The Funeral Service for Mr. Dwight Hundrey Harrison, Jr. of Americus, Georgia will be conducted Saturday, November 3, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Allen Chapel AME Church, Americus, Georgia with Elder Shelby Hall officiating. Interment will follow in Eastview Cemetery.

Dwight Hundrey Harrison, Jr., fondly known as “D.J.” was the youngest son to his loving parents, Valerie Westbrook-Porter and Dwight Hundrey Harrison, Sr. He made his grand entrance into this world on October 24, 2000 in Sumter County, Georgia and immediately stole the hearts of his family with his adorable dimples. He was educated in the Americus, Sumter County, Georgia, Public School System. Dwight’s secondary Education included Georgia Youth Military Academy in Augusta, Georgia. He later enrolled in the GED Program at South Georgia Technical College, Americus, Georgia with plans to enroll in the Commercial Driver’s License Program.

 At an early age Dwight began attending church including Love of Christ Outreach Ministry, Victory Worship Center, and Oasis World Outreach Center, Americus, Georgia. Dwight was always willing tohelp his family and friends. He loved life and he enjoyed making people laugh.

 He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Mr. Alphonso Westbrook; and paternal grandfather, Mr. Ben Johnson. In addition to his parents, Dwight Hundrey Harrison, Sr., Attapulgus, Georgia and Valerie Westbrook-Porter, Americus, Georgia, he leaves to cherish his loving memories, his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Berta Lembrick Westbrook-Winns, Americus, Georgia and his paternal grandmother, Mrs. Doris Harrison Suldon, Attapulgus, Georgia; one sister: Jasmine Merritt, Americus, Georgia, and one brother, Eric Hawkins, Jr., Fort Smith, Arkansas; two nephews: Jamar Merritt and Kameron Paschal, Americus, Georgia; step-father, Mr. Eric Porter; six uncles: Andre Westbrook, Americus, Georgia; Lorenzo (Alexia) Walters, Lawrenceville, Georgia; Willie Harrison, Cairo, Georgia, Timothy Harrison, Havana, Florida, Henry Harrison, Tallahassee, Florida, and Curtis Harrison, Whigham, Georgia; six aunts: Angela Westbrook-Foster, Americus, Georgia, Gwen (Elder Shelby) Hall, Americus, Georgia, Corene Westbrook-Milledge, Americus, Georgia, Doris (John) Perry, Attapulgus, Georgia; Diane (Henry) Campbell, Attapulgus, Georgia; and Priscilla (Tony) Smith, Leesburg, Georgia; godbrother: Sedrick Clemons, Atlanta, Georgia; godmothers: Natasha Foster, Montgomery, Alabama and Laketa Watts McClaster, Putney, Georgia; a devoted friend, Derrick Wafford, a host of great aunts and uncles, cousins and other relatives and friends survive.

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 The Funeral Service for Mr. Richard William Lawless will be held Saturdy, October 20, 2018 at 2:00 at Inspirational Church By Faith, 714 Adderton Street, Americus Georgia with Pastor Zebedee Westen officiating. Visitation is from 1:00 -2:00 at the church.

Richard W. Lawless passed away peacefully at the age of 74. He was the youngest of Virginia Lawless and Hershell Layfield's four children. He was preceded in death by his parents. In 2009, Richard retired from Ricky's Oil Company after thirty-nine years of service. Shortly after retirement, he relocated from Miami, Florida to Americus, Georgia. He was a loving father and devoted grandparent. His life became centered around helping to take care of his grandson Tristan (who calls him Papa). Richard had a giving heart and an uplifting spirit which made him a joy to be around.

Richard was cherished by many as a father figure and uncle. He was a simple man who celebrated life and would not want us to mourn him. He will be missed by many but not forgotten. Left to cherish his memories are his wife of thirty-eight years, Roselyn W. Lawless; children: Richard C. Lawless and Anethra M. Adderley; grandchildren: Demetrius L. Gurley and Tristan A. Waters; siblings: Edward A. Lawless and Ellen L. Hoffman; and many beloved friends.

 The funeral service for Mrs. Martha Ann Durham Journey of Americus, Georgia will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at the Friendship Baptist Church with Bishop Melvin McCluster officiating. Burial will follow in the Eastview Cemetery

Mrs. Martha Ann Durham Journey, affectionally known as “Marthann” was born on February 4, 1959 in Sumter County, Georgia to late George and  Lucille Durham.  She received her education in the public schools of Sumter County. 

At an early age, she joined the Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Americus, Georgia, where she was an active member until she later began attending The Kingdom Hall .  She was studying to become a baptized witness until our Heavenly Father called her home from all of her pain and suffering on Monday, October 15, 2018.  She was preceded in death by her son, Randy Durham

Martha worked as a cook and housekeeper at the Best Western Hotel for many years.  She brought love and joy to everyone with her beautiful smile and her stunning musical voice.

Left to cherish her memories and celebrate her life are:  her beloved husband, Charlie Journey of Americus, Georgia; two devoted daughters:  Crystal Journey Hall (Joseph), and Kristen Journey (Willie), both of Americus, Georgia;  two sons:  Willie Durham (Latricia) and Stacey Journey, both of Americus, Georgia; five beloved sisters:  Thelma Dodson (Joseph), of Jacksonville, Florida, Georgia Solomon, Brenda Green (Roddrique), Gloria Moore (James),  and Sandra Durham, all of Americus, Georgia; three brothers:  Albert Durham (Ernestine), Maurice Durham and Jerome Durham, all of Americus, Georgia; a devoted friend of over 20 years, Clara Luster, of Americus, Georgia; twenty grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; a host of caring nieces and nephews, along with many dear cousins and friends.

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The funeral services for Ret. Presiding Elder M.S. Colquitt will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 11:00 A. M. at Allen Chapel A. M. E. Church on Bumphead Road in Americus, Georgia with The Rt. Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, Presiding Prelate, Sixth Episcopal District.  Burial will follow at the Eastview Cemetery.

The Rev.  Dr. M. S. “Karl” Colquitt transitioned to eternal rest on Sunday, October 14, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. He lived in full life and devoted 54 years in ministry to the African Methodist Episcopal Church.   He was born July 12, 1938 to the late Elijah “Bob” Colquitt and Anne Lucas Colquitt.  He is a native of Meanville, Pike County, Georgia.  He was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert Colquitt and James Colquitt, and six sisters, Addie Sheffield, Mildred Deas, Bertha Hammonds, Evelyn Turnipseed, Cora McBorrough and Francis Cotton, and a daughter, Carolyn Denise Lundy.

Elder Colquitt devoted his life in service to the work of the Lord.  He received his deacon and elder orders at the hands of the late Bishop William Reid Wilkes, Sr.  He served the African Methodist Episcopal Church as pastor in the South Georgia Conference (Valdosta, Ocilla, Tifton, Cairo, Bainbridge),  and in the Southwest Georgia Conference (Cuthbert, Americus, Columbus).  He served as presiding elder in the Athens Conference, the Macon Georgia Conference, and the Southwest Georgia Conference.  Presiding Elder Colquitt retired in March 2014 and 54 years in ministry to the African Methodist Episcopal Church.  Regarding his service to the church, Elder Colquitt made the following statement; “I have served under several pastors, presiding elders, and bishops-some of the best the Church has.  They were not all alike; however, I learned a lot from having had the opportunity of just being in their presence.  The congregations I have served have been some of God’s finest people.  I have been to the “school of hard knocks and college of experience, but I would take nothing for my journey.”

Presiding Elder Colquitt mentored many young ministers and claimed them all as his children.  He imparted much wisdom and always took the time needed to guide, direct, and teach them godly principles as well as instruct them in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Presiding Elder Colquitt was a graduate of Daniel Payne College with a B. S. degree in History, and Faith College with a B. A. degree in General Studies.  Further studies include Early Childhood Education at Georgia Southwestern University, Americus, Georgia; Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky; and Elmira College, Elmira, New York.  Seminary training consisted of a certificate from Turner Theological Seminary, Birmingham, Alabama; and a Doctor of Theology from Emmanuel Bible College, Macon Georgia.

His varied experiences included serving as director of a day care program, Education Coordinator and Director of Project Head Start for West Central Georgia Community Action Council, Inc., president of the MLK Minister’s Association, member of the Sumter County Ministerial Alliance, secretary of the Southwest Georgia Annual Conference, and delegate to the African Methodist Episcopal Church General Conference (1972-2012).

Presiding Elder Colquitt married his “girlfriend” and the love of his life, Sis. Mattie Colquitt. God blessed them to be together for 30 years.  She was the love of his life and he was the love of her life.  Cherishing special memories along with Sis. Mattie are their sons, Marvin (Nicole) Colquitt,: Ernest (Tammy) Lundy, Melvin (Rise) Colquitt, Calvin (Emma) Lundy, Chris (Cynthia) Lundy, Michael Lundy, and Prophet Darnell Lundy; three daughters, Minister Vickie (Elder Hosea) Butler, Amanda (Hilton) Payne and Valencia (David) Reynolds and Morrell Colquitt; a sister, Hattie Mae King; eight sisters-in-law, Alma Solomon, Aretha Bates, Martha (Billy) Townley, Mary (Albert) Mack, Bobbie (Nate) Armstrong, Lorraine Smith, and Kattie Watts; and brothers-in-law, Robert (Melinda) Sanders, and James Williams; 37 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and a host of other caring and supportive family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

To view this service live or at a later date, click on the link below:

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The funeral service for Ms. Janie Ruth Butts of Americus, Georgia will be held on Friday, October 19, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at the Union Tabernacle Baptist Church on Adderton Street in Americus, Georgia with Rev. David Hamm officiating. Burial will follow in the Eastview Cemetery

Ms. Janie Ruth Butts was born October 19, 1944 and she peacefully departed this life on October 12, 2018 at Navicent Medical Center in Macon, GA.  She was preceded in death by her parents Edgar Butts Sr. and Eunice Lee Floyd Butts; four brothers: Edgar Jr., Ulysses, Jenielee and James Edward Butts; and one sister Bernice Butts. 

Janie Ruth leaves to cherish her memories one daughter Gail Butts Peeples; four granddaughters: Latoya (Dexter) Cutts, Lawana Elliott, Laynetta Peeples and Keiva Latimore; four grandchildren: Dakarai Cutts, Micah Elliott, Bryce Latimore and Kayla Elliott; three sisters: Mildred Sneed, Bobbie Wise and Thelma (Freddie) Evans; two brothers: Eddie Butts and Wilbert (Mary) Butts; two devoted godsisters: Emma (Miller) Rush and Mary “Tiny” Butts; Several devoted nieces and nephews: Edgar (Eula) Butts III., Eddie Jean Butts, Marcus Wise, Tonya Walker, Major Wise, Timothy Butts, Adell Wright, Ruby Farrell and Shirley Bailey; Devoted Cousins: Willie (Ella) Dismuke, Dora Beasley, Mary Nelson, Sarah Smith and Sandra Daniels; Devoted Friends: Annie B. Wilson, Tommie Foster, Eula Merrit , Lucy White, Betty Newsome and Louise Golden; a devoted extended family, “The McMichaels” and godson Rodney Tyson; as well as a host of other neighbors, friends and relatives also survive.

To view this service live or at a later date, click on the link below:

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Funeral services for Ms. Eva Jean Jackson of Americus, Georgia will be held on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. at Greater New Lebanon Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia. Burial will follow in the church cemetery

Ms. Eva Jean Jackson was born August 18, 1959 in Sumter County to  Mrs. Ella Harvey and the late Mr. Ossie Glass and step father Mr. Gene Myers.  She received her education in the Public Schools of Sumter County.  She departed this earthly life on October 11, 2018.  She leaves to cherish her memories her three children: Melvin Bernard Jackson, Shanella  Denese Jackson and Shawanza D’ette Jackson whom she had with James Wilborn; her five grandchildren: De’Arious Donell Smith,  De’Adrian Kanye Smith, De’Niya Lakristen Smith, Madison Desiree Ingram and Destin Josiah Jackson.

A host of brothers and sisters: Stella Jackson, Diane (Johnny) Willis, Tracy Manning and late brother-in-law Author Manning, Calvin Harvey and sister-in-law Gloria Postell, Joe Jackson and devoted friends: Preston Davis, Jane Bateman and devoted sister-in-law Cassandra Jackson; uncles: Walter Jackson and friend Letha, Robert Jackson and wife Oveda Jackson, Andrew Jackson and Gussie Jackson; an aunt Josephine Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews cousins and family members.

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Funeral Services for Bessie Byrom Warren of Montezuma, Georgia will be conducted on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at Noon at Magnolia Baptist Church, 415 Hosie Waters Street, Montezuma, Georgia.  Interment will follow immediately after services at Andersonville Cemetery.

Bessie was a bundle of blessings born to the late Augustus Byrom and Ellen West Byrom on June 11, 1945, in Macon, Georgia.  She was the baby of a family with three older brothers, James Byrom, Sr., Thomas Jerome Byrom and Julius Marcellous Byrom, who all preceded her in death.

She was introduced to Christ as a child and was baptized at New Hope Baptist Church in Montezuma, Georgia.  Later in her life, she joined Magnolia Baptist Church where she served faithfully until her health began to decline.  Bessie served on the Deaconess Ministry and the Missionary Ministry.  She was the  Director of the Youth Ministry and served as Assistant Church Secretary.  She faithfully worked in any capacity she was needed.

On December 26, 1970, she married the love of her life, Jessie Warren.  This union blessed them with their son, Torrance.  Bessie was also the stepmother to Jessie and Alonze.  Bessie had a special love for her family.  She was supportive and was a constant source for guidance and advice.

Bessie was a very outgoing and busy woman.  She graduated from D F Douglass High School in the class of 1963.  She placed an importance on soaring in higher heights in education.  She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Fort Valley State University.  She later attended Troy State University, where she received her Masters  in Education.

 Bessie began her teaching career in the Macon County School System.  She taught and touched the lives of many students for thirty-one fulfilling years.  After she retired, she hit the ground running.  She was a member of Eunice Chapter #164 O.E.S., Beta Rho Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and Past President of the Macon County Retired Teachers and Associates.  Bessie also served her city well.  She worked as the lead Poll Worker for District 5 – Montezuma District.  She dutifully served on the Montezuma City Council. At the time of her death, she was serving her second term on the City Council where she held the position of Mayor ProTem. 

Bessie listened to the Lord – your purpose on Earth has been fulfilled – she took His hand and took her heavenly flight on Thursday morning, October 11, 2018 at St. Francis Hospital in Columbus, Georgia.

Those left to carry on her legacy:  her devoted husband of 48 years, Jessie Warren, Montezuma, Georgia; her darling son and daughter-in-law, Torrance and Alisha Warren, Centerville, Georgia; her stepsons, Jessie Hubbard, Oglethorpe, Georgia and Alonze Oliver, Atlanta, Georgia; her precious grandchildren:  Nyah and Torrance (TJ) Warren, Jr; her brother-in-law, Fred Warren; her sisters-in-law, Leila Walker, Montezuma, Georgia, Mary Daniel, Atlanta, Georgia, and Hattie McKinley, Marietta, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews and special cousins with whom she had a special relationship; her devoted sister-friends who she loved dearly; and many other dear friends and students who will forever cherish her memory.

To view this service live or at a later date, click on the link below:

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Funeral Services for Mr. Jimmie Lee McDonald of Montezuma, Georgia will be conducted Friday, October 12, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church, Montezuma, Georgia with Reverend Allen Waters officiating. Interment will follow in New Hope Cemetery.

Jimmie Lee McDonald was born August 15, 1950 in Montezuma, Georgia to the late Jessie and Inez Candler McDonald. He departed this life at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center on Saturday, October 6, 2018. Jimmie received his education from the historic Flint River Farms School and the historic D F Douglass High School. He acquired his Christian experience at New Hope Baptist Church. While an active member, he has served in many capacities, helping wherever needed within the church.

Mr. McDonald was previously employed at Southern Frozen Foods and Southeast Pipe for a number of years. He took pleasure in being a major contributor in the Five Points Community.

Precious memories are left with his devoted wife of thirty-seven years, Angela McDonald; one loving and caring daughter, Jamie Lea McDonald of Lilburn, Georgia; his brothers: Curtis McDonald (Annette), Louis McDonald (Brenda) and Willie McDonald all of Montezuma, Georgia; his sisters: Sandra Dantes (Barney) and Cora McDonald of Montezuma, Georgia, Theresa May (Willie) of Macon, Georgia and Veleeta McDonald of Savannah, Georgia; father-in-law, Johnny Harden of Atlanta, Georgia; brothers-in-law: Vincent Harden,Sr. (Connie) of Douglassville, Georgia, Frederick Harden of Atlanta, Georgia and Augustin Dantes, Sr. of Warner Robins, Georgia; devoted niece, Michelle McDonald; cousin, Willie B. Mitchell; friend, Leonard Rackley; a host of other loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

To view this service live or at a later date, click on the link below:

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Ms. Evelyn Thomas of Hwy 90 West Oglethorpe Georgia died on Friday, October 5, 2018 at her home. The funeral service will be held on Monday, October 15, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Lula Chapel Primitive Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Ms. Evelyn Sue Thomas, affectionately known as “Balma", to her grandchildren, was born February 20, 1950 to the late Mrs. Carrie Bell Tookes Thomas and Mr. Albert Thomas.  At an early age, Evelyn joined the Lula Chapel Primitive Baptist Church. She grew up in a home that believed in sharing what you have with others. She was educated in the Macon County School System, attending Oglethorpe Grammar School then graduating from D. F. Douglass High School class of 1969. After graduating her goal was to have a career in the military but that dream was shattered after she was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anemia. Sue moved to Massachusetts to live with her sister. After later returning to Georgia, she lovingly fostered children and trained and worked in law enforcement. She has worked for the Montezuma Police Dept, Marshallville Police Dept. Macon State Prison and the E911 Center. She participated in various civic and charitable organizations.  She is a founding member of the Harriet Tubman Day Freedom Scholarship and served as secretary of the Retired Teachers and Associates.  She organized deliveries with the Homebound Ministries and the Bread of Life soup kitchen. Writing poetry was her continued passion.  In later years, she formed a writers group in Macon County.

She gave of her time and energy to family, school events, tutoring and church activities.  She nurtured the interests and talents of her daughter, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.  She was an active member of the Powerful Truth Sanctuary Global International where her niece, Evangelist Shirley Thomas Brown, serves as an Associate.

Evelyn was a devout Christian whose love shines as a daughter, sister, mother, aunt and friend to many. Her presence will be greatly missed but her spirit lives on.

She leaves to mourn her passing her daughter, Ms. Olivia Thomas; her four grandchildren that she adored: Kayla Thomas, Malachi Thomas, Justin Thomas and Chelsea Thomas; her siblings include two sisters, Amour Jean Smith of Duxbury, Massachusetts and Annie B. Fagan of Monterey, California; and two brothers, Albert Thomas, Jr. of Boston, Massachusetts and Eddie Will Thomas of Oglethorpe, Georgia; a devoted sister-in-law,Annie Claude Thomas; several loving friends including: Mary Ann Harris, Roze, Ann Floyd Harris, and Robert Eric West and a loyal devoted friend, Mary Ann Postell; two Godchildren: Shelby Joiner and Arsenio Joiner; several loving and devoted nieces and nephews also survive.

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