 26, 1976. She was around 84 years old at the time of her death and lived at 530 W Hancock Avenue.
Flanigan Melvin Male African American Free December 31, 1914 December 31, 1976 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, Melvin Coot Flanigan, who resided at 190 Cleveland Avenue, died from unknown causes in December 1977. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
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.
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.
Woods Lizzie Female African American Free December 31, 1977 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Lizzie Beth Woods, who resided at 200 Washington Drive, died from unknown causes on July 9, 1978. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Wright Inez Female African American Free December 31, 1977 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Inez Flanigan Wright, who resided in Dayton, Ohio, died from unknown causes in March 1978. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
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.
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.
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.
Teasley Annie Female African American Free December 31, 1983 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Annie S. Maxwell Teasley was born in 1917. At 67 years old, she died on November 13, 1984. At the time of her death, resided in Fulton County and, according to her obituary, had three sisters and a daughter. [Researched and written by Nicole Powell]
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.
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.
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.
Thomas Bennie Unknown African American Free December 31, 1940 December 31, 1989 49 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Bennie Thomas was born in 1941. At 49 years old, this individual died from unknown causes.
Livingston Laura Female African American Free Seamstress December 31, 1880 December 31, 1991 111 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Laura Livingston was born in 1881. Sometime before 1910, she married Richard Livingston, a mail carrier, and the couple rented a home at 540 Hancock Avenue. In 1940, the couple owned the home at 540 Hancock Avenue and she worked as a seamstress. She died from unknown causes in 1992. She was around 100 years old.
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.

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