Funeral Services for Mr. James Wesley Cromartie, Jr. will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2015 at 12 Noon at the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church on Cotton Ave. in Americus, Georgia 

Mr. James Wesley Cromartie, Jr. was born in Rhine, Georgia on August 25, 1931 to the parentage of James Wesley Cromartie, Sr. and Ida Denise Lane Cromartie. He received his education in the public school system of Rhine, Georgia.  At the age of 10 he moved to Detroit Michigan where he finished his education. At an early age he joined the Mill Creek Baptist Church. He was employed as a cargo loader at Detroit Metropolitan Airport for 20 years. Upon retirement his health began to fell and he moved his family back home to Rhine, Georgia. 

In 1974 he was united in Holy Matrimony to the former Mamie Ruth Clark and to this union one child was born. On Thursday, February 26, 2015, God called James Cromarite to his eternal home where his soul is at rest in the arms of his everlasting Savior, Jesus Christ. He is preceded in death by his wife and one sister, Hattie Mathis. 

He leaves to cherish his memories, a devoted daughter and son-in-law, Minster Shermeanetter (Bishop Melvin McCluster) of Americus, Georgia; nine grandchildren: Melvin (Crystal) McCluster, Kelvin (Wanda) McCluster, Markeevis McCluster, Shermel McCluster, Melchisedec McCluster, Melvon McCluster and Malachi McCluster, all of Americus, Georgia; two aunts: Effie Boston of Decatur, Georgia and Flora Boone of Kingston, New York; three uncles: Sam Harden,  Mathis Harden, both of Winter Green, Florida and Howard Harden of Hawkinsville, Georgia. Also a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and a devoted friend Deacon Elmer Reeves of Rhine, Georgia also survives.     

Funeral services for Mrs. Edythe E. Brown will be Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church in Montezuma, Georgia with Reverend Allen Waters officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. 

On August 9, 1935, the union of Roosevelt and Alberta Coleman Engram of Macon County was blessed with the birth of a daughter, Edythe. They were also blessed with a son, Jesse, who preceded her in death. He was born August 9, 1933. 

Edythe was an avid participant in the community and in the pursuit of her education. She was a member of the Georgia Retired Educators Association, Macon County Retired Teachers and Associates and Eunice Chapter Number 164 Order of the Eastern Star. She spent her high school years at Flint River Farms High School where she was among the top of her class, and one of several star basketball players who held the State Class C basketball championship for two years, 1952-1953 and 1953-1954. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in English from Fort Valley State College and earned her master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Georgia. 

Edythe was a unique, fun-loving, hard-working educator and youth advocate. She joined New Hope Baptist Church at the age of five. She worked in many ministries throughout the church. She was known for her ability to speak powerfully and eloquently. Working with the youth at her church and at school were her passions. She spent many hours coaching young people for oratorical contests, preparing them for special programs and planning youth day events. Edythe dedicated her life to ensuring the educational and spiritual success of young people. She succeeded in helping them to see themselves as valuable, useful human beings with impressive potential. 

Edythe passed away quietly at home surrounded by her family on Friday, February 6, 2015. To cherish her loving memories she leaves a loving and devoted son and daughter-in-law, James and Sheena Brown of Montezuma, Georgia; her beloved grandsons, Cullen Roosevelt, Capres Leviticus, and Corbin Samuel Brown; a lovely great granddaughter, Zy’Kerria Brown; a sister-in-law, Betty Engram; two nieces: Linda (Claude) Forbes and Jennifer Engram; special friends: Pearlene Harvey, Bessie Warren, Yolanda Kendrick, Tonya Garnes, Jeanette Leggett, Annie “Nick” Thomas, Miltee Manning, Darlene Brown and Juanita Williams; her devoted church family, including her pastor, Reverend Allen Waters, Deacons, and many loving God-gifted cousins and friends throughout Macon, Dooly, and Crisp County. 

Jacqueline Barnes Marshall was born on December 14, 1950 to the proud parents of Leroy Ingram and Mamie Lue Lilliard in West Palm Beach, FL.

A Time To Live:

As a young child Jackie refused to spell c-a-t, d-o-g, or even s-t-o-p. She later attended Roosevelt High School. Ironically, she would go on to teach all five of her children and other kids from the neighborhood the importance of education. The church has not always been the center of her life, but after she found Christ as a young adult, there was no turning back.

A Time To Love:

The union of Dugard Gale and Jacqueline Barnes produced three additional children to her already two. In addition to their love, she was showered with love and affection from 17 grand-children and one great-grand child. A God-fearing, loving and cohesive family was always her biggest aspiration and accomplishment.

A Time To Serve:

As a native of Florida, she joined Union Missionary Baptist Church. She was proud to be a crusader, trying to turn people toward the love of Christ. Another interest of Mama Jackie was serving her community. She was known as the neighborhood "ice cream lady". Through this she was able to minister to the kids in the community on the importance of education, entrepreneurship and religion. She was very active in supporting her children's activities when possible. She also served on the Palm Beach County School District Transportation Department. She safely and proudly transported students to and from school with love. She had to end her career, driving school buses to become the primary care provider for both her sister and mother.

A Time to Die:

The ultimate testament of a person's life is not when they were born or die; it is what they did and their level of impact while on this earth. Mama Jackie impacted anyone she came in contact with even up to her sudden and untimely death. We're so thankful, that God allowed us to have witnessed, shared and felt the impact of such a loving Mother and Friend. After witnessing about the Glory of the Lord during a telephone conversation, Mama Jackie laid down for a peaceful nap and transitioned into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As she peacefully went to Paradise, she left us all with her beautiful smile. She loved the songs: "Going Up Yonder", and "I Got a Seed in the Ground". Mama Jackie has already gone up yonder and many of her seeds have already blossomed. Praise the Lord!

A Time to Mourn:

She is survived by her loving Mother, Mamie Lue Lilliard and her sister, Dorothy McCray. Her five children: Lionel Lilliard, Kevin Barnes, LaRingayle Gale, Keathun Gale and Myree Gale. She also had 17 Grand-children; and one Great-Grand-child. Goddaughter: Joneisha Curtis. She was preceded in death by her husband, Randall Marshall.

Funeral services for Mrs. Catherine Snead will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at Allen Chapel A. M. E. Church 132 Bumphead Road Americus, Georgia with Reverend Lodenia Coleman officiating. Burial will follow at Staley Memorial Gardens.  

Ms. Catherine Elizabeth Renfroe was born on September 11, 1931, in Milledgeville (Baldwin County), Georgia to the parentage of Mr. William and Mrs. Mary Pearson Renfroe.  She was the youngest of her four siblings, who preceded her in death. She was educated in the Baldwin County Public School System, and graduated from Eddy High School.  She further pursued her education at Savannah State College (now Savannah State University), earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. 

Ms, Catherine united in Holy Matrimony with Mr.Tommy Lee Snead on December 24, 1954.  She joined Campbell Chapel A.M.E. Church, and she sang in the choir for many years. Ms. Catherine and Mr. Tommy were blessed to parent their only beloved son, William Keith, who they loved and cherished.  Keith knew and understood that there is no love like his mother’s love, so when his father expired, he brought his mother to live with him in McDonough, Georgia, for thirteen years,  until her demise. 

Affectionately, and passionately, she surrounded herself with children and young people, at work, in church, and in the community.  She taught in Buena Vista, (Marion County), Georgia, and Sumter County School Systems. She retired with 35 years of dedicated service from Sumter County School System. 

She loved life, gave love, and showed compassion to those who she met, knew, and interacted with. Drawn to the beauty of nature, Catherine maintained a flower garden that gave off fragrance and foliage in the Dismuke Street Neighborhood.  She was a virtuous, kind, well-dressed lady of dignity, who was often seen and admired for strolling up Lee Street to downtown Americus. She was different, she was special. 

Left to cherish her memory are her one and only devoted son, Mr.William Keith Snead, McDonough, Georgia;  her grandchildren; Mrs.Tiffanie Snead Jeter (Ramon); Mr.  Jared, and Ms. Ke’Andrea;  a host of cousins, including Dr. Herbert Stone, Mobile, Alabama;  and her devoted care-giver of eleven years Ms. Cassandra Richardson . Special friends who loved her are: Ms. Ethel Wilson, Mrs. Patricia (Willis) Hollis; Ms. Andrea Trent, Mr.  Dre’Von Trent, The Fagan Family, The Morgan Family, Ms. Geneva Battle, Mrs. June (John) Hudson, Ms.  Lavonia Sneed. Ms. Verneen Evans, The Seay Sisters, Ms. Eula Mann, Ms. Emmarene and Mr. John Durrell Streeter.

Funeral services for Deacon Charles Mathis of Americus, Georgia will be Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at the Friendship Baptist Church with Rev. Jesse Watts officiating. Burial will follow at the Eastview Cemetery. Deacon Mathis died peacefully on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at his home.  

Deacon Charles Mathis was born in Americus, Georgia, on Christmas Day (December, 25), 1932.  He was the youngest son of the late Mr. Morrell Mathis and the late Mrs. Lula Bell McGrady Mathis.  He is preceded in death by two brothers; Morrell Mathis Jr. and Edward Lee McGrady and grandparents, Samuel and Lorena McGrady.  

Charles was a 1952 graduate of A. S. Staley High School, Americus, Georgia where he sang in the choir and participated in other activities. He was ordained as a deacon at the Old Shady Grove Baptist Church in 1985 under the pastorage of Rev. Robert Earl Hines.  He was a devoted member of Old Shady Grove until his health failed. For many years he worked in various industrial areas and retired from Wachovia Bank in 1992 as a Courier and Mail Room Worker. 

Memories will be cherished forever by his wife of 55 years, Mrs. Margaret Helen Smith-Mathis; a loving sister, Ozie Bell Mathis Calloway of Americus, Georgia; his loving daughters: Michelle Mathis (Kenneth) Paramore, Glenn Heights, Texas, Tanya Maris Mathis, Douglasville, Georgia, Wanda Jean Wade (Charles) Smith, Americus, Georgia, Gail Foster Mills, New Castle, Delaware, and Sandra Foster, Wilmington, Delaware; Sister in law: Lillie Ruth Smith, Americus, Georgia and Selma Smith, Louisville, Kentucky; one brother-in-law, Eugene Smith, Rochester, New York; devoted grandchildren: Katrina D. Hamilton, Americus, Georgia Desmond K. and Shayla K. Paramore of Glenn Heights, Texas, Charles J. Smith, Americus, Georgia and one great grandchild; Bryce D. Hamilton, Americus, Georgia; one devoted niece, Belinda Calloway (Larry) Ware of Rex, Georgia; two cousins who were like brothers: Eugene (Billie) Mathis of Shaker Heights, Ohio, Donnell (Louise) Mathis of Hartford Connecticut and Craig Walker (like a son) of Americus, Georgia. Charles is also survived by special friends and families including the Perry Harris Family, Annie Ruth Davis and Family, Jo Maxye Mckenzie, Ernest and Evelyn Solomon, George Glover and a host of other grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive.

Funeral services for Charles Fudge, Jr. were held Saturday, January 31, 2015 at 1:00 in the Chapel of West's Mortuary in Montezuma with Rev. Victor Johnson officiating.

Charles Fudge was born November 22, 1956 in Homerville, Georgia to Charles Fudge, Sr. and the late Wylean Ferguson. He grew up in Daytona Beach, Florida where he worked for the state of Florida and Henry Tree Trimmers. In 2012, he moved to Georgia. He joined the Spring Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Marshallville, Georgia in 2013. Charles passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2015. 

He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Ann Hooten Fudge; a step son, Darius Walker and step daughter, Princeta Walker; two grand children: Pa'Landria Walker and Delilah Williams; his father, Charles Fudge, Sr; brothers and sisters: Coreatha Solomon, Shirley Hayes, Nadine Fudge, Joseph Fudge, Calvin Fudge, Roy Fudge, Rodney Fudge and Lashonda Fudge;his mother-in-law, Annie M. Hooten; brothers-in-law: Charlie (Martha) Hooten, Robert (Sherron) Hooten, and Willie (Teste) Hooten; sisters-in-law: Mittie Petty, Mary (Eugene) Crocker, and Annie Slater; devoted niece and nephew: Shalonda "Penny" Hooten and Derek James; devoted friend, Terry Wimberly; a host of other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Anna Bell Hall of Oglethorpe, GA died on Friday, January 16, 2015 at Hospice of Houston County in Perry, GA. Funeral Services will be Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 2 pm at New Hope Baptist Church, Montezuma, GA. Mrs. Hall was preceded in death her son, Lonnie Clayton, Jr. and two brothers: Leroy Jackson, Jr. and Arthur Lee Jackson. 

She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Pastor Lee Willis Hall of Oglethorpe, GA; children: Adam Clayton, Byromville, GA; stepson, Decaldrick (Christy) Hall of Atlanta, GA; God children, Sharonda (Bob) Ladd, De'Marrion Fobbs, Devin Griffin and Lindsey Ladd all of Montezuma, GA; her father, Leroy Jackson, Sr. of St. Petersburg, FL; mother-in-law, Eveline Hall Hudson of Oglethorpe, GA; sisters: Sarah (Calvin) Turner of Montezuma, GA; Hazel (Jimmy), Jackson of Montezuma, GA, Lillie Pearl Jackson of Ashville, North Carolina, Agnes (Richard) Murray of St. Petersburg, FL, and Betty Joyce (Calvin), Wilcox of Fitzgerald, GA; brothers: Charlie (Wytina) Jackson of Vienna, GA, Marvin Jackson of Byromville, GA, and Danny Jackson, St. Petersburg, FL; brothers-in-law: Charlie (Tammy) Hall of Ft. Valley, GA, Marvin Hall of Atlanta, GA, Eddie C. Hall of Oglethorpe, GA, Jimmy (Debra) Hall of Ellaville, GA and Tyrone Hall (Chrispian) of Ellenwood, GA; grandchildren: DeQuntaez Clayton, Montezuma, GA, Addison Clayton of Warner Robins, GA, Sofya Hall, Aaliyah Hall, Makhi Hall, Jordin Hall, Sanaa Hall, all of Atlanta, GA; devoted friend, Lonnie Clayton, Sr. of Byromville, GA; extended family, Willie J. Caldwell (Linda),Vienna, GA and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

Graveside services for Infant Raegyn A. Mariah Josey will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 3:00 P.M. at the Old Corinth Cemetery. 

Infant Raegyn A. Mariah Josey was born in Americus, Georgia on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at Phoebe-Sumter Medical Center to Phaedra Josey. On that day 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. 

In addition to her mother, she leaves to mourn her passing one sister, Ms. Maliah Williams, Americus, Georgia, her grandparents: Ms. Mary Josey and Mr. James Josey Sr., her great-grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Capers Knight of Soperton, Georgia;  aunts & uncles: Santwan Lockhart of Americus, Georgia, James Josey Jr. (Maria) of Warner Robins, Georgia and Latarus Josey Sr. of Tampa, Florida, her great aunts & uncles: Mr. Delphiene Knight, Warner Robins, Georgia, Mr. David Knight, Mr. Michael Knight both of Soperton, Georgia, Ms. Lorena Josey, Mrs. Carmen (William) Clark, Ms. Lena Josey, Mrs. Mary (James) Russell, Mr. Jimmy (Dons) Josey and Ms. Jewel Josey all of Americus, Georgia and Mr. Otis Solomon of Germany; three loving godmothers: Barbara Fulks, Maria Josey and Kim Williams.

 

Homegoing services for Mrs. Mildred B. Carter will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 12 noon at Andersonville National Cemetery. Reverend Bobby Brown will officiate. Mrs. Carter was born in Marshallville, Georgia to the late Elder Robert and Lula Williams Baldwin. She was a member of Bethel AME Church, Montezuma, Georgia where she served as a Stewart and church treasurer. 

Mrs. Carter passed away on Friday, January 2, 2015 in Richmond, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her husband Henry James Carter and daughter Ynestra M. Russell.  

She leaves to cherish her memories, two daughters: Katreena (Clarence) Arnold of Chesterfield, Virginia and Rhonda (James) Williams of Portsmouth, Virginia; one son, Emmitt (Wanda) Mathis of Houston, Texas; and one son-in-law, Edward Russell of Portsmouth, Virginia; six grandchildren: Chelsea Washington (Russell), Letisha Mathis, Marques Mathis, William J. Russell, Leah Williams, and Christian Williams; four great-grandchildren; one loving sister, Mary Johnson of Macon, Georgia; a brother, Bell Vinson of Fort Valley, Georgia; special extended family LeRoy James, Jr.,  Sandy Melvin and Frances Baldwin; many loving nieces and nephews; devoted friends: Rose Marshall, Denise West, Terry Forbes, Stanley Stewart; and caretakers and friends Natasha Vonover, Marie Leary, and Earl Barron.

 

Funeral services for MR. RICHARD CHARLES ROBINSON will be held on Saturday January 10, 2015 at 11:00 AM at the Zion Hope Baptist Church in Sumter City, GA with Elder Willie Robinson Jr. and Pastor George F. Monts officiating.

Richard Charles Robinson was born on July 7, 1954 Sumter City, GA to the late Mr. Willie Robinson, Sr. and the late Mrs. Katie Bell Roberts Robinson. He attended Southeast Elementary School in Leslie, GA and furthered his education at Union High School and Murphy High School in Atlanta, GA. He worked at Americus Steel and Paul Bush Home Builders in Americus, GA and later he moved to Atlanta and worked for B&L Wrecker Service for his sister Bonnie (Joe) Butler as a driver for over thirty years. In 2011 Richard moved back home with his sister Estella Lusane until his death. Richard died on December 26, 2014 at the Phoebe–Sumter Medical Center. 

He was preceded in death by his nieces: Tammy Robinson and Janice Giles; two brothers-in- law Joe Butler and Joseph Giles; a sister Linda Robinson and one brother Johnny Robinson. 

He leaves to morn his passing; one daughter, Ms. Shawanda Carmichael (Michael Oglesby) and one grand- daughter Kayla Oglesby; five sisters: Mrs. Estella (Willie) Lusane of Sumter City, GA,  Shirley (Alvin  Sr.) Smith of Sumter City, GA, Mrs. Eddie Giles of Atlanta, GA, Mrs. Bonnie Butler of Atlanta, GA, and Ms. Gloria Goodgain of Aurora, Colorado; four brothers: Phillip Robinson of Sumter City, GA, Floyd Robinson of Americus, GA, Lloyd Robinson of Atlanta, GA, and Willie Robinson Jr. of Atlanta, GA; one aunt, Mattie Pearl Burton of Sumter City, GA; nieces and nephews, Dathan Bradley of Americus, GA, Demetria Bradley of Americus, GA, Dan (Sabrina) Bradley of Preston, GA, Adrain Smith, Abraham Smith of Sumter City ,Alvin Smith Jr. of Americus , GA, Jason (Laswanda) Giles of Atlanta, GA, Angela Denson, Tracy (Johnna) Robinson, Joe (Trina) Butler III all of Atlanta, GA, Sean Goodgain of Aurora, Colorado,  Courtney (Becky) Goodgain of Aurora, Colorado, Mrs. Tiffany (Tony) Flowers of Americus, GA, Titus G. Robinson of Huntsville, Alabama, Thaddeus Robinson of Savannah, GA, Tisha Robinson of Atlanta, GA, Timothy (Sandra) Robinson of Americus, GA, Troy Robinson of Atlanta, GA, Marquitta Robinson of Baxley, GA, Philisia (Corey) Spearman of Statesboro, GA, Stacy Robinson of Atlanta, GA, Willie Robinson III of Atlanta, GA and a host of great and great great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends including, Sandra Bradley of Sumter City, GA, Leon Hunter, Keith Hunter both of Atlanta, GA,  Drez Walker of Smithville, GA, Marilyn Price of Americus, GA and Gwen Cross of Americus, GA also survive.