Mr. Johnny L. Sims, affectionately known as “Nunk” of Americus, Georgia died on Sunday, August 20, 2023 at his home. Mr. Johnny L. Sims was born on August 18, 1959 in Sumter County Georgia to the parentage of the late Mr. Charlie Sims, Jr. and the late Mrs. Ella Ree Lundy Sims. He received his education in the Sumter County School System. Johnny had a passion for fishing and he loved to have fun with his family and friends. He was preceded in death by one sister, Ella Ruth Sims Durham and one brother Albert Sims.

He leaves to cherish his memories two brothers: Charlie Sims and Joseph Sims both of Americus, Georgia; four nieces: Karen Durham of Albany, Georgia, Sharon Durham, Angela Hall and Quanta Sims all of Americus, Georgia; two nephews: Joe Durham of Atlanta, Georgia and Travis Durham of Pennsylvania; two devoted friends: Mae Lou Davis and Dinka Davis both of Americus, Georgia. Several other relatives and friends also survive.

The Funeral Service for Ms. Virginia Cochran Ingersoll of Atlanta, Georgia will be held Friday, August 18, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. at Ben Hill Christian Church, 4099 Sunset Drive, SW, Atlanta, Georgia with Minister Walter S. Poole, Sr., officiating. Visitation will be held at the church for one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. at Crestview Cemetery, Highway 84, Cairo, Georgia.

Virginia Ann Cochran Ingersoll, youngest daughter of the late Dave Royal Cochran, Sr. and Mrs. Georgie Ann Walker Cochran, was born August 26, 1944, in Cairo, Grady County, Georgia. Virginia grew up in Cairo and attended public school in Grady County. She graduated from Washington Consolidated High School in 1962.  In September of 1962 she enrolled in Fort Valley State College’s Music Program. After graduating, she became a teacher of elementary music for grades 1-6 with the Muscogee School District in Columbus, Georgia for three years.  After twenty years in the corporate world, Virginia returned to college in 1991 and received a graduate degree in Early Childhood Education. She was a first grade teacher with the Walton County Public Schools in Monroe, Georgia.  Then she was employed with Atlanta Public Schools in 1993 where she taught a combination of third and fourth grade until she retired in 2008.

Virginia was loved by many and was often called their favorite Auntie. She was a woman of great strength who loved hard and was often silently considered the glue to keep everyone together and in line. She was a true friend and confidant who will never be forgotten. She loved her alma mater, Fort Valley State University. The FVSU football games and wildcat traveling crew (The Golden Girls) will have to carry on and cherish her memory.

Virginia departed this life on August 11, 2023. Her oldest son, Frederick Douglas Ingersoll preceded her in death. Her memory will forever be cherished by her surviving family: a son, William (Billy) Douglas Ingersoll III and granddaughter, Chyna Ashonti Ingersoll both of Atlanta, Georgia; grandsons: Jakee Freemon of Columbus, Georgia and Parrish Golden of Phenix City, Alabama; sister, Jacqueline McClendon and brother-in-law, James Harvey McClendon of Monroe, Georgia; nephew, George Howard Cochran, Jr.; niece, Jeanine Katryce DeBerry (Gerald) of Greenville, South Carolina; great-niece, Brittany Nicole Ware of Monroe, Georgia; great-nephews: Kristophor Sean Ware (Chanelle) and Nikolas Jarrel Ware both of Atlanta, Georgia, and Wesley Trevon Ware of Monroe, Georgia; great-great niece, Nylah Rae Ware of Atlanta, Georgia; first cousins: Robert Eric West of Americus, Georgia and Thelma Denise West of Montezuma, Georgia; other cousins, relatives and friends.

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

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The Funeral Service for Devonte Harpe, Jr. will be held Thursday, August 17, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Friendship Baptist Church in Americus, Georgia. Devonte Marquis Harpe, Jr. was born in Americus, Georgia on April 18, 2023, to Mary Holmes and Devonte Harpe, Sr.

Devonte was preceded in death by his aunt, Destiny Laquasha Willis; his grandfather, Aldean Holmes; two great-uncles: John and Johnny Lyles; and his great-grandmother, Mary Ivreson Holmes.

Devonte will forever be loved by his mom and dad: Mary Holmes and Devonte Harpe, Sr; two older siblings: Kingston Amir Harpe and Kaitlyn Monae Harpe; his grandmothers: Mary Ann Willis (Dexter) and Nellie Darity (Walter); his grandfather, Willie B. Harpe (Loretta); his great-grandmothers: Johnnie Mae Lyles and Nellie Kate Collins; aunts: Shanbrika Davis, Shanteka Holmes, Chasity Holmes, Alexis Holmes, Shytearria Willis and D’Asia Willis all of Americus, Georgia, Shaquandria Harpe McCants (Keith) of Savannah, Georgia and Zanesha Harpe of Oglethorpe, Georgia; his uncles: Dexter Earl Willis, Jr., Jontavis Willis, Johnny Willis, Dillon Willis and Dekavian Willis all of Americus, Georgia; his godmother, Chandria Brown and godfather, Marquavious Hosley; several other relatives also survive.

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

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The Funeral Service for Ms. Bobbie Jean Wiley will be held on Monday, August 14, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at Lebanon Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia. Burial will follow at the Lebanon Cemetery.

Sister Bobbie Jean Wiley was born on October 30, 1953 in Plains, Georgia to the late Bowman and Mattie Jewel Wiley. Bobbie Jean attended the Sumter County Public School System, attending Westside Elementary and graduating from Plains High School in 1971. She furthered her education at Fort Valley State University where she received a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration (BBA) in Management. Bobbie Jean was a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

At an early age, she joined the New Lebanon Baptist Church. She later moved her membership to the Lebanon Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend Hosie Waters. While living in Macon, she attended Lizzie Chapel Baptist Church, under the watchful care of Pastor Ronald G. Toney. Bobbie Jean was employed at Brown and Williamson Tobacco Company in Macon, Georgia. She retired after 28 dedicated years of service.

Precious memories will always remain with her loving family which includes her brother, James Bowman Wiley, Jr of Americus, Georgia; one sister Gwenevere (Arthur) Bullard of Warner Robins, Georgia; one sister-in-law, Robin Plair Wiley of Plains Georgia; her nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly: Kenyetta Tatum and Tiffany Tatum both of Americus, Georgia and Arlissa Bullard of Warner Robins, Georgia, James Bowman Wiley III of Plains, Georgia and Kenny (Jona) Tatum of Americus, Georgia; a great niece, Taylor R. Holley of Americus, Georgia; ten great nephews: Christan T. Wiley of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Jordan E. Wiley of Americus, Georgia, James C. Wiley of Albany, Georgia, Trontavious L. Brown of Warner Robins, Georgia, Travontavious D. Brown of Warner Robins, Georgia, Treyden A. Holley of Americus, Georgia, Chaisen W. Tatum, Corbyn A. White, Chandler R. Tatum and Kaicen A. Wiley, all of Americus, Georgia; a great-great nephew, Zion Wiley; a great-great niece, Kendall Wiley both of Americus, Georgia; her devoted and lifelong friends: Mary Williams, Arletta Sims, Lily Jordan, Bernice Johnson, Evelyn and Carolyn, all of Macon, Georgia; a special friend, Mr. Lester Thornton of Macon, Georgia; several other devoted relatives and friends who also mourn her passing.

The Homegoing Celebration for Mrs. Thelma B. Journey of Montezuma, Georgia will be held Friday, August 11, 2023, at noon at New Hope Baptist Church, 8620 GA Hwy 26 E, Montezuma, Georgia. Interment will follow at the Andersonville National Cemetery, 496 Cemetery Road, Andersonville, Georgia.

Mrs. Thelma B. Journey transitioned peacefully in her home to be with her Lord and Savior on August 3, 2023. Thelma Brown was born on January 19, 1933, to the parentage of the late Abner Brown and the late Maggie Brown in Byromville, Dooly County, GA. She was the second oldest of eleven children. She grew up on the Family Farm the Five Points Community. On the farm along with her siblings, she helped raise livestock and farmed the family’s land. Her hard work on the family’s farm and family land was a demonstration of her love and dedication to her family. She later became an entrepreneur in the farm business along with her late husband in the Five Points Community. Thelma attended the Historic Flint River Farms School. Thelma and her younger sister, the late Gladys Brown Arnold helped lead the ladies High School Basketball Team to win the Georgia Class C State Championship during her Senior Year of High School.

After Thelma graduated from Flint River Farms School, she married the late Frank Journey, Sr. and settled in the Spaulding Community. Thelma served as a faithful, Christian member, servant, and Deaconess of Zion Gove Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. E.L. Clark. She later moved her membership and served faithfully at the New Hope Baptist Church, for many dedicated years, under the leadership of Rev. Bobby Brown and Rev. Allen Waters. She served in many capacities until her health later declined.

Thelma was the exemplification of the Proverbs 31 woman; she professed her love for Christ and cared for her family. Thelma and her late husband made a significant impact in the Macon County community. They organized the first charted chapter of the local Macon County Branch of NAACP. They held meetings in their home each month, never missing the opportunity to listen and work with local citizens. In her spare time, she enjoyed caring for her flower garden, fishing, looking at soap operas/game shows, listening to gospel music and organizing her collection of antique jewelry. Her beloved family was her source of admiration.

Mrs. Journey was employed by the Macon County School System for many dedicated years. She served under the leadership of the late Principal, Coach Carl S. Peaster at Macon County High School.  After over 20 years of service to the students and staff, she officially retired with the State of Georgia. Many remember Mrs. Journey as a kind, caring and well-beloved mother figure. She taught valuable life lessons that guided countless students to success beyond the classroom. Her generosity and indefatigable dedication to students and colleagues serves as a testament of her faith and dedication to her beloved MCHS Family. Mrs. Journey was a proud #1 supporter of the Macon County High School Football Team. During her tenure, she was honored during a ceremony where she was presented with a commemorative MCHS Football Jersey by the late principal, Thomas Moore. Mrs. Journey was a die-hard MCHS Bulldog Fan. She never missed an opportunity to work in the Reserved Seating Section at all football games and any other capacity where she was needed.

Thelma was married to the late Frank Journey Sr. To this union three wonderful children were born. Her legacy of love and devotion will forever be cherished by her loving and devoted son Curtis Lynn Journey and his devoted wife Sona B. Journey, her devoted and loving son Frank Journey, Jr. and special friend Jackie Frederick, and her loving daughter Levonda Journey; a legacy of loving grandchildren: devoted granddaughter Tarshea F. Riley, Kaviest King, Caitlynn Journey, Pagen Bush, Devi Kendrick and Alexandria Byrom; her great-grandchildren: Christian N. Riley, Kayson and Kannon King; her loving great-great grandchildren: Bella, Christian Jr. and Jayceon; loving and devoted sisters-in-law: Ernestine Brown, Mary Ivrahim (Anyars), Leisa Williams (Joseph), Annie L. Brown and Gladys Moss; her loving and devoted siblings: Stanley Brown, Sr., Emmitt Brown, Sr. (Virginia), Lillian Lucile Johnson and Mary Alice “Ree” Jenkins; a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, neighbors, Macon County High School Retired Teachers and Staff also survive. Her loving and devoted siblings that preceded her in death: Dr. Earnest S. Brown, Helen Brown, Tom Martin Brown, Pauline Brown, and Gladys B. Arnold. A special thanks to her devoted caregivers, the staff of Promedica Hospice, Dr. Gerald Brantley, Virginia Brown and Chaplin Mayra Sierra. 

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

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He leaves precious memories to be cherished by his wife of twelve years, Catherine Walker of Marshallville, Georgia; his children: Camryn Walker of Marshallville, Georgia, Carlos Porter of Macon, Georgia, Timnesha Walker and Chauncey Walker both of Jacksonville, Florida; his bonus daughters: Jessica Lawson (Rod) and Angelica Skinner (Freddie) both of Warner Robins, Georgia and Crystal Skinner of Marshallville, Georgia; thirteen grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; his brothers: George Walker, Jr. (Shirley) of Montezuma, Georgia, Robert Louis Walker (Lavern) of Oglethorpe, Georgia, Michael Anthony Walker and John Thomas Walker (Sara) of Montezuma, Georgia; sisters: Gloria Jean Coleman of Clearwater, Florida, Oneida McDonald (Ernest) of Oglethorpe, Georgia and Carolyn Walker of Montezuma, Georgia; sisters-in-law: Mary Ann Colbert and Belinda Ellison both of Marshallville, Georgia and Wynell Walker of Oglethorpe, Georgia; five devoted friends: Marvin Latson, Dan Benny Clark, Lavern Perkins, William Felton, and Livester Williams; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.