Damya Olivia Walters the infant daughter of Sarah and Damian Walters passed away on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at Navicent Healthcare in Macon, Georgia. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at 11L00 A.M. at the Eastview Cemetery with Bishop Arthur Fulton officiating.

Damya Olivia Walters was born on July 27, 2018 in Americus, Georgia to Sarah and Damian Walters. Our Lord and Savior saw his precious Angel struggling for life and decided to remove all of her pain and take her Home with him. She was preceded in death by an uncle, Jason Kearse and a great uncle, Jessie Walters

In addition to her parents, Damya is survived by her brother, Kentavious Flowers; grandparents: Mary Dean Walters, Lewis Smith, Debra Kearse and Kenny Kearse; two great grandparents: Mozelle Harpe and Rosie Green; two aunts: LaKisha (Trell) Merritt and Adrianne Kearse; one great aunt, Priscilla Cross; two uncles: Cedric Smith and LaTorris (Kisha) Smith; devoted cousins: Chanteria Merritt, Brandon Gordon, Na’lyiah Merritt, Mariah Smith, Alexia Robinson, Victoria Robinson, Cedric Smith, Jr., Sha;Kyia Smith and a host of other relatives also survive.

Mrs. Ozzie Bell Ingram of Americus, Georgia, departed this life on Sunday, August 12, 2018 at the Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany Georgia. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at 12:00 noon at the Eastview Seventh Day Adventist Church with Elder Edd Ross officiating. Burial will follow at the Eastview Cemetery.

Mrs. Ozzie Bell Ingram was born on March 30, 1949 in Sumter County, Georgia to the parentage of the late Mr. Marcellus Smothers and the late Mrs. Ruby Lee Smothers. At an early age Ozzie joined the Triedstone Baptist Church. She later moved to Atlanta, Georgia where she furthered her education and graduated from David T. Howard Community High School in 1968. After returning to Americus, she then joined the Eastview Church of Christ. On December 20, 1991 she married Mr. Charlie Ingram and they owned and operated C. & O. Cleaning Service.

She leaves to mourn her passing her husband, Mr. Charlie Ingram of Americus, GA; one son, Mr. Calvin (Christina Hedges) Mathis Jr., Ellaville, GA; two step daughters: Mrs. Kayretia Burt (David), Albany, GA and Miss LaTarsha (Dean) Burkes, Americus, GA; seven grandchildren: Te'Yana Mathis, Earnest Mathis III and Monique Reddick all of Albany, GA. Tramell Mathis, Dallas Mathis,  M’maly Colbert, and Faith Colbert of Ellaville, GA; one great grandchild, Demond Goines, Jr., Albany, GA; one niece, Mrs. Brigetta J. Arnold, Powder Springs, GA; one great niece, Tayler Arnold, Powder Springs, GA; six devoted cousins: Mary L. Bliss, Henrietta, Wilsher, Macon, GA., Matherlene Bruce, Della Lewis, Annie Ruth Manns and Mary Alice Lewis all of Americus, GA. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive, including two special friends: Ms. Saundra Brown and Mr. Randy Barlow.

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

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The funeral service for Mrs. Izola West of Smithville, Georgia will be held on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at the Jerusalem Baptist Church in Smithville, Georgia with Pastor Ricky Cladd officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Mrs. Izola Robinson West was born in Sumter County, Georgia on July 23, 1935 to the parentage of the late Rev. Leonard Champion and Ola Mae Robinson.  She was affectionately known as “Dobie”.  

Dobie was an Unsung Hero in the eyes of her children and grandchildren.  She was and will always be remembered as a Super Mom.  Although she has never had her achievements displayed on a billboard, her picture has never been featured on the cover of a famous magazine, she has never walked the hall of fame, neither has she ever had a crowd of people calling her name; nevertheless, by God’s Grace and her faith in God, she has modeled a selfless and sacrificial life of love, kindness, generosity, great strength and hard work that will forever be impressed in her children’s hearts and all whom she encountered. 

Izola Robinson was married to the late Charley C. West.   She was a loving and devoted mother who loved God and cherished her family.  She was educated in the Sumter County Public Schools.  She was respectfully known for her good cooking, hair pressing and the proud mother of eleven beautiful children.  She was employed at the Light House Restaurant as a cook for over fifteen years.  She was a faithful member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church up until her change in health.   

Izola was preceded in death by her husband, Charley C. West; her parents, (Leonard) and Mable Champion and John and (Ola Mae) Robinson Terry. She was also preceded in death by her children, M.C. Robinson, Kirk Robinson, Larry Robinson and Marvin West; one grandson, Dacy Robinson, Sr.; one grandson-in-law, Marvin Farrell Wilson; her brothers: Leonard Robinson, Clinton Terry, Joe Terry, C.W. Terry, Johnny Terry, Henry Robinson and Joe Terry; her sisters: Mae Vessel Trice, Annie Lloyd, Bessie Hunter and Catherine Terry Hicks; nephews: James Trice and Anthony Gene Trice.

Dobie leaves to cherish her memories, one sister, Rosa Lee Thomas, Montezuma, GA; one brother, George Fish, Atlanta GA; two sons: Curtis (Stephanie) Leon West, Hinesville, GA and Gregory (Priscilla) West, Americus, GA; five daughters: Viola West, Shelia Smith, Gretel (Levi) Smith, all of Smithville, GA, Beverly (Chris) Dingle, Plains, GA, Vaturnia (Wallace) Ingram, Americus, GA; one daughter in law, Nancy Robinson, Smithville, GA; thirty-four grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren and  a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends survive.

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Mrs. Judith Kay Ruge of Americus, Georgia passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at the Phoebe-Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Georgia.   

Mrs. Judith Kay Ruge was born December 29, 1941 in Kansas City, Kansas to the late Howard and Lorene Coleman.

She is survived by her husband, Michael R. Ruge, of Americus, Georgia; her daughters: Karen Amon and Cheryl Slaughter (Brian) of Kansas City, Kansas and Misty Merritt (Scott) of Dublin, Georgia; eight grandchildren and  twenty-two great grandchildren. She was a loving wife and mother who will be greatly missed.

The Memorial Service for Ms. Willie B. Merritt of Chicago, Illinois, will be held on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of West's Mortuary, 731 N Lee Street, Americus, Georgia. Ms. Willie B. Merritt was born on October 11, 1934 in Marion County, Georgia. She was the third child of the late George and Ida B. Merritt. Willie B., as she was affectionately called, was baptized at New Bethel Baptist Church at an early age. She graduated from Staley High School in 1954. At the tender age of eighteen, Willie B. made the bold decision to move to Chicago, Illinois to find gainful employment and pursue a better life for herself and her family back in Georgia.

Willie B. was employed as a domestic worker until she secured a lucrative position with Mason-Barron Laboratories as a Lab Tech. She remained with this company for more than twenty years until her retirement in the mid-nineties. Willie B. devoted her life to providing love and support to her brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. She gave generously of herself and of her means to help others, even if it meant sacrificing her own personal needs.

Willie B. transitioned into eternal rest on July 29, 2018 at the Symphony 87 Nursing Home in Chicago, Illinois. She is survived by her two brothers: Clyde Merritt of Chicago, Illinois and Malcolm (Janet) King of Americus, Georgia; four sisters: Nadine Wilkerson, Diane (William) Smith, Doris (Charles) Furlow and Sharon King all of Americus, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The funeral service for Mr. Gregory Durham age 53 of Jacksonville, Florida formerly of Americus, Georgia will be held on Saturday, August 4, 2018 at 2:00 at the Eastview Church of Christ. Burial will follow at the Eastview Cemetery.

Gregory Durham was born on May 23, 1965 in Americus, Georgia to the late Wesley and Sally Mae Durham. He attended school at Staley High School where he met his wife, Betty. He retired from The Vogue Warehouse, City of Jacksonville, and Hancock Funeral Home. He was loved in so many ways by so many people. He passed away on July 25, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. He was preceded in death by George and Lucille Durham and Rebecca Durham. 

Memories of his life will forever be cherished by his wife, Betty Durham of Americus, Georgia; five amazing children: Lutricia Durham, Erik Durham, Erica Durham, and Gregory Durham, Jr. all of Dublin, Georgia and Dondi Durham of Americus, Georgia; his beautiful grandchildren: Javouri, Ty’Naski, Jhourne, Ta’Naija, Emontay, Emijai, Xzavion, E’moriana, D.J., Damarion and Lindsey; a beautiful great grandchild, Ta’Nylia; his aunts: Georgia Solomon, Thelma (Joe) Dodson, Gloria (James) Moore, Brenda (Rodriques) Green, Martha (Charlie) Journey, Mary Durham, Mary Helen Durham, Tricia Durham, Sandra Thompson and Earnestine Durham; his uncles: Henry Lee Durham, Willie Lee Durham, Albert Durham, Jerome Durham and Maurice Durham; devoted friends and family: Willie Solomon, Jr., Greg Johnson, Delois Brown and Jhonny Dean Durham; a host of nieces, nephews, loved ones and friends also survive.

The funeral service for Mr. Melvin Tyson, Sr. of Smith Station, Alabama formerly of Americus, Georgia will be held on Monday, July 30, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at the Friendship Baptist Church in Americus, Georgia with Rev. Ferlin Tyson officiating. Burial will follow at the Eastview Cemetery.         

Mr. Melvin Tyson Sr. was born June 25, 1961 in Sumter County Georgia to the parentage of the late Mr. Eddie C. Tyson and the late Mrs. Clotelle Tyson.  He was educated in the public schools of Sumter County.  He worked for Davidson Textron for over 20 years until his retirement.  After retirement, he moved to Smith Station Alabama.   Melvin died on Monday, July 23, 2018 in Smith Station, Alabama. He was preceded in death by a sister, Teresa Tyson, and two brothers, Robert Asberry Jr. and Timothy R. Tyson.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his children: Melvin Tyson Jr., Porsha Ingram, Tiffany Tyson and Malcom Tyson; nine grandchildren: Dejion Tyson, Dakavien McDonald, Shakiya McDonald, Daylan McDonald, Jayden King Tyson, Jordan Tyson, Kinsley Tyson and Bella Gray; four sisters: Rosa (Calvin) Sims, Gloria (Rev.JB) Jackson, Laurie D. Tyson (Chris Sales), Geraldine (Bernard) Tyson; two brothers: Mr. Joseph (Brenda) Tyson, Mr. Eddie (Doris) Tyson; a devoted Ex-wife, Valerie West; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends also survive.

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

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The Memorial Service for J'Aire Maxie of Oglethorpe, Georgia will be conducted Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 1:30 at the Macon County High School Gymnasium with Brother Tommy Griffin officiating.

J’Aire Dre’Von Maxie was born March 19, 2001 in Warner Robins, Georgia to Mr. and Mrs. Jerald Maxie. He attended Macon County Elementary and Middle Schools.  He was an upcoming Senior Honor Student at Macon County High School.

J’Aire had a fun and outgoing personality with lots of swag about himself.  He was very meticulous about his appearance and set the standard for fashion trends.  J’Aire was short in stature, but had a substantial presence in the lives of his family and friends. He died tragically on July 23, 2018.

J’Aire will always be lovingly remembered by his parents, Jerald and Pamela Maxie; two brothers: J’Vonte and Jeremy Maxie; two sisters: Jania and Janae Maxie; grandparents: Bernette Boland, Barry Maxie and Aleria Zohy; great-grandmothers: Nancy Glenn and Carrie Wilkerson; aunts: Tamera Glenn and Jessica Maxie; uncles: Kenneth and Kyle Boland and Jeffrey Maxie; first cousins: Shanera and Jaron Horace and Khanylah Boland; several great aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

The funeral service for Mr. Willie Westberry, Jr. of Jacksonville, Florida will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church, 8620 GA Hwy 26E, Montezuma, Georgia. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Mr. Willie Westberry, Jr. was born on August 22, 1930 in Montezuma, Georgia to the late Willie and Viola Hawkins-Westberry.  He was the oldest brother of nine siblings. Willie passed away on July 16, 2018. He was preceded in death by his siblings: James Westberry, Earl Westberry, Louise Westberry Zylanz, Rosa Lee “Coont” Westberry, Hattie Mae Westberry Felton, Hettie Pearl Westberry Haslam, and Vonnie Westberry Woodward; and one daughter, Grace Westberry.

Left to cherish his memories are two daughters: Joyce Westberry-Walker and Betty Jean Anderson; three sons: Robert Scott, Willie James Scott and Earl Scott; two brothers: King Westberry and Limmie Westberry; thirteen grandchildren, nine great grandchildren; a host of other loving relatives and friends.

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

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