The Graveside Service for Mr. Walter Ben Story, Jr. affectionately known as “Stokey” of Montezuma, Georgia will be held on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Montezuma, Georgia with Reverend Dr. Jeffrey Canady officiating. Due to COVID-19 concerns, we ask that you MASK UP and continue to practice social distancing for your protection and for the protection of others.

Walter Ben Story, Jr. was born on September 9, 1949 in Montezuma, Georgia to the late Walter Ben Story, Sr. and the late Obelia Jordan Story. He grew up in Montezuma and attended the public schools of the county. He was a 1969 graduate of the historic D.F. Douglass High School. Stokey passed away on August 31, 2021 at Atrium Health Navicent Medical Center in Macon, Georgia. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers: James Greene, Billy Story, Jackie Story and his brother-in-law, Emmitt Mathis.

Precious memories of Stokey will always be cherished by Isaac “Ike” Cleave and Amanda “Niecy” Cleave who he affectionately called “My Children” of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; his siblings: Sonny Sneed of Akron, Ohio, Richard (Gloria) Story of Montezuma, Georgia, Wanda Mathis of Houston, Texas and Marshell (Rev. Dr. Jeffrey) Canady of Montezuma, Georgia; his sister-in-law, Burnell Story of Montezuma, Georgia; his grandchildren: Aspen and Adam of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; eight nieces, fourteen nephews, a host of other relatives and friends. 

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To view a copy of the complete program, click on the file below

Walter Ben Story-3.pdf

The Graveside Service for Cedric Khalil Hagan of Americus, Georgia will be held on Monday, September 6, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at Eastview Cemetery in Americus, Georgia. Due to COVID-19 concerns, we ask that you MASK UP and continue to practice social distancing for your protection and for the protection of others.

Cedric Angel Khalil Demon Hagan began his journey on May 31, 1999 in Americus, Georgia. Known as Khalil to family and friends, Cedric was a namesake of his uncle given to him by his father Cory Hagan and his mother Cartasha Jenkins. He was reared in the loving home of his grandmother Lillie Hagan Scott, where he attended United Holiness Church Headquarters.

Cedric attended the Americus-Sumter County school system before he began battling kidney failure and was forced to stay home to pursue his studies. He loved music, family and friends. He had a big heart and was always concerned with everyone else's well-being before his own. After an uphill and seemingly endless battle at a very young age, Cedric's journey ended on August 31, 2021. Cedric was preceded in death by his sister, whom he loved dearly, Shaniya M. Jenkins.

He leaves to mourn his passing, his parents: Cory Hagan, Sr. of Phenix City, Alabama and Cartasha Jenkins of Americus, Georgia; three brothers: Braxton Jenkins, Cory Hagan, Jr. and Kaden Hagan all of Americus, Georgia; four sisters: Kyra Thomas of Macon, Georgia, Tyra Thomas of Warner Robins, Georgia, Jada Jenkins of Lawrenceville, Georgia and Serenity Thomas of Americus, Georgia; his grandparents: Lillie Hagan Scott of Americus, Georgia, Brenda Jenkins of Marietta, Georgia, Larry (Pamela) Hagan of Dawson, Georgia and Otha Moye of Pitts, Georgia; his great-grandparents: Hattie Jenkins of Marietta, Georgia and Florine Tyler of Mullins, South Carolina; his aunts and uncles: LaKeria (LaMorris) Angry of Warner Robins, Georgia, Kitya (Mark) Banks of Hiram, Georgia, Keyundra Jenkins of Atlanta, Georgia, Martika Martin of Memphis, Tennessee, Lawrence Hagan of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Cedric (Kyshia) Hagan and Whitney Hagan of Jacksonville, Florida, Larry D. Hagan of Albany, Georgia, Eric Moye, Shawn Moye, and Lavelle White of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; great-aunts and uncles: Florence Deck of Newark, New Jersey, Loretta (Eddie) Johnson of Roselle, New Jersey, Theresa (William) Hoggard of Williamsport, Maryland, Amy (James) Joyner of South Plainfield, New Jersey, Roosevelt (Reetha) Moore of Americus, Georgia, John Moore of Newark, New Jersey, Steven Moore of Watchung, New Jersey, Janice Goodwin of Marietta, Georgia, Patricia (Gabriel) Small of Hiram, Georgia, Joe (Dorothy) Jenkins and Lorell (JoAnn) Jenkins of Americus, Georgia and Lorenza (Mary Lois) of Atlanta, Georgia; best friends and cousins: Brianna Angry, Brittany Angry and C'Aziah Hagan of Warner Robins, Georgia, JaMarcus Smith of Elkton, Maryland and Camira Hagan of Americus, Georgia; 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.  

The Graveside Service for Mrs. Ollie Mae Evans Simmons Zeon will be held on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at Eastview Cemetery in Americus, Georgia. Due to COVID-19 concerns, we ask that you MASK UP and continue to practice social distancing for your safety and for the protection of others. 

Ollie Mae Evans Simmons Zeon was born on March 22, 1934 to the late Rose Mae Jordan and Thomas James Evans, in Sumter County, Georgia. For over 30 years Ollie resided at 306 Pine Street, Americus. She transitioned to be with the Lord on August 30, 2021, at Innovative Senior Solutions in Americus. At an early age Ollie accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. As a result, she fellowshipped with other believers at the Big Bethel Baptist Church, the Welcome Baptist Church, as well as other churches in the community. She was educated in the area schools of Sumter County, graduating from A. S. Staley High. She attended Ft. Valley State College; completed a 2-year course at Marion College of Commerce in the state of Illinois; obtained a Certificate of Achievement in Supervisory Development from The University of GA Cooperative Extension Service in 1981; and was awarded Child Care Workshop Certificates of Completion from Albany State College Technical Assistance Program in Association with The Georgia Child Care Council, 1993-1994.

Ollie was her mother’s only child and in the course of life, they moved to Chicago with other family members, wherein her mother returned to Americus in 1977 until her death in 1990. While there, Ollie worked several years for the State of Illinois as a Switchboard Operator and an Inspector. Also, she lived several years in Detroit, working in gainful employment. After returning to Americus, she worked in various occupations to include: Insurance Agent, Newspaper Deliverer, Certified Childcare Provider, Windsor Hotel staff member, Sam’s Club Associate, and for more than 20 years as a Wal-Mart Associate (Customer Service/Fitting-Room) to the year 2016. Ollie had no biological children but nurtured and impacted the lives of many in her family, in the community, as well as in her Wal-Mart family, acquiring god children. For some in this community who met her and interacted with her, they would say that she was a “very sharp” and “interesting lady”.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Alford Simmons; her maternal grandparents, John and Susie Jordan; paternal grandparents, Bishop Evans Sr. and Lula Mae Smith Evans; a brother, Thomas Evans Sr.; a supportive uncle, Bishop Evans Jr. who was like a brother and a father. Many other aunts, uncles, and cousins predeceased her, to include devoted cousins: Mable Evans Pines, Henry “Coot” Anthony Jr., Eugene Hargrove, and Freddie Lee Crawford, just to name a few; her primary care physician, Dr. John D. Marshall; and a caring neighbor, Henry James Walters “Dooley”.

Ollie leaves to cherish her memories, supportive caregivers, Ernest and Naomi Evans; supportive cousins: Sherman (Alice) Malone, Betty Stephens, Mae Hayes, and James Black; nieces: Sudie Evans (Doug) Gaymon, Tangela Evans (Rickey) Rogers, Trenesa Evans (Jimmy) Thornton, Twyonia (Lawrence) Evans, Debra (Benjamin) Williams, “Lil Sister” Taunya Cola, & Edricka Felton; nephews: Thomas (Leanna) Evans, Thayer Evans, Torrey Evans, James Smith, & Edrick Felton; sister-in-law, Frances Evans Cola; paternal aunts; Vannie Lou “Sis” Evans and Mable Evans; supportive special friends: Katrina Fuller, Shirley Johnson, Alisha Jordan and Aletha Cook; her Wal-Mart family, and a host of other caring family and friends, too numerous to name. 

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

 Veteran Milton Miles was born December 26, 1956 to the parentage of the late James Miles Sr. and the late Mrs. Virginia Melvin Miles. He received his education in the public schools of Sumter County and was a 1975 graduate of Americus High School. Milton also attended Georgia Southwestern State College and later joined the United States Navy. While in the Navy, Milton played on the Navy’s football team. After leaving the military, Milton remained in Dallas, Texas and started his own business installing windows in high-rise buildings. Milton also loved music so much that he decided to start his own karaoke business, called Big Tex Karaoke.

At an early age Milton joined the Mt. Olive Baptist Church where he attended before joining the military. Milton was preceded in death by one sister, Lucretia Miles. 

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by West's Mortuary.

Milton leaves to cherish his memories five children: Ms. Haley Miles of Americus, Georgia, Lauren Nerissa (Kevin) Gray of San Antonio, Texas, Ashley Rae (Orestes) Griegs of Huntsville, Alabama, Daniel James (Ashley) Miles of  Dallas, Texas and Joshua Stephen Miles of Antonio, Texas; two sisters: Jeanette M. Lamar of Americus, Georgia and Gloria Kate Lyles of Albany, Georgia; two brothers: James Miles, Jr. (Norwanna) of Americus, Georgia and Thomas Jefferson Miles of Albany, Georgia; nine grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

The Graveside Service for Mrs. Johnnie Mae Terry of Americus, Georgia will be held on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery. Due to COVID-19 concerns, we ask that you MASK UP and continue to practice social distancing for your protection and for the safety of others.

Mrs. Johnnie Mae Terry was born on December 22, 1922 in Sumter County, Georgia to the parentage of the late George Kelly and the late Annie Bell Brown. She was a member of Old Shady Grove Baptist Church. She was married to the late Mr. Clinton Terry, Sr. for over 60 years. She was preceded in death by four children: Betty Jean Bowens, Curtis Davis, Sr., Johnny C. Terry and Ulysses Terry; two grandchildren: Beverly J Bowens and Robert Davis; a brother, Willie Howard Thomas; daughter-in-law, Diane Terry; and a dear friend, Annie Boone. Mrs. Terry passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 22, 2021 at the Cordele Health & Rehabilitation Center.

Left to cherish her memories are: her beloved children: Evelyn Lester of Atlanta, Georgia, Willie Mae Waters, Clinton Terry, Jr., Willie (Gwendolyn) Terry, Howard Terry, Robert Terry and Annie Bell (Jessie) Carson, all of Americus, Georgia; 28 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren, and 19 great-great grandchildren.; a host of other relatives and friends also survive

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The Graveside Service for Mrs. Lorene Smith will be held on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at Staley Memorial Gardens in Americus, Georgia. Due to COVID-19 concerns, we ask that you MASK UP and continue to practice social distancing for your safety and for the protection of others. 

Mrs. Lorene Sanders Smith was born in Sumter County Georgia on November 23, 1942 to the late R.B. Sanders and the late Katie Bell Cottle. At an early age she joined the St. John AME Church in Plains, Georgia. She was educated in the Public Schools of Sumter County.

Lorene developed a very strong commitment to activism during the Civil Rights Era. She participated in marches and lunch counter sit-ins. One of her proudest memories was having been present at the March on Washington, where she was able to hear Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. deliver his famous I Have A Dream Speech.

In 1964 she moved to Rochester, New York and married the late Eugene Smith. There she continued on the path of social and political activism. She worked for many years for the Monroe County Board of Elections and did volunteer work with her church, community and schools.

Lorene’s memories will always be cherished by her daughters: Dr. Pamela Baker, Patricia Johnson, and Candace (Cleveland) Brownlee; her siblings: Bobbie Armstrong, Katie Watts, Gwendolyn Hayes, Robert Sanders, Aretha Sander-Patterson, Mary Sanders-Mack, Mattie Sanders-Colquitt, Martha Sanders-Townsly and Alma Solomon. 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.  

Services for Vet. DERWIN VEROME MARTIN, will be held on Friday, August 27, 2021 at 12 Noon at Andersonville National Cemetery. Due to COVID-19 concerns, we ask that you MASK UP and continue to practice social distancing for your safety and for the protection of others. 

DERWIN VEROME MARTIN, of Montezuma, Georgia, entered into rest on August 18, 2021.  He was born June 14, 1960, in Macon County, Georgia, the son of Jerome Byrom and Rachel Martin, who preceded him in death. 

Derwin grew up in Macon County, Georgia, where he attended D.F. Douglass High School and Magnolia Baptist Church.  For those who knew him, Derwin had a passion for all and often expressed it with his affectionate laugh, and loving and kind spirit.  He was a faithful and dedicated member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Augusta, Georgia. 

Derwin joined the U.S. Army at an early age and worked many years at Davidson Textron in Americus, Georgia, before relocating to North Augusta, South Carolina, where he was employed with Augusta Data Storage, Inc.

He leaves to cherish his memory: one daughter, Anisha (Charlie) Brown, of Perry, Georgia; two devoted brothers, Michael (Lorna) Martin, of North Augusta, South Carolina and Maurice (Michelle) Harvey, of Byron, Georgia; a sister, Jeri Byrom, of Atlanta, Georgia; two brothers: Richard (Seretha) Wynn of Beaufort, SC and Thomas Byrom, of Houston, Texas; an uncle, Charles (Maxine) Gadson; two aunts, Marsha McCracken and Lorretta Byrd, all of Atlanta, Georgia; four grandsons, Javian, Jayden, Jamarion and Jace, all from Perry, Georgia; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends who will miss him very much.

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

The Graveside Service for Ms. Kanisha M. Cooper of Americus, Georgia will be held on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at 12:00 Noon at Alfonzo Cooper Memorial Gardens on Middle River Rd. in Americus, Georgia. Due to COVID-19 concerns, we ask that you MASK UP and continue to practice social distancing for your protection and for the safety of others. 

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El Service de sepultura para Antonio Ramirez Hurtado se llevara a cabo el Sabado 14 de Agosto del 2021 ala 2:00 p.m. en Clearview Mennonite Fellowship in Montezuma, Georgia. Por causa del COVID-19 requerimos que traiga cubre boca y mantenga la distancia de seis pies.

Antonio Ramirez Hurtado nació en Apaseo el Grande, GTO. Sus padres son Laura Hurtado Núñez y José Antonio Ramírez Sánchez. Sus hermanas: Laura Celina, Nancy, Maribel y Yolanda. 

El fue criado con mucho amor por su abuelita Carmen Núñez y su tía Romelia Hurtado desde que tenía un año hasta los nueve años. Su mamá se lo trajo a Georgia, el estudio, jugaba soccer (su deporte favorito)y se graduó de Dooly Co. High School. Desde muy temprana edad fue un joven muy esforzado y trabajador. Su vida siempre estuvo al servicio de Dios. Entregó su vida a Dios desde niño. A sus trece años tuvo la pasión de aprender a tocar la guitarra para el servicio de Dios y a sus quince años fue bautizado por el Pastor Mauricio Orozco en Savannah, GA. 

A los 19 años encontró al amor de su vida Dorotea Sebastián y pidió permiso a su padre para hablar con ella. A los 20 años se caso y tuvo un hijo, Abdiel Ramírez Sebastián. Falleció siendo director de alabanza en su iglesia Jesús el Buen Pastor. 

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The Service for Mr. Leroy James Sr. of Montezuma, Georgia will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. at New Poplar Spring Baptist Church, Byromville, Georgia. Due to COVID-19 concerns, we ask that you MASK UP and continue to practice social distancing for your protection and for the protection of others.

Leroy James Sr., son of the late Will and Hannah James was born April 9, 1931 in Dooly County, Georgia.  He was educated in the Dooly and Macon County Schools.  At an early age, he accepted Christ and served at Poplar Spring Baptist Church. Later he was one of the founders of the New Poplar Spring Baptist Church and faithfully served on the Board of Deacons. 

On December 18, 1950, he was united in holy matrimony to the late Bernice Mathis James. To this union seven children were born.  Two sons, Winifred Jerome and Herman Leon and three grandsons, Anthony, Kelvin and Steven James, preceded him in death.  Also, preceding him in death were his parents and siblings: Herbert James, Eddie Mack James, Oscar James Sr., Willie James, Elmo James Sr., Roosevelt James, Tehart James, Morris James, Alberta Webb, Verna Strong, Lucille Byron and Mattie Waters. Later in life he married his former wife, Shirley Barnes.

Leroy loved God and made daily preparations for his transition.  Early Sunday morning, August 8, 2021, he made his peaceful departure from his life challenges to his Heavenly Home.

Leroy will always be remembered for his genuine love and dedicated service to his family, church, friends and community.  He was a prosperous livestock and row crop farmer and willingly looked forward to serving others. He was honored many times for his craftsmanship as a farmer and his contributions back to his community.

Leroy leaves to cherish his memories his loving and devoted children: Leroy James, Jr. (Della) of Montezuma, Georgia, V. Regina Rockingham (Jesse) of Palm Bay, Florida, Dr. Linda Hires (Robert) of Valdosta, Georgia, Warren James (Satina) of Montezuma, Georgia and Elaine Loggins (Percy) of Byron, Georgia; two daughters-in-law: Lillie M. James of Montezuma, Georgia and Lucille James of Albany, Georgia.  He also leaves fourteen loving grandchildren, Brian, Mark, Leon, Ferlisha, Adrianne, Verna, Jesseca, Shandrell, Courtney, Austin, Grayson, Jordan, Gabreail and JaLynn; a host of great-grandchildren, one loving and devoted brother, Lynmore James (Faye) of Montezuma, Georgia; sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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