The Homegoing Celebration for Mrs. Alberta Odom of Montezuma, Georgia will be held Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at noon at New Hope Baptist Church, 8620 Highway 26, East in Montezuma, Georgia. Interment will follow in New Hope Cemetery.

Alberta Nelson Odom was born September 17, 1928, to the parentage of Russell and Ethel Thomas Nelson in Desoto, Georgia. She was reared by her grandfather, Charlie Thomas, and step-grandmother, Ella Thomas. Alberta was very studious, attending the Sumter County School System where she completed the eighth grade. She was unable to complete her education, because she had to take care of her step grandmother, Ella Thomas. After the death of her grandfather in 1941, she moved to Macon County.

After moving to Macon County, Alberta met a handsome young man named Timothy Odom at a social gathering. With some encouragement from Mrs. Novella Moone and Mrs. Pauline Fields, the two began their courtship, and she became Mrs. Timothy Odom in 1945. Their beautiful lives together were marked with many years of happiness and laughter. Their union produced a legacy. Together this dynamic duo reared their thirteen children. In the Odom family, education took precedence over everything. Mrs. Odom taught her children the value of hard work, a love for God, and the value of a good education. She made sure that all ten of her biological children graduated from D.F. Douglass High School.

Mrs. Odom was the Matriarch of The Odom Memorial Mentoring Program, Inc. and the owner of Odom’s Produce. She was employed with the Macon County School System as a cook at D.F. Douglass High School. Of all the things she did, she was a flower lover and gardener. And oh! She was an exceptional cook.   

She professed her faith in Jesus Christ and became a faithful, lifelong member of New Hope Baptist Church in Montezuma, Georgia where she served as an usher and member of the missionary board for over forty-five years.

Alberta Nelson Odom transcended from her earthly vessel to a life of everlasting joy with her savior Jesus Christ on Friday, August 30, 2024, at Phoebe Putney Hospital in Albany, Georgia surrounded by her loving family. Preceding her in death are her parents, Russell and Ethel Thomas Nelson; her brothers: Russell Nelson, Jr., Eddie Lewis Howard, and Charles Howard; her sister, Willie Lou Harvey; three children: Ethel Lee Odom, Timothy Odom, Jr., and Nathaniel Odom; two stepchildren, Robert Odom and Norris Felton.

Cherishing her memory are: Mr. Curry (Alice) Odom of Batavia, New York, Mrs. Ernestine (Tom, deceased) Brown of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Mrs. Vivian O. (Edwin B., deceased) Breed of Cordele, Georgia, Mrs. Kitty (George) Harris of Fort Valley, Georgia, Mr. Cornelius (Gladys) Odom, Mrs. Brenda (Lynwood) Holmes, and Ms. Frances Odom, all of Montezuma, Georgia, and Mr. Gregory Odom of Covington, Georgia.

She is further survived by thirty-eight grandchildren, two of whom she reared as her own after the death of their mother, Ethel Odom: Kristy (Deondra) Randle of Upper Marlboro, Maryland and Krista (Hasan) Ashshaheed of Washington, D.C.; forty great-grandchildren, twenty great-great-grandchildren, and one great-great-great-grandchild. Her life and memory will also be treasured by her sister and brother: Mrs. Annie Ree (Jimmie) Harris of Montezuma, Georgia and Mr. John Willie Howard of Rochester, New York; her brother-in-law, Mr. Willie James (Norma, deceased) Odom of Montezuma, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and friends. 

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Silvia Magdalena Barker, at the age of 64, peacefully passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. She was born July 19, 1960, in Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz, Germany to Adolf Adam Beck and Gertraud Beck. Silvia resided in Americus, Georgia. She was a devoted wife, mother, and Oma. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Silvia was preceded in death by her loving parents and her brother Wolfgang Beck.

She left behind her husband, Willie Barker; her children: Michella (Brian) Baldock, Stanley Lewandowski, and Genove (Sammy) Prince; her five grandchildren: Marlena Lewandowski, Briana Baldock, Anthony Baldock, Ra’Shawn Prince, and Samira Lewandowski; her great-grandchildren: Roselynn Lewandowski and Izabella Lewandowski; her siblings, nieces and nephews, along with many other family members.

Funeral Services for Silvia will be held on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. at Andersonville National Cemetery. 

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The funeral service for Mr. William Powell of Americus, Georgia will be held Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 221 S. Lee St., Americus, GA. 

Mr. William Powell was called to his eternal home on August 25, 2024, in Americus, GA, at the venerable age of 97. He was born on July 26, 1927, in Dunnellon, FL, to Minnie Simpson McCall & William Powell, Sr. Mr. Powell lived a life marked by a great respect for everyone whom he served and an unwavering commitment to calling forth the potential he saw in all his students.

Growing up during a difficult era, and especially after losing his father when he was just two years old, Powell’s mother and her new husband instilled in him the value of hard work and a good education. After graduating high school in 1945 from Howard Academy in Ocala, FL, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in Hawaii until 1947. Powell went on to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in math at Morehouse College where he was involved in clubs and organizations such as the NAACP, and Companions & Etiquette Club. He received his degree in 1952 and began his journey as an educator at Emory Street School in Dalton, GA. The following year, Powell found his roots in Americus, where he began teaching at Staley High School in 1953. Soon afterward, he married Emma Young in 1955.

In 1959, he received a Master of Arts degree in Math Education from Atlanta University, and taught at Sumter County High School, Americus, GA (1956-1969), Union High School, Leslie, GA (1969-1980), and Sumter County High School (Sumter Co. Comprehensive HS), Americus, GA (1980-1988). Over a distinguished 36-year teaching career, Powell held professional memberships in the National Educators Association, Georgia Teachers & Educational Association, and the Parent Teacher Association. Mr. Powell retired from teaching in 1988, but his thirst for imparting knowledge continued through tutoring and substitute teaching in the Americus Public Schools until 2006. Additionally, his freelance photography business was an avocation through which he enjoyed capturing the precious moments of life's milestones, whether at weddings, reunions, or other celebratory gatherings.

Mr. Powell was a devout member of Campbell Chapel A.M.E. Church from the time he moved to Americus in 1953. It was within the warm fellowship of his church family that he served the membership as secretary-treasurer until 1988. In addition to his church involvement, Mr. Powell was a dedicated member of the American Legion and the Elks Club. He also served as a Boy Scout master from 1953-1993.

Mr. Powell is preceded in death by his wife, Emma (Young) Powell, his parents William Powell, Sr. and Minnie (Simpson) McCall, his siblings, Alice Mae Powell and John Powell, grandparents John and Sarah Williams, and uncle Steve Earle. He is survived by his children, Vanessa Powell of Americus, GA, William C. (& Rosephanye) Powell of Auburn, AL, and Cheri Clemons of Americus, GA.

He is also survived by his adoring grandchildren, Monique (& Thomas) Periche (Senoia, GA), Camoy (& Jaquan) of Americus, Vincent (& Sarah) of San Antonio, TX, Victor (& Jamaka) Powell of Oxford, AL, Emily (& Adrian) of Leesburg, GA, Camille Powell of Birmingham, AL, and Kaitlyn Powell of Auburn, AL. He was also blessed with several great-grandchildren: Kennedy & Kyrsten; Devin & Kamirah; Abby, Isaiah, & Vincent, Jr.; Vicky; Kayleigh & A’Nyla. Additionally, Mr. Powell is survived by a nephew and niece, John “Skip” Powell and Adele Powell of Detroit, MI.

In William Powell, we find a life that exemplified the virtues of humility, gratitude, and a commitment to all whom he served. His memory will be a blessing to all who had the privilege of walking alongside him in this earthly life, and his impact will resonate in the hearts of those he touched for generations to come.

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The Funeral Service for Ms. Karen Denise Reddick will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 12:00 noon at Friendship Baptist Church. 

Karen Denise Reddick, affectionately called “Peaches”, was born on December 9, 1971, in Sumter County, Americus, Georgia to the late Ernest Griffin, Jr. and Hattie Mercer. Peaches began her Christian Walk as a member of Old Corinth Baptist Church, Leslie Georgia. She was a 1989 graduate of Americus High School. Peaches was employed formerly with Phoebe Sumter Medical Center and Phoebe Putney Hospital. Peaches was a free-flowing spirit with a noticeable smile. She loved her family and enjoyed spending quality time with them. She was a loving mother, protective sister, and a loving grandmother.

On Saturday August 17, 2024, Karen transitioned from this earthly home to live eternally with the Lord. As Peaches enters the gates of Heaven, she will be welcomed to the arms of her father, Deacon Ernest Griffin Jr.; her paternal grandparents: Ernest (Louise) Griffin Sr.; and her maternal grandparents: Deacon Eldridge (Sarah) Mercer Sr.

Peaches leaves to cherish her memory, her dedicated mother, Hattie Mercer (Charlie) Rivers of Leesburg, Georgia; her children: LaRayshia Reddick, NaKyhia Reddick, and KaNorris Reddick; her siblings: Marsha Griffin Robinson and Stacy Rivers (Mark) Hubbard of Americus, Georgia, Angelica Rivers (Jermaine) Robinson and Courtney Griffin of Albany, Georgia; grandchildren: Cedric, Carlie, and Leah Gatewood, Amarri, Ka’Lani, and Kaiden Mable all of Americus, Georgia; aunts and uncles: Edna Mercer and Ida Mercer of Leslie, Georgia, Constance (Dennis) Bryant of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Peggy (Will) Patterson of Akron, Ohio, Joyce Griffin Dice, and Pearline (Harold) Marlin of Americus, Georgia, Eldridge (Ernestine) Mercer and Sammy Mercer of Americus, Georgia, Freddie (Diane) Mercer and Lewis Mercer of Leslie, Georgia; a host of cousins, friends, and other sorrowing relatives. 

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The Graveside Service for Ms. Ruby Dean Thornton of Smithville, Georgia will be held on Sunday, August 25, 2024 at 12 noon at Mt. Pleasent Baptist Church in Smithville, Georgia.

Ruby Dean Thornton, a beloved sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on August 15, 2024, at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. Ruby was born on February 7, 1942, in Smithville, Georgia to the late Rutha A. Thornton and Grover Lee Thornton, Sr.

She is survived by her brother, Herman Thornton of Smithville, GA, and a host of nieces and nephews, who cherished her deeply. She was preceded in death by her brothers: Charlie Frank Howzine, Sr., Henry Lee Thornton, Grover Lee Thornton, Jr., Jimmy Thornton, Johnny Thornton, and Lewis Thompson, Jr., as well as her sisters: Betsy Thornton and Mildred Thornton. 

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The Graveside service for Mr. Clarence Coleman of Americus, GA will be held on Sat. Aug 17, 20024 at 3:00 P.M. at Eastview Cemetery in Americus, GA

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The Homegoing Celebration for Mrs. Mary Lizzie Harrison, affectionately known as “Tuck”, of Montezuma, Georgia will be held on Monday, August 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at First Salem Baptist Church, Montezuma, Georgia. Interment will follow at Champ Waters Cemetery. 

On January 11, 1937, in Macon County, Georgia, Marshall and Amanda Kaigler Fobbs welcomed a precious new chapter to their family with the birth of their daughter, Mary Lizzie Fobbs. As the youngest of twelve siblings, Mary Lizzie began her journey in a large and loving family. In the course of time, her siblings set off on their own paths: two babies departed early, followed by Henry Mack in 1951, Daisy in 1968, Elijah in 1982, Ruth in 1987, Rosie Mae in 1991, Alex in 1995, James in 1997, Janie in 2020, and Nannie Mae in 2021. Her grandson, Mario Mitchell, also took his leave in 2023. 

Mary Lizzie began her leg of the relay in Montezuma, where she learned and grew at Flint River Farms School and the public schools of Macon County. Early in her journey, she took the baton of faith, joining First Salem Missionary Baptist Church. As a faithful Missionary and one of the Church Mothers, she carried the baton with dedication and grace. Her professional race saw her leading as a supervisor at Southern Frozen Foods for over forty years before she retired. 

Mary Lizzie was a prayer warrior and a virtuous runner in the race of life, known for her kindness and unwavering spirit. Her daily rhythm was marked by prayers in the kitchen and Bible readings on the porch and beside her bed. Her guiding principle, “Don’t forget to pray, pray, and keep on praying,” was the baton she passed with love and conviction. As we honor her, we remember the strength and faith she brought to her relay, carrying forward the torch of prayer and devotion.

Mary departed on her heavenly journey on Monday, August 12, 2024. She was preceded on this journey by her beloved husband, Mr. Charlie Harrison, Sr., and her grandson, Mario K. Mitchell. 

Left to cherish her precious memories are her children: Michael J. Fobbs of Montezuma, Georgia; Minister James Harrison (Mildred) of Oglethorpe, Georgia; Deborah A. Mitchell, Charlie Harrison, Jr., and Sylvia Harrison Wilson, all of Montezuma, Georgia; her sister-in-law, Mrs. Jessie Bell Spivey, and brother-in-law, J.T. Spivey of Byromville, Georgia; her grandchildren: Derek Harrison, Candice Harrison, Jarvis Rosser, Amanda Hudson, Kevin Mitchell, Laticia Harrison, Brittany Harrison, Keristy C. Harrison, and Charity D. Wilson; fourteen great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Mr. Jessie Josey of Palm Court Americus, Georgia died on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at his home. A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at Eastview Cemetery in Americus, Georgia.

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Reyes Najor Pulido was born on January 6, 1952, in San Antonio, Texas. Mrs. Pulido loved her family. She loved life, especially the special moments she shared with her family.  

Mrs. Pulido passed away Sunday, August 4, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents, Josefina Ruiz and Miguel Ruiz; her loving husband, Francisco Pulido; her brother, Joe Najor; and her sister, Carol Garcia.

Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her loving family which includes her loving children: Carol and Heriberto Pulido, Mary and Adelaido Avila, Francisco Pulido, Jr., Ricardo Pulido, Magdeleno Pulido, and Jaime and Jennifer Pulido; twenty-five grandchildren: Melchor and Natasha Pulido, Heriberto Pulido, Jr., Sara Pulido, Maria Avila, Eduardo Johnson, Ray Johnson, Angelica Martinez, Olivia Avila, Adelaido Avila, Jr., Jaime Pulido, Jr., Jordan Pulido, Navaeh Pulido, Vicki Pulido, Natalie Pulido, Alex Pulido, Jacob Pulido, Emmanuel Pulido, Hailey Pulido, Sara Thompson, Ricardo Pulido, Jr., Rosa Pulido, Abigail Smith, Hunter Raper, Kamryn Raper, and Raylee Raper; nineteen great-grandchildren; her siblings: Robert Najor of Colorado, Juan Ruiz, Sr. and Mary Martinez of Texas, Lydia Colchado, Monsiez Pinky Ruiz, and Virginia Guajardo of Florida; several nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and friends.