January31

Ms. Charlene Cunningham

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Funeral services for Ms. Charlene Annetta Cunningham of Americus, GA will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 12:00 Noon at the Friendship Baptist Church with Bishop Melvin McCluster officiating. Burial will follow at the Eastview Cemetery.

 Ms. Charlene Annette Cunningham was born on October 4, 1952 in Detroit, MI to the parentage of the late Mr. Alfred Leonard Cunningham and Mrs. Willie Clifford Battle-Cunningham.

Charlene went to Holy Ghost Elementary Catholic School and Northwestern High School in Detroit, MI. She continued her education at International Data Processing Institute for I.B.M. Keypunch Automation. Sometime later Charlene decided to make the move from Detroit, MI to Americus, GA where she resided until the decline of her health.

Charlene began her life with Christ at an early age by having her first Holy Communion at the age of 7. Charlene was an active member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church where she served as a member of the Usher Board and on the Hospitality Committee. She worked for many years at Woodgrain Millworks and at Wal-Mart Supercenter in Americus, GA.

Ms. Charlene Annette Cunningham departed this earthly life on Wednesday January 31, 2018 at Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center in Grand Rapids, MI. Ms. Charlene was preceded in death by her parents Mr. Alfred and Mrs. Willie Clifford Cunningham, adoptive parents Marietta and Joe Mathis, daughter Ms. Rhonda Annette Cunningham, grandson Mr. Genesis Lamont Cunningham, sister Ms. Willie Lou Jones, and brother-in-law Johnny Lee Mathis.

Charlene leaves to cherish her fond memories two children Ja'Ron Cunningham and Tamika Cunningham, daughter La'Keta Norman (Alexander City, AL), four grandchildren A'Kyla Lewis, Montel Varner, Marie Norman, John Norman, sisters and brother Karen Hicks (Detroit, MI), Belinda Brown (Dallas, TX) Jacqueline and Herman Stapples (Muskegon, MI) and Harry Lee Johnson (Muskegon, MI), Easter Shelton (Albany, GA) nieces and nephews Vincent Mathis, Sergio Stapples, Latrice Hicks, Reginald Hicks, Jr, Renita Brown, Janeese Brown, Antron Shelton, Tamika Fairell, LaToya Shelton, and Leonard Fairell, other relatives and friends, including devoted friends and family Tia Evans, the Spectrum Continuing Care staff (Grand Rapids, MI), Lillie Ruth Smith, Jeffery Mathis, Johnny Lee Mathis Jr., Chris Parker, Bernistine Mansfield, Marilyn and Bobby Waters, and Tango Cooper.

 

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

January31

Mrs. Daisy L. Felton

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Funeral services for Mrs. Daisy Felton of Montezuma, Georgia will be held on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at Magnolia Baptist Church located at 415 Hosie Waters Street in Montezuma, Georgia. Interment will follow in Brown Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery.

Mrs. Daisy Felton was born February 19, 1939 in Montezuma, Georgia to Dave and Maggie Grant. She attended the public school system of Macon County and was a graduate of Flint River Farm School. At an early age she accepted Jesus Christ as her savior and joined Brown Chapel Baptist Church where she served faithfully on the Hospitality Committee.

She was joined in holy matrimony to John Felton and to this union eight children were born. Daisy was called home on January 31, 2018. Precious memories will forever remain with her loving family which includes her loving and devoted husband of fifty-six years, John Felton of Montezuma, Georgia; eight children: Gloria O’Neal of Columbus, Georgia, Damon (Jacqueline) Felton of Montezuma, Georgia, Bertha (Marvin) Plowden of Gainesville, Florida, Barbara Felton, Lenorris Felton, John Felton, Jr. all of Montezuma, Georgia, Latonya (Billy) McGowen of Australia and Torrey (Krana) Felton of Columbus, Georgia; her beloved sister, Annie Ruth Grant of Montezuma, Georgia; fourteen grandchildren whom she loved dearly: Lashunda Felton, Curtis (Kimberly) O’Neal, Chauntillia (Kevin) Watts, TeKorien Devonte Felton, Mary Jean Felton, Tramaine Felton, Kendra Ott, Brianna Holmes, Jarquavious Wells, Marcus Plowden, Serenity Felton, Kaidence Felton, Layla McGowen and Billy McGowen, Jr.; six great grandchildren: Joseph H. O’Neal, Jayla M. Felton, Kevin Terrell Watts, Mason Carter Watts, Curtis O’Neal III and Jayden  O’Neal; loving sisters-in-law and brother-in-law: Florie Felton, Lessie Mae Felton and Earl Woolfork, Sr. of Montezuma, Georgia, Arlessie Grant of Perry, Georgia and Ruth Grant of Clearwater, Florida; a host of loving nieces, nephews, devoted relatives and friends. 

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January30

Mr. Charlie Lee Hopkins

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Memorial service for Mr. Charlie Lee Hopkins of Americus, Georgia will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 3:00 P.M. in the Chapel of West’s Mortuary with Pastor Norbert Ingram officiating. The family is receiving friends at the home of Johnny Hopkins at 121 Starlight Cir. Americus, Georgia.

Mr. Charlie Hopkins was born in Americus, GA on February 28, 1945 to the parentage of the late Mrs. Annie Ruth  Ingram Hopkins and Ernest Lee Hopkins Sr. 

He is preceded in death by four brothers: Arthur Lee Hopkins, Curtis Lee Hopkins, Gregory Moss and Ernest Lee Hopkins Jr. 

He leaves to mourn his passing, two daughters Virginia Austin Pearman (Jo), Ft. Lauderdale, FL and Sharon Tyner, Americus, GA; one brother, Johnny Hopkins of Americus, GA; one sister, Connie (Larry) Sheppard, FL; one aunt, Jonny Mae Black, Americus, GA; and devoted cousins: Evangelist Mary Lizzie Williams, Lucy Ann Hopkins and a host of other nieces and nephews, cousins and friends also survive


January28

David & Annie Mae Ward

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 Funeral services for Mr. & Mrs. David Ward of Dawson, Georgia will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2018 1:00 PM at the Jerusalem Baptist Church 1881 Ben Arthur Road Dawson, GA 39842.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Ward's Funeral Home on Graves Hwy in Dawson, Georgia

They came from different backgrounds, but the pursuit of love brought them together for 71 years of marriage with Jesus Christ as their foundation. Their love was a true story book; soulmates for life. "I found the one my heart loves." ~ Song of Solomon 3:4

 

Even, in death, they were not separated a full day. Twenty-three hours and eight minutes after Mae passed away, Dave died suddenly with his niece Stephanie after a perfect day of shopping, talking, laughing, and sharing of memories of Mae and his twin, SL. He was 88 years old, but healthy. Mae preceded Dave in Death on January 28, 2018 at 4:12pm. He joined her on January 29, 2018 at 3:04pm after an emotional shock, broken hearted, after the death of his beloved Mae. His earthly works were finished without her.

David (Dave) Lee Ward was born to the late Sammie Lee Ward, Sr., and Johnnie Bee Lewis Ward in Dawson, Georgia on November 4, 1929. At an early age, he gave his life to Christ and served faithfully at Jerusalem Baptist Church for 51 years as a Deacon.  As a devoted Steward, he served the community of Terrell County in a dual profession for the Board of Education for 42 years. He was the Supervisory Janitor for Carver Elementary School and the renowned Bus Driver for Bus 44 for 34 years. Part-time, he worked with S.L. at the Ward Funeral Home for 52 years. He was known for his kindness and as a “protector of the children” on his bus. Dave truly loved people. Anyone who knew him would describe him as a man of God, dependable, dedicated, trust worthy, a man of integrity, and for his kind-spirit. He was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Mary Catherine, three brothers, Frank, J.C., and his twin, S.L.

Annie Mae Ward was the only child born to the late Percy Jackson and Willie Pearl Bell Jackson in  Dawson, Georgia on September 26, 1928. At an early age, she gave her life to Christ and served faithfully as an Usher for over 50 years at Rose Hill Baptist Church. Serving the beautiful women of Terrell County, she was a beautician for more than 25 years because of her love for cosmetology. As an enthusiastic Steward, she served Terrell County Board of Education as a Bus Driver for Special Needs Children for 30 years. Annie Mae was known for culinary skills. She loved Soul Food – “Collard Greens and Fried Corn Bread” were her signature dishes! Sweet Potato Pie, Pecan Pie, German Chocolate, Coconut, Caramel, and Sour Cream Pound cakeswere her favorite desserts to prepare.  

Building a Strong Family

Living in Dawson, the couple loved and nurtured their two children, Walter and Eliza. With their marriages, Walter (Janice)and Eliza (Curtis), the family grew. Leaving to cherish the memories of Dave and Mae, seven grandchildren, Ashley, Shakira, Tamesha, Antonio, Ni`ya, Curtis, and Shaikeria; three great-grandchildren, Arianna, Jordan, and Alira; a devotedgodchild, Gladys Bell Keller; a devoted niece, Stephanie A. White and great-niece Petronia A. Ward Shanksa host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

 "Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned." ~ Song of Solomon 8:16

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January27

Mr. Derek Kaigler

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Funeral services for Mr. Derek Kaigler of Montezuma, Georgia will be held on Monday, February 5, 2018 at 1:00 at the New Hope Baptist Church in Montezuma, Georgia. Interment will follow at the New Hope Cemetery.

Derek Kaigler was born November 30, 1963 in Macon County, Georgia to Ms. Carrie Kaigler McGhee and Mr. Nathaniel Leary. He attended the public schools of Macon County and was a 1981 graduate of D.F. Douglass High School.  Derek was a devoted member of Zion Grove Baptist Church where he served as Sunday School Superintendent. He was also a deacon and an advisor on the Deacon’s Ministry.

In 1983 he was married to Ms. Priscilla Cochran and to this union two children were born, Bianca and Briana. Derek was an entrepreneur. He was owner/operator of D&K Auto Detail Shop. He was known throughout the community as DJ Smooth as he showcased his skills on the turntable. Derek loved his family, Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Dale Earnhardt, Sr. and his ’67 tan Chevy Chevelle.

Derek worked for a time with Animal Control for the City of Montezuma. Some of his former places of employment were Southern Frozen Foods and Aztec Loan. He was employed by Easterlin Pecan Company in Montezuma, Georgia as warehouse manager at the time of his death.  Derek departed this life on Saturday, January 27, 2018 in Perry, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Bianca Kaigler.

 

Precious memories of his life will forever live on in the hearts of his daughter, Briana Kaigler of Savannah, Georgia; his granddaughter, Katrice Kaigler of Montezuma, Georgia; his mother, Ms. Carrie Kaigler McGhee and father, Nathaniel Leary; siblings: Cedrick Leary of Atlanta, Georgia, Keith (Vicki) Wynn of Macon, Georgia and Shanquita (Charles) Trotter of Montezuma, Georgia; aunts and uncle: Bettye Jo McKenzie of Montezuma, Georgia, Annette Cotton of Locust Grove, Georgia, Delphina Kaigler of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and Willie (Camille) Brown of Locust Grove, Georgia; devoted cousin, Darrell “DeHawk” (Dianna) Kaigler; his special friend, Carolyn Williams; devoted friends, The Easterlin Family; his former wife, Sheila West; Celena Flythe who was like a daughter to him; Deacon Hubert West and Deacon Charlie Marshall, Sr. who were his father figures; his dog Fee Fee who was his faithful companion; a host of cousins, other loving relatives and friends.

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January26

Deacon James Hiawatha Ross

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Funeral services for Deacon James Hiawatha Ross of Americus, Georgia will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at 12:00 Noon at the St. Luke Baptist Church located at 1576 GA Hwy 45 North Americus, Georgia with Pastor Krystal Heath officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. The family will be receiving friends at the home of Ms. Jackie Ross, 305 W. Peppermint Way Americus, Georgia

Deacon James Hiawatha Ross Sr. transitioned to his heavenly home peacefully Friday, January 26, 2018 at the Magnolia Manor Nursing Home.

Deacon James Hiawatha Ross Sr. was born October 8, 1923 in Sumter County, GA to the parentage of Will and Lourannie Ross. He was the last remaining child of 11 siblings. He attended school in the Sumter County School System. At an early age he joined the St. Luke Baptist Church where he served faithfully. Deacon Ross was devoted to God and his church. He made it one of his life’s missions to serve the Lord which he did faithfully unto death.

Deacon Ross proudly served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He received the Asiatic Pacific Medal, the Philippine Independence Ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal.  After being honorably discharged from the military, he returned to Sumter County.  Deacon Ross was a truck driver for several local companies in Americus which included Roundtree and Suwannee Swifty Groceries.

Deacon Ross was married to Mary Varner Ross who preceded him in death. He was a dedicated and loving husband and father. Two children, James Ross Jr. and Mary Ross Stephens also preceded him in death.

He leaves to mourn his passing five children: Charlie Varner, Jackie Ross, and Linda Ross all of Americus, GA. Patty (Lee) Young of Rockwall, TX, and Sandy Colwell of McDonough, GA. Eleven grandchildren: Jeannettia Varner Hunt, Valerie Varner Williams and Charlie Varner Jr., Groton CT; Michael Ross, Americus GA; Ashley Patterson, Cleveland TN; Temple Patterson, Americus GA; Jeremy Colwell and Stephanie Colwell, McDonough GA; McKenzie Young and Tyler Young, Rockwall, TX; and Shaunie Stephens, Macon, GA. A host of devoted nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive.

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January25

Infant Jashun Lamar Paul Ingram

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Funeral services for Baby Jashun Ingram will be held on Friday, February 2, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Magnolia Baptist Church in Montezuma, Georgia with Reverend Hosie Waters officiating.  Interment will follow at the Brown Chapel Cemetery. 

Jashun Lamar Paul Ingram was born on August 4, 2016 at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center to Miss Po'Deshia Cromer and Mr. Joshua Ingram, Sr. Jashun was a precious baby with a big beautiful smile that could brighten even the gloomiest day. Jashun's favorite cartoon was Paw Patrol. He was a happy and lovable baby who also enjoyed answering the phone and playing with his ball and stuffed animals. His grandparents were very instrumental in rearing him. Jashun touched many lives throughout his short, yet memorable life. He was granted his angel wings on Thursday, January 25, 2018. His brief time on earth is one to be celebrated, although we will miss him and his beautiful smile.

Jashun will be cherished and lovingly remembered by his loving mother, Po'Deshia Cromer (Javorous Adams); his father, Joshua Lamar Ingram, Sr.; three brothers: Joshua Ingram, Jr. of Vienna, Georgia, Jamari Ingram of Americus, Georgia and Jeremiah Ingram of Garden Valley, Georgia; his loving grandparents: Simeal Bell Cromer and Paul Jerome Cromer, Sr. of Montezuma, Georgia, Bessie  and Ernest Wiggins, Sr. of Oglethorpe, Georgia; his great grandparents: Mary Louise "Eve" Darity and Rosa Mae Cromer of Montezuma, Georgia; He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Priscilla Adams and great grandparents James Bell, Sr. and Samuel "Sammie" Cromer; He is also survived by his aunt, Jasmine Adams of Byromville, Georgia; his uncles: Paul Jerome Cromer, Jr. of Montezuma, Georgia, Ernest Wiggins, Jr.and Nicholas Ingram of Oglethorpe, Georgia, Clayton Ingram of Orlando, Florida and Jim Adams of Byromville, Georgia; godparents: Shawanna Wynn of Oglethorpe, Georgia and Robbie Thomas of Montezuma, Georgia; a host of great aunts and great uncles, cousins, other loving relatives and friends.

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January24

Mr. Frederick West

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Funeral services for Mr. Frederick West of Jackson Georgia will be held on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at 1:00 at Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson.

Frederick Will West was born November 9, 1926 in Montezuma, Georgia.  He grew up with his parents, Will “Hope” West and Bessie Engram West and nine siblings, Earl West, Mary West Sutton, Robert West, Ellen West Byrom, Beatrice West, Willie Mae West, Esther West Ragin, Clovis “C.W.” West, and Edgar West who all preceded him in death. 

At the age of 10, under the Christian education tutelage of his Aunt Martha, he cited these words – “I believe in the Lord because he has forgiven me for all my sins.  I want to join the church and be baptized and live in the church until I die.”  He then joined the New Hope Baptist Church, Montezuma.

Frederick graduated from Flint River Farms School in Montezuma; and after graduation, he attended Savannah State College.  He later transferred to Fort Valley State College where he received his BS degree.  He taught at Flint River Farms School for one year before he was drafted into the United States Army.  He completed two tours, serving in the Korean War.  After the last tour, he began his career at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Georgia.  For 40 dedicated years, he worked as an Inventory Control Specialist. 

On November 13, 1965, he married his college sweetheart, Gwendolyn Barber West.  They celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary, shortly before her death in 2014. After his marriage to Gwendolyn, he joined Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson, Georgia, where he faithfully served on the Senior Usher Board until his health began to fail him.

Frederick is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Reverend Dr. Larry (Gwendolyn) West, Laurel, Maryland; his grandsons: Sean (Vonda) West, Conyers, Georgia; Brian (Hanne) West, Porsgrunn, Norway; three great-grandsons: Christien West, Landen West and Liam West; his first-generation nieces and nephews Slaughter James Crockett, Atlanta, Georgia; Gwendolyn Priscilla Dixon, Atlanta, Georgia; Linda (Sonny) McCoy, Jacksonville, Florida;  Thelma Denise West Montezuma, Georgia; Robert Eric West, Americus, Georgia, Bessie (Jessie) Warren, Montezuma, Georgia; Gerald West, Perry, Georgia; Yolanda (Jerome) Kendrick, Oglethorpe, Georgia; Tonya (Quentin) Garnes, Montezuma, Georgia; Ann (Gerry) Harris, Montezuma, Georgia; and Tony Brown, Perry, Georgia; four generations of other nieces and nephews, including Henny Oliver Houben, Richard Houben, Brian Houben, Kevin Houben and Mike Houben, Holland, The Netherlands; special cousins; and devoted caregivers and friends, Willie Grier and Charles and Lucille Childs McElhaney and family, Jackson, Georgia.  Our family will be forever grateful to the staffs of Encompass Home Health, Thomaston, Georgia; Grove Park Davita Dialysis Center, Jackson, Georgia; and Eternal Hope Hospice, Griffin, Georgia.

Those who knew him and knew him best, affectionately call him “Uncle Fed,” “Uncle Fred” or “Hoss” and enjoyed being around him for his giving nature, his fun personality and love of life. The memories of the “Coolest Cat In A Cadillac” will remain with us forever.”

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January22

Mrs. Betty Dantes

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Funeral Services for Mrs. Betty McDonald Dantes of Bonaire, Georgia will be held on Friday, January 26, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church, Montezuma, Georgia. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Betty Mae McDonald Dantes was born on February 4, 1948 in Montezuma, Georgia to  proud parents Jesse and Ineze McDonald. Betty attended D. F. Douglas High School where she graduated with the class of 1966.  She received her degree in Education from Fort Valley State College.  She worked as an outstanding educator for over 30 years. After many years of dedicated service, she retired from Chatham County Public Schools in Savannah, Georgia. Betty loved sewing, trying new recipes, doing puzzles and most of all spending time with family.

Betty was called home on January 22, 2018.  She was preceded in death by her mother, father and two siblings.  Precious memories will forever remain with her loving family which includes her husband of over forty years, Augustin Dantes, Sr.; four children: Mauricia (El-Roy) of Chicago, Illinois, Augustin Dantes, Jr. (Edlena) of Warner Robins, Georgia, Thecla Dantes of Atlanta, Georgia, Edmund Dantes of St. Lucia, West Indies, and a very devoted niece/daughter Michelle McDonald of Savannah, Georgia; eight grandchildren: Christion, Zaiah, Laquan, Augustin III, Ellison, Edmund, Corinne, and Essiah.  She also leaves to cherish her memory her siblings: Cora, Jimmy (Angela), Willie, Curtis (Annette), Lewis (Brenda), Sandra (Barney), Theresa (James), and Veleeta.  Her nieces and nephews include Connie, Daryl, Nicole, Sharon, Tony, Treece, Brian, Jamie, Sheena, Jessica, a host of other nieces and nephews, and a very devoted friend of thirty-eight years, Mrs. Gertrude Boyd.

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January22

Mr. Michael Lanorris Patterson

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Funeral services for Mr. Michael Lanorris Patterson of Roney Street Americus, Georgia will be held on Monday, January 29, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel A.M.E Church on River Road in Montezuma, Georgia. Burial will follow at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Montezuma.

Mr. Michael Lanorris Patterson was born on April 10, 1963 in Americus, Georgia to the late Betty Cross Patterson and Henry Patterson, Sr. Michael was a graduate of D.F. Douglas High School in Montezuma, Georgia. He was employed at Davidson Textron and also worked at Southern Frozen Foods for several years. He was preceded in death by a brother Dedrick Bernard Patterson and two uncles: Connie Mack Cross and Mathew Cross. Michael passed away peacefully on Monday, January 22, 2018 at his home.

He is survived by his father, Henry Patterson Sr.; his siblings:Henry Keith Patterson Jr., Melody Patterson, Tina Patterson Tatum, Jena Patterson (Rickey) Thornton and Donna (Andre) Patterson; nieces and nephews: Magan Hinton, Kevis Hinton, Terrance Patterson, Broderick Daniels, China Daniels, Zolandria Tatum, Camisha Thornton, Tabrisha Thornton, Jaylen Thornton, Corderal Thornton, Chelsea Thomas, Gyasi Lockhart, Dakota Williams and Ashlie Wilbon; devoted Friends:Terita Schofield, Elizabeth Simpson and Cornell Lewis; his Godmother, Eloise Moore. Several other relatives and friends also survive.

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