The Graveside Service for Reverend Dr. Willie G. Harvey of Fort Valley, Georgia will be held Saturday, October 10, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery, 8620 GA Hwy 26E, Montezuma, Georgia with Pastor Allen Waters officiating.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, we ask that you please MASK UP and continue social distancing for your protection and for the safety of others.

Reverend Dr. Willie Gene Harvey, Sr., the thirteenth child of sixteen children, was born in Montezuma, Georgia to the late Jerry Harvey, Sr. and the late Mamie Tookes-Harvey on August 25, 1942.  He departed this life Wednesday, September 30, 2020, at the Houston County Medical Center in Warner Robins, Georgia.

Rev. Harvey attended Flint River Farm School and D.F. Douglas High School.  Always being a dependable son and loyal to his family, he had to drop out of high school to work on the family’s farm.  Being ambitious and goal oriented, he moved to Rochester, New York and later received his high school diploma from Franklin High School in Rochester, New York. He wanted to serve his country, so he later joined the United States Army.  He received an honorable discharge.  After returning from the Army, he was employed at the Midtown Mall in the Maintenance Department and later joined the Rochester Telephone Company in which he retired after thirty plus years of service. While working and pastoring a congregation, he attended Bible College in Baltimore, Maryland and Colgate Divinity School in Rochester, New York.  In February 2008, he received an honorary Doctor of Theology from St. Thomas Christian College in Jacksonville, Florida. 

As fate would have it, on June 26, 1960, he married the love of his life, his childhood sweetheart, Pearlene Smith, affectionately called “Purl”.  Pearl was a lovely young lady who complimented him and later his ministry.  Together with God’s divine guidance they blended their lives into a sacred tapestry of love.   To this union five children were born; Yvonne, Edyth, Willie Jr., Rick and Glen.   They served as foster parents and reared over seventy-five children from the cradle into young ladies and men and eventually became adoptive parents.

Hearing the voice of God, he accepted his call into the ministry in 1971.  In January of 1981 Rev. Harvey was called to pastor Peace Missionary Baptist Church.  The church was able to maintain and build new fellowships with other churches in the city as well as Detroit, Michigan and Cleveland, Ohio.  The church relocated from Leopold Street in 1981 to Joseph Avenue and remained there until 1998 when it moved to its present location on Oregon St.

Rev. Harvey pursued lifelong learning by attending and participating in seminars, institutes, conferences and retreats.  He believed that preparation was essential for serving others.  In addition to his pastoral responsibilities, he served as President of the Baptist Ministers Alliance for over twenty years.  He was again re-elected in 2012 to serve as President.  Also, he served as President of the United Church Ministry in Rochester, New York, the 2^nd Vice Moderator to the Great Lakes Association, served on the Board of Directors for the Unified Mission of Rochester and the Board of Directors for the National Baptist Convention USA.

His community service began early in his life.  He was passionate about trying to help make a difference for mankind, especially those who were oppressed and downtrodden. In the late 60’s he was an active member of the Rochester Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).  While with SCLC, many positive changes took place in the Rochester community.  He also served as President of the Rochester NAACP for several years.  He helped develop an outreach program for those in recovery.  Also, he was instrumental in sponsoring a breakfast program in collaboration with a community organization at the church and several other programs for the community.   

Rev. Harvey retired from the Pastorate in June of 2012, with a banquet so large, many well-wishers were turned away.  Soon thereafter he relocated to his home state of Georgia.  A void was left in the Rochester community.  He was reunited with his home church, New Hope Baptist Church and always had a hope that the two churches would one day have a fellowship with each other.

In the midst of illnesses and other stumbling blocks, Rev. Harvey by the grace of God continued his commitment to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  In keeping with his saying when the spirit of the Lord was upon him in ministering the word, he could be heard saying, “It was one Wednesday evening when I received the Holy Ghost, and you shoulda been there!” It was on a Wednesday when the Lord called him off the battlefield from labor to reward.

He was predeceased by his wife, Pearlene Harvey; seven brothers and five sisters:  Jerry Harvey, Jr., Claude Harvey, James Harvey, Allen Harvey, Joe Louis Harvey, Issac Harvey, Fredrick Harvey, Lillie Mae Harvey Hines, Maude Harvey Colson, Annie Lee Harvey Harden, Jimmie Lou Harvey Chandler, and Mamie Harvey McLarty. 

He leaves to cherish his beautiful memories his loving children: Harriet (Robert) Tillard and Edyth (Jansen) Jones of Rochester, New York, Willie Harvey, Jr., and Jeffery White both of Fort Valley, Georgia, Rickey (Juanita) Harvey, Glen (Bernadette) Harvey, Evanna Harvey and Kevin Harvey all of Rochester, New York, Justin (Quanna) Harvey of Florence, South Carolina and Robert Harvey of New York City, New York; Godson, Michael Foster of Rochester, New York; Goddaughter, Mayor Lovely Warren of Rochester, New York; twenty-seven grandchildren; forty-six great grandchildren; two sisters, Rosie Mae Harvey Carter of Montezuma, Georgia and Barbara Harvey Jackson of Mableton, Georgia; one brother, Lucious (Virginia) Harvey of Atlanta, Georgia; six sisters-in-law, Lucile (Johnny) Cullen of Miami, Florida, Merlene Smith, Christine Hinton, Annette Smith, and Janie Mae Smith of Montezuma, Georgia and Hattie Mae Harvey of Rochester, New York; two brothers-in-law, Herman (Daisy) Smith of Byromville, Georgia and Franklin McLarty of Montezuma, Georgia; devoted nieces and nephews, the New Hope Baptist Church Family, the Peace Missionary Baptist Church Family and a host of other relatives and friends.

To view this service live or at a later date, click on the link below, or watch it on our Facebook page.   

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Mr. Joseph Kevonte Smith was born in Albany, GA on January 16, 1988 to Ms. Priscilla Ann Sutton and Mr. Jessie James Smith. Joseph died on September 29, 2020 in Austin, Texas. Graveside services will be held on Friday, October 9, 2020 at 2:00 at Eastview Cemetery. 

Due to COVID-19 concerns, we ask that you please MASK UP and continue social distancing for your protection and for the safety of others.

Left to cherish his memory are his parents: Priscilla Ann Sutton and Mr. Jessie James Smith; his grandmother Ms. Minnie Lue Austin; two brothers: Rashaad Sutton and Demetries Smith; three sisters: Afrika West, Briana King and Demetria Sutton; his girlfriend, Vanessa Bates; nine nieces and nephews; four great nieces and nephews and four aunts. Several other relatives and friends also survive. 

To view this service live or at a later date, click on the link below, or watch it on our Facebook page.   

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The Graveside Service for Mr. Fredrick W. Harvey of Montezuma, Georgia will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery, Montezuma, Georgia. Due to COVID-19 concerns, we ask that you please MASK UP and continue social distancing for your protection and for the safety of others.

Fredrick Ward Harvey, son of the late Jerry Harvey, Sr., and the late Mamie Tookes-Harvey, was born on April 1, 1939 in Montezuma, Georgia. At an early age, Fredrick gave his life to Jesus Christ and joined New Hope Baptist Church. Fredrick attended the Flint River Farms School and continued working on the family farm. As a young adult, Fredrick began working at Southern Frozen Foods and retired after 30 + years of service.

Fredrick departed this life early Thursday morning, September 24, 2020 at the Heart of Georgia Hospice Center in Perry, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his six brothers and five sisters:  Jerry Harvey, Jr., Claude Harvey, James Harvey, Allen Harvey, Joe Louis Harvey, Issac Harvey, Lillie Mae Harvey Hines, Maude Harvey Colson, Annie Lee Harvey Harden, Jimmie Lou Harvey Chandler and Mamie Harvey McLarty. His brother, Reverend Willie G. Harvey passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. 

He leaves beautiful memories to be cherished by his only daughter, Felisha Ann Harvey of Marietta, Georgia; his stepson, Michael Hinton of Atlanta, Georgia; two grandchildren: LaKendra Mishawn Smith and Reginald Deshone Smith, Jr. both of Marietta, Georgia; his three siblings: Lucious B. Harvey (Virginia) of Atlanta, Georgia, Rosie Mae Harvey Carter of Montezuma, Georgia and Barbara Harvey Jackson of Mableton, Georgia; his devoted nephew, Arthur (Oscar) Freeman of Montezuma, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

To view this service live or at a later date, click on the link below or on our Facebook page.

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A Graveside Service for Ms. Patricia Ann Streeter will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at the Lebanon Cemetery in Plains, Georgia at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. George F. Monts officiating.

Patricia Ann Streeter was born on May 3, 1974 in Sumter County, Georgia to Beverly Redding and the late Deacon Leonard Angry.  She was preceded in death by a sister Miss Antionette Bridges, her grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Joe Streeter Sr. and Mr. & Mrs. George Angry Sr., Aunts and Uncles Mrs. Betty (Willie C.) Walton, Mr. Ronald Streeter, Mr. John Streeter, Mrs. Liza Streeter Sims, Mrs. Authry Mae Sims, Mrs. Bertha Williams, Mr. George Angry Jr.  She departed this life on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at Southern Regional Medical Center, Riverdale, Georgia.

She attended the public schools of Sumter County and was a member of the Sumter County Comprehensive High School Class of 1994. She also attended Georgia Southwestern State University and South Georgia Tech.  She worked at Lillian Carter Nursing Home as a CNA, Sumter YDC, Woodgrain Millwork, PPI and at Phoebe-Sumter as a Phlebotomist.  She was currently employed with XPO Logistics.    

Tricia, as she was affectionately called, enjoyed cooking and spending time with family and friends. Her favorite colors were brown and blue.

She leaves to cherish her memories: one daughter, Ms. Ja’Kyviah Brown; one son, Ja’Quan Walker, her mother, Beverly (Robert) Redding; five sisters: Ms. Miyaka Jones, Mrs. Patrice (John) Herron, Ms. Biancia Bridges, Ms. Lakenya Bridges, Ms. Arian Brown; six brothers: Mr. Kelvin (Andrica) Streeter, Mr. Leonard (Rashunda) Anderson, Mr. Rontae (Michelle) Angry, Mr. Keil (Adrienne) Angry, Mr. Bertrum (Renee) Harvey, Mr. Xsaivious (Demetrius) Bridges, Mr. Mark Bridges; eight aunts: Mrs. Dorothy(Joe) Jenkins, Mrs. Linda (Edward) Monts, Mrs. Tammie Streeter Tullis, Mrs. Mandy(Scotty) Monts, Ms. Eula(David) Streeter, Mrs. Emmarene Streeter, Mrs. Letha Mccoy, Mrs. Mary Lundy, Mrs. Queen Holley; six uncles: Mr. Lonnie (Mable) Streeter, Mr. Joe(Hazel) Streeter, Mr. Ben (Barbara) Streeter, Mr. Larry Streeter, Mr. Eugene(Sharon) Angry and Mr. William (Doris) Angry; her great aunts: Mrs. Earlene Tyson and Marie Streeter; a host of nieces and nephews; a host of cousins and friends including devoted cousins and friends: Syreeta Jenkins, Deatrice Harris, Teresa Stewart, April Clark, Tameca Mathis, Tiffany Gary and Sha-ron Terry, Daphani Johnson and Dana Johnson Graham; one Goddaughter Takeryia Pue.

To print a copy of her program, click on this link Patricia Streeter Program - Trifold.pdf

Ms. Alice Elaine West of Weeks Trailer Park, Americus, Georgia passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, September 19, 2020. A Graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at the Eastview Cemetery. 

Due to Covid-19 concerns, we ask that you please MASK UP and continue social distancing for your protection and for the safety of others.

Ms. West is survived by two sons: Cordero M. West and Terrance Cliatt; four sisters: Shirley Moye, Sandra Davis, Tommie West and Gloria West; two brothers: Oscar West and L. Jay West. Several other relatives and friends also survive. 

To view this service live or at a later date, click on the link below, or watch it on our Facebook page.   

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The Graveside Service for Mrs. Jessie Ann Wofford of Americus, Georgia will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at the Eastview Cemetery.

Mrs. Jessie Wofford was born on December 6, 1935 in Americus, Georgia to Walter Walker and Thelma Walker Osborne. She was educated at Staley High School and South Georgia Technical Institute. She worked at Magnolia Manor Nursing Center as a Nursing Assistant and retired after 25 years of dedicated service. She was a kind and gentle spirit who never met a stranger. She accepted Christ at an early age and was very active in her church until her health declined.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, O. C. West, Sr., her second husband, Tom Wofford, sister and brother in law, Annie Lucille Thomas and W. L. Thomas, Sr., two brothers, Eddie Osborne and Buck Osborne, step-son, Calvin Wafford, Sr., and two grandsons, Tavoris Deon Jones and Marcus Ortiz. Jessie passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 surrounded by her family.

She is survived by her seven children: Shirley Moye, Oscar (Mary) West, Sandra (Melvin) Davis, Tommie West, L Jay West, Alice West, and Gloria West all of Americus, Georgia; three step-children: Tommy (Shirley) Wafford, Sr., Bruce (Katie) Wafford, Sr., and Carolyn Wafford all of Americus, Georgia; three sisters: Virginia Berryhill of Americus, Georgia, Delores Barber, and Lois Osborne both of Atlanta, Georgia; two brothers: Walter Walker, Jr. and Phillip Osborne, both of Atlanta, Georgia; twenty-seven grandchildren: Damion West, Nekethia Smith, Melvin Davis, Jr., Shawanda ( Antione) Brown, Carlos West, Shaniqua West, Tomeka West, Jessica West, Timothy Perry, Courtney West, Dominique Banks, Cordero West, Terrance Cliatt, Shanice West, Lucas Ortiz, Sarah Ortiz, Rachel (Dexter) Brown, Joshua Ortiz, Christopher Ortiz, Latonya Wafford, Lakeithia Wafford, Johnny Hunter III, Lashanda Bobbs, Bruce Wafford, Jr., Calvin Wafford, Jr., Angela Wafford, and Jessica Wafford, two adopted granddaughters: Salonda Mercer and Natalie Russell, forty-eight great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives friends. 

To view this service live or at a later date, click on the link below, or watch it on our Facebook page.   

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The Funeral Service for Mrs. Sara Lanier Nelson of Americus, Georgia will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. at Union Tabernacle Baptist Church with Pastor Larry Sims officiating. Burial will follow at Staley Memorial Gardens

Mrs. Sara George Lanier Nelson, affectionately known as “Poochie”, was born on September 2, 1946 to the parentage of the late Mr. George Lanier and the late Mrs. Mary Lanier in Americus, Georgia.  Sara was educated in the public schools of Sumter County and she studied Cosmetology at Albany Technical College. At an early age she gave her life to Christ at Shiloh Baptist Church in Preston, Georgia.  In 1983 she connected with the Union Tabernacle Baptist Church where she faithfully served on the Mercy Showing and Serving Ministry Teams.  She was well known in the community and was an affiliate of the Americus Legion Post 558.  Sara was employed at Middle Flint Behavioral Health Services and retired with 26 years of service.  She was preceded in death by her parents and one sibling; Karala Boynton. “Poochie” departed this life on Saturday, September 12, 2020 at her home surrounded by family

Sara George Lanier married Mr. Plezy Nelson, Jr. on September 1, 1989 and they happily shared life together for 31 years.  Sara’s life revolved around her beloved husband, her two daughters and her six step children.  She loved her “family”.

Sara was a devoted wife and mother to her loving daughters; Deidra Cliatt (Dexter), Sara Bridges; her six step children: KeKo Hart, Charleston Wilbon, Timothy Nelson, Antonio Nelson, Plezy Nelson, III and Tiffany Wilbon; two brothers: Terrell Coley (Maria), Pastor Michael Coley (Linda). seven sisters: Dorothy Statham, Ray Jean Henderson, Mary Bank (Kenneth) Noreen Jenkins, Betty Lois Jackson, Connie Coley, Sandra Wooden (William), six grandchildren: Travis Deon Foster, Erica Lanier, Brandon Bridges, Marquel Bridges, Lakeisha Bridges, Takeria Wilbon; thirteen step-grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, her father-in-law, Rev. Plezy Nelson, Sr.; two brothers-in-law; Dr. Robert Nelson (Mary) of Gray, GA and David Nelson, Montezuma, Georgia; seven sisters-in-law: Erma Jean Thomas (Walter Floyd), Americus, GA, Lillie B. Pitts (Walter) Albany, GA,  Mildred Hylick (Gregory) Warner Robins, GA, Alberta Nelson, Leslie, GA, Patricia Ann Nelson, Maryland, VA., Katherine Nelson, Leslie, GA, Brenda Cornish (John) Americus, GA and Mary Lois Nelson, NC; two uncles: Aaron Williams (Olivia), Atlanta, GA and Curtis Williams, Preston, GA; one aunt, Gloria Marshall (Walter) and South Carolina; her devoted friends: Betty Brown Kitchens, Wanda Faye Biggins, Janice Rowell, Bertha Ross and Rosemary Jones. A host of nieces, nephews, great and grandnieces & nephews

To view this service live or at a later date, click on the link below, or watch it on our Facebook page.   

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Mr. Robert Lee Myrick of Americus, Georgia passed away peacefully on Friday, September 11, 2020 at Willson Hospice House in Albany Georgia. A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2020 at 11:00 in the Eastview Cemetery.

Robert is survived by one daughter, Penny Myrick; two sisters: Mary Joe Denmark and Dora Denmark; his cousins: Bessie Mae Angry, Deloris Angry Gore, Lee Otis Burton and Tredarrian Colbert who was also his caregiver and a devoted friend Larry Volley; one grandchild

To view this service live or at a later date, click on the link below or on our Facebook page.

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A Life Celebration for Mrs. Nadine Merritt Wilkerson of Americus, Georgia will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at the Friendship Cemetery in Americus, Georgia. Due to COVID-19 concerns, we ask that you please MASK UP and continue social distancing for your protection and for the safety of others.

Loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, Nadine Merritt Wilkerson was born on November 9, 1937 in Marion County, Georgia. She was the fifth child of the late George and Ida B. Merritt. “Mama Dine”, as she was affectionately called by her grandchildren, was baptized at New Bethel Baptist Church at an early age. She graduated from Staley High School in 1955. She was a lifelong homemaker, doing domestic work only occasionally to provide for her family. She was a devoted daughter of a sharecropper living on a farm just outside the city limits of Americus, Georgia. Then she met and married the love of her life, Willie Wilkerson. She was his devoted wife until his untimely death.

Nadine “MaMa Dine” devoted her life to providing love and support to her three children and being caregiver to her parents and a disabled brother. She gave lovingly and humbly of herself. She taught life values to her children, including the importance of God as the center of life. She taught honesty and integrity, hard work and sharing, how to treat people, and the importance of family.

Nadine “Mama Dine” transitioned into eternal rest on September 9, 2020 at her home surrounded by family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Wilkerson, parents, George W. Merritt, Sr. and Ida B. Merritt, six brothers, one sister: Effie J. Merritt, Fred D. Merritt, John “JS” Merritt, Roosevelt Merritt, and Willie B. Merritt all of Chicago, Illinois, Marvin Merritt and George “GW” Merritt, Jr. of Americus, Georgia; one sister: Barbara Postell of Atlanta Georgia.

Nadine “Mama Dine” is survived by her three children: Bertina Merritt McGhee, Lenny Merritt, and Clovene Wilkerson; two grandchildren: Steven George Spillman and Jasmine Wilkerson; two brothers: Clyde Merritt of Chicago, Illinois and Malcolm (Janet) King of Americus, Georgia; three sisters, Diane (William) Smith, Doris (Charles) Farlow and Sharon King all of Americus, Georgia; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

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

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The Graveside Service for Mr. Clarence Freeman, Jr. will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery, 8620 Highway 26 E, Montezuma, Georgia with Pastor Allen Waters, officiating. Public viewing will be Saturday, September 12, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Because of concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, CDC guidelines have limited the number of people that can attend services. Please practice social distancing and WEAR A MASK for your safety as well as the safety of others.

 Clarence Freeman, Jr. was a gentle, loving and caring man.  He was quiet in spirit and everyone who met him loved him for his kind heart and mild spirit.  He passed away peacefully on September 7, 2020 with his immediate family by his side in Albany, Georgia.

He was born on November 7, 1950 to the late Clarence Freeman and Maude Harvey in Macon, Georgia.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jerry Haugabook, and grandparents; Mamie and Jerry Harvey. Hearing the voice of God, at an early age he confessed his love for Christ and was baptized at New Hope Baptist Church in Montezuma, Georgia under the leadership of Pastor K.T. Hayes.  He was also an avid member of the Bible Study and Sunday School classes.  He was a faithful member until his death.

Clarence completed his public school education at D. F. Douglas High School in Montezuma, Georgia in 1968.  He began his career at Southern Frozen Foods Plant in Montezuma, Georgia and later joined the team at ITI Storm and Window Company.  In 1973, he landed a position at The Woolfolk Chemical Plant in Fort Valley, Georgia as a chemical sorting specialist.  He later became a seasonal specialist for the Pearson and Lane Entrepreneurs.

After a few years of dating (or courting as they used to say) as fate would have it, on December 15, 1972, he married Violet Adams and the two stood as man and woman and were betrothed in a Holy Union and started their life together with their two sons, Donald and Dexter.

Although he was quiet in spirit, Clarence loved to interact with his co-workers, friends and people in the community.  He was most recently employed by Flint River Hospital as a janitorial care specialist until his retirement in 2019.

Left to cherish his beautiful memories, his wife of forty-seven (47) years Violet Freeman of Fort Valley, Georgia; two sons; Donald (Zlumber) Adams-Freeman of Perry, Georgia  and Dexter (Jocelyn) Adams-Freeman of Nashville, TN; two granddaughters Zouie Banks and Donae  Adams both of Perry, Georgia; two great granddaughters; Katelynn and Kassisdy Banks both of Perry, Georgia;  three very devoted sisters; Bridgette (Paul) Johnson of Macon, Georgia, Veronica (Lance) Reynolds of Warner Robins, Georgia and Shirley Burke of Rochester, New York; six very devoted brothers; Jackie (Audrey) Freeman and Henry Colson both of Louisville, Kentucky, Terry (Furlow) Pryor of Oglethorpe, Georgia, Perry (Mary) Pryor, Oscar Freeman and Thomas Haugabook of Montezuma, Georgia; two aunts; Rosie Carter of Montezuma, Georgia and Barbara Jackson of Atlanta, Georgia; four uncles; Reverend Willie Gene Harvey of Fort Valley, Georgia, Lucious (Virginia) Harvey of Atlanta, Georgia, Fredrick Harvey and Franklin McLarty of Montezuma, Georgia; a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends; and the entire Five Points Community and New Hope Baptist Church Family. 

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

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