The Funeral Service for Mrs. Ruby Merritt of Americus, Georgia will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. on the lawn of West's Mortuary at 731 N. Lee Street Americus, Georgia.

Ruby Cristine Hobdy was born on July 18, 1953 to the late Robert M. Hobdy and Ruby L. Hobdy in Dothan, Alabama. After Ruby was born her family relocated to Jacksonville, Florida where she received, her education. Going on to receive her Nursing Degree at Florida Junior College. Ruby enjoyed working and traveling (at this very time she had an excursion scheduled). Ruby has worked countless times at numerous Health Care Facilities in Georgia and surrounding areas, where she met and married Johnny Merritt, residing in Americus, Georgia since 1997.

The most recent facility Ruby worked for at the time of passing was Pruitt Health Palmyra Nursing Home in Albany, Georgia, where she was loved as Family.

Ruby accepted Christ at an early age, and on April 23, 2024 she accepted the Heavenly Father’s call while a patient at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Georgia.

Ruby was preceded in death by her father, Robert M. Hobdy, her daughter Dawn S. Hobdy, Bonus son Johnny Merritt, granddaughter Yvette Michelle Pierre-Lovie, grandson, Brian Hobdy, her sister Mary J. Williams and two brother Michael and Bobby Hobdy.

Ruby leaves to honor and cherish her memories; a loving and devoted husband Johnny Merritt, her mother, Ruby L Hoddy of Jacksonville, Florida, Daughter Donna (Delbert) Harris of Clayton, North Carolina, Bonus daughters; Pamela Harvey and Kimberly (Eric) Barrett of Americus, Georgia. Six granddaughters; Angela Jordan of Columbus, Georgia, Whitley L. C. Hobdy, Malika Akbar, Fatima Akbar, Shaakira Akbar of Jacksonville, Florida, Brittany Hobdy of Warner Robins, four grandsons Johnathan C. Hobdy of Jacksonville, Florida, Devin (Jasmine) Hobdy of Jacksonville, Florida, Kevin (Aja) Hobdy of San Diego, CA., Dawud Akabar of Jacksonville, Florida, two bonus grandson; Kierston and Kaylon Harvey. 19 Great-Grands, three sisters; Robin A. Martin, Janice F. Harmon and LaRose M. Tunsil all of Jacksonville, Florda. one brother, Donald B. Hobdy of Jacksonville, Florida. aunties, uncles, nieces, nephews and many other friends

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

The Homegoing Celebration for Mr. Benjamin Morris McKenzie of Montezuma, Georgia will be held Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Shade Arnold Baptist Church, GA Hwy 26E, Montezuma, Georgia. Interment will follow at Shade Arnold Cemetery.

On July 23, 1955, Benjamin Morris McKenzie was born to Mr. John T. McKenzie and Mrs. Mira Bess Turner McKenzie in Montezuma, Georgia. “Ben” or “Morris”, as he was affectionately called, grew up in Montezuma and attended the public schools of the county. He attended Flint River Farms School and graduated from D.F. Douglass High School in 1973.

At an early age, he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior and joined Shade Arnold Baptist Church. Later he joined Israel Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia under the leadership of Reverend William Smith. 

Ben answered the Master’s call on April 21, 2024, while a patient at Houston Medical Center in Warner Robins, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents: John T. McKenzie and Mira Bess Turner McKenzie; his siblings: Belinda Woods, Beverly McLendon, and Miretta McKenzie; and his brothers-in-law: Jimmy McLendon Sr., Ricky J. Waters, and Lewis B. Joiner.

Morris leaves precious memories with his daughter, Sharika Wimby of Atlanta, Georgia; two grandchildren: Alexus Lowe and Addison Swayzer of Atlanta, Georgia; his sisters and brothers: Gracie L. Joiner, Barbara (Charlie) Marshall, Sheila Warren (Roy Neal), Mary Nell Waters, and Connie (Willie) Walker all of Montezuma, Georgia, Reba (Jerry) Platt and Van McKenzie of Oglethorpe, Georgia, Coretha (Willie L.) Davis and John Lewis McKenzie of Atlanta, Georgia, Cassandra (Kyle) Jones of Jonesboro, Georgia, and Gerald McKenzie of Americus, Georgia; a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends at the home of Willie and Connie Walker on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, beginning at noon.

Public Visitation for Mr. McKenzie will be Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at West’s Mortuary, Montezuma, Georgia.

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

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/CTFY4VcAPbQ  

The Graveside Service for Mrs. Gloria Riley of Plains, Georgia will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. at Eastview Cemetery in Americus, Georgia. 

Mrs. Gloria Jean Walker Riley was born on August 15, 1947 in Richland, Georgia to the late Carrie Walker. She was employed for over 50 years as an equipment Tech at Washington Hospital. Mrs. Riley passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 21, 2024 at Phoebe-Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Georgia.

Left to cherish her memories are her sister Mr. Mary Prince; two nephews: Lonnie Fitzpatrick and David Fitzpatrick. Several other relatives and friends also survive. 

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

   

Deborah Bird was born in Fort Gordon, Georgia on November 14, 1956. She grew up in several other areas in Georgia. She made her home in Fort Myers, Florida where she raised three beautiful girls and spent many wonderful years.

Mrs. Bird loved to work in restaurants and cook. She loved to fish. Most importantly she loved to spend time with her loving family. She adored her kids and grandkids. Her family meant the world to her.

Mrs. Deborah Bird passed away on April 19, 2024, in Cordele, Georgia with her youngest daughter, her husband, and all her grandbabies. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marion Bird; her daughter, Junie Bird; and two grandchildren: Logan Emory and Toby Smith.

Mrs. Bird leaves beautiful memories with her loving family which includes her daughters: Crystal Wainwright and Sarah Emory and husband Christopher Emory; her grandkids: Braxton Emory, David Plumley, Hunter Pritchard, Sarah Smith, Taylor Bird, Abby Gaile Emory, Clayton Emory, and Steven Bird; her sister, Diann Gunn Smith and husband Steven Smith; nieces: Lisa Smith and Carrie Smith:  nephews: Alvin Smith and Steven Smith (Bubba); Sandra Laster of Eugene, Oregon and Lisa Baggs of Unadilla, Georgia; very close family friends: Tammy Desilets of Cape Coral, Florida and Penny Burke of Unadilla, Georgia.

The Funeral Service for Deacon Johnny Lee Terry, Jr. will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. at the Bethlehem Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Staley Memorial Gardens.

On December 8, 1960, Johnny Lee Terry, Jr. was born to the parentage of the late Mr. Johnny Lee Terry, Sr. and the late Mrs. Ozie Belle Gooden Terry in Americus, Georgia. Johnny, affectionately known as “Junior” and “Snake Doctor”, was the eldest of his siblings. He was loved and befriended by many. He never met a stranger. Johnny received his education in the Americus School System, where excelled in academic studies and graduated in the class of 1978 with honors. He furthered his education at Georgia Institute of Technology, majoring in Chemical Engineering. At an early age, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and joined the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church.

After graduating from Georgia Tech as a Chemical Engineer, his career led him into a world of travel and adventure. His career directed his path to several locations such as Brewton, Alabama, Chillicothe, Ohio, Antioch, California. He finally found a new place to call home in Corning, New York. He gained employment with Corning, Inc., where he worked diligently and faithfully, retiring in 2020. Johnny was very instrumental in the lives of others. He stood for what was right and was very factual and knowledgeable. He thrived on imparting knowledge and wisdom with others. It gave him great pleasure and joy to see others excel and reach their goals in life.

Not only was Johnny career driven. He was a man that loved the Lord, loved his children, loved his family, and loved Calvary Baptist Church. For it was here at Calvary where he renewed his faith and gained a closer walk with the Lord. During his membership at Calvary, he was ordained as a deacon and was very active until his health began to decline. He continuously gave God the praise and the Honor daily.

On Monday, April 8, 2024, the Lord called his precious child home, and he answered. Our beloved slipped away quietly, for he knew to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. His legacy of love will be cherished and carried on by his children: Jonathon Terry (Buffalo, NY) and Faith Terry (Ithica, NY); his loving and devoted sister, Veronica Arline (Americus, GA); his brothers: Al (Tangela) Terry (Orlando, FL) and Rondale Terry (Miami, FL); his stepmother, Elenora Terry (Miami, FL); nieces and nephews that he helped raise: Simone Westbrooks (Albany, GA), Amber and Christian Westbrooks (Americus, GA), and Brandon Ellis (Smyrna, GA); his loving and devoted bonus sister and care giver, Debra Barber and devoted cousin/sister Nettie (Kenny Hall) (Americus, GA); dedicated sister, friend, care giver and his Queen Juanita Ellis (Albany, GA); loving and devoted bonus brother, Sean Buono (Corning, NY); aunts: Minnie Cooper, Shirley Lundy, and Evelyn Terry (Americus, GA), and Barbara Terry (Atlanta, GA); uncles: Willie (Millicent) Gooden (Springfield, VA), Simmuel Terry (Americus, GA) and David Vickers (Miramar, FL); loving and devoted cousins: Theresa (Ricky) Myrick and Vonda Goodin (Smithville, GA), Stefanie (Moises) Pulido, Wayne and Sonya Gooden, and Massa Gaye (Springfield, VA); his childhood best friends and brothers: Carl Angry (Atlanta, GA) and Marcus Lembrick (Americus, GA); His Corning family, his Calvary Baptist Church family and several other relatives and friends also survive. 

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

The Homegoing Celebration for Mr. Ricky J. Waters of Montezuma, Georgia will be held Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Magnolia Baptist Church, Hosie Waters Street, Montezuma, Georgia. Interment will follow at Champ Waters Cemetery, Twin Churches Road, Montezuma, Georgia.

Mr. Ricky J. Waters was born on October 31, 1956, in Montezuma, Georgia to the late Marion Waters, Sr. and the late Catherine H. Waters. He was a D.F. Douglass High School graduate with the Class of 1974 and a graduate of Fort Valley State University. He retired from Macon County Extension Office as a County Agent.

On July 26, 1980, Ricky was joined in holy matrimony to the former Mary Nell McKenzie, and to this union three lovely girls were born: Crystal R. Hathaway, Monica N. Cephus, and Alexis M. Cochran.

On Wednesday morning, April 10, 2024, Mr. Ricky J. Waters departed this earthly life at home surrounded by his beloved family.

He leaves to cherish his memories a devoted and loving wife of 43 ½ years, Mary Nell Waters of Montezuma, Georgia; three devoted daughters: Crystal R. Hathaway of Bonaire, Georgia, Monica N. Cephus and Alexis (Anquilitus) Cochran of Montezuma, Georgia; grandchildren: Jada and Tori Hathaway of Bonaire, Georgia, Tavion J. Golphin of Montezuma, Georgia, and Demarcavius Cephus of Perry, Georgia; two siblings: Dianne Waters of Riverdale, Georgia and Marion Waters, Jr. of Montezuma, Georgia; two aunts: Amelia Hankerson of Oglethorpe, Georgia and Elizabeth Waters of Desoto, Georgia; three uncles: James Hankerson of Oglethorpe, Georgia, Thomas Hankerson of South Bay, Florida, and Reverend Hosie (Mary Louise) Waters of Montezuma, Georgia; a host of loving and devoted relatives and friends.

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

The Memorial Service for Mrs. Catherine Ann Wright, age 65, of Plains, Georgia will be held Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of West's Mortuary in Americus, Georgia. Mrs. Wright died on Monday, April 8, 2024, at the Lillian Carter Nursing Center. 

Catherine Ann Wright was born August 28, 1958, in Sacramento, California to the late Flora McFarland. On June 16, 2012, Catherine moved to Americus, GA and became a resident at the C and L Personal Care Home. With no family in Americus, Catherine became a member of the owner’s family. Leslie Rowell, Marilyn Manuel, Zandra Stewart and Gwendolyn Terry became her family of love. Her last two months of life were spent in the Plains Nursing Home in Plains, GA.

She leaves to cherish her memories her C and L Family, caregivers Ronnie Hicks, Patricia Minnis, Tomekia Champion, Yvonne Tyson, Pamela Williams, and Tonada Andrews.

We had no idea that evening that God was going to call your name.

In life, we loved you dearly. In death, we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you. You did not go alone. 

For part of us went with you the day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories. Your love is still our guide.

Though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same.

But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

The Memorial Service for Mr. Richard “Ricky” Toole of Montezuma, Georgia will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Whitewater Baptist Church, GA Hwy 128, Oglethorpe, Georgia with Military Honors.

Marvin Richard Toole was born November 21, 1947, in Plant City, Florida to Marge Genell Burch and William Early Toole. As a youngster, Ricky moved to Montezuma, Georgia with his family. He attended the public schools of the county and graduated from Macon County High School. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army. He served his country honorably in Germany during the Vietnam War. He was a member of Travelers Rest Masonic Lodge in Montezuma where he was the Grand Master.  

Ricky married Virginia Cummings in 1968. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather. Ricky worked hard to provide for his family. He was employed at Southern Frozen Foods for a number of years, and he was a truck driver with C & A Transport and ADM Trucking Company. Ricky was known in Radio Land on WMNZ 1050 AM as The Ole Memory Maker.  He was also a skilled oil painter who created a collection of beautiful pieces.  

Richard Toole passed away on April 6, 2024, at Atrium Health Navicent in Macon Georgia. He was preceded in death by his baby girl, Rechea. He leaves many beautiful memories with his wife, Virginia Toole of Montezuma, Georgia; his children: Denise Vincent of Montezuma, Georgia, Donna Kemp of Perry, Georgia; William Toole of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Christy Davis of Woodbridge, Virginia; twelve grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild; his faithful companion, Skeeter; and a number of special friends.

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

The Celebration of Life for Little Miss Maloni Dariso will be held Friday, April 12, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church, Americus, Georgia. 

Maloni Za’Miri Dariso was born March 3, 2022, to Na’Tiya Mahome and Ja’Marcus Jy’Quon Dariso. Maloni had a beautiful smile that melted the hearts of those around her. She loved Minnie Mouse.

Maloni departed this life on April 3, 2024. She was preceded in death by her father Ja’Marcus Dariso; her grandfather, Eddie Brown, Jr.; her great-grandfather, Willie Dariso, Sr. and her great-grandmother, Johnnie Mae Dariso.

Maloni leaves beautiful memories with her mother, Na’Tiya Mahome; her grandmothers: Tiffany Dariso and NaTashia Mahome; her great-grandmother, Kim Mahome; and her great-grandfathers: Eddie Brown, Sr. and Walter Mahome, Sr.

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