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 Wight 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.

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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.

The Graveside Service for Henry Keith Patterson, Jr.  will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 11:00 Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Montezuma, Georgia

Henry Keith Patterson, Jr. was born May 15, 1961, in Americus, Georgia to the late Betty Cross Patterson and Henry Patterson, Sr. Henry was a graduate of D.F. Douglass High School in Montezuma, Georgia. He was employed at Perdue and West Central Georgia for several years.

Mr. Henry Keith Patterson, Jr. peacefully passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at his home. He was preceded in death by his brothers: Dedrick Bernard Patterson and Michael Lanorris Patterson; one aunt, Virginia Harvey; and two uncles: Connie Mack Cross and Matthew Cross.

He is survived by his father, Henry Patterson, Sr.; his kids: Magan Hinton, Gabriel Hinton, Kevis (Shirley) Hinton, Steven (Lawana) Hinton, and Haleigh Patterson; his siblings: Melody Patterson, Tina Patterson-Tatum, Jena (Rickey) Patterson-Thornton, and Donna (Andre) Patterson; one uncle, Walter Cross; thirteen grandkids and seven great-grandkids; a host of nieces and nephews; devoted friends: Tracy S. Melvin, Alton Melvin, Calvin Melvin and Shonda Phillips; other relatives and friends. 

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The Funeral Service for Mrs. Mattie Mason will be held Thursday, March 28, 2024, at noon at Mt. Pleasant/Travelers Rest CME Church, 315 Norris Street, Montezuma, Georgia. Interment will follow at Andersonville National Cemetery.

Mrs. Mattie Hubbard Mason was born on November 2, 1934, to the late Bertha and Andrew Lee Haugabook. Mattie received her education from the Macon County Public School System and her Christian training from the Historic Travelers Rest CME Church.

Mrs. Mattie Mason was a loving homemaker. On Tuesday, March 19, 2024, she departed this earthly life surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her parents: Bertha and Andrew Lee Haugabook; her husband, Fred Mason; her siblings: Dan Hubbard and Pauline Jackson; her children: Timothy Lee Mason, Carrie D. Mason, Mattie C. Mason, and Charlie J. Mason.

She leaves beautiful memories that will be cherished by her loving caregivers/devoted nieces: Karen H. Howard of Oglethorpe, Georgia and Sonja Robinson of Warner Robins, Georgia; her sons: Fred Lee (Sarah) Hannor of Montezuma, Georgia and Marvin (Cynthia) Riley of Perry, Georgia; four grandchildren: Trina (Daniel) Reeves of Warner Robins, Georgia, Dewonia Walker of Montezuma, Georgia, Latoya (Homer) Sanders of Warner Robins, Georgia, and Timothy Whaley of Montezuma, Georgia; ten great-grandchildren; several loving and devoted nieces and nephews, a host of beloved cousins and devoted friends.

The family will receive friends at the home of Karen Hubbard Howard on Hwy 90 West, Oglethorpe, Georgia.

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The Funeral Service for Veteran Leroy Henderson, Sr. of Americus, Georgia will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 12:00 Noon at Andersonville National Cemetery.

Leroy Henderson (Spamm) was born on July 31, 1948, in Americus, Georgia to Leonard Henderson and Viola Henderson. He attended the public schools in Americus, Georgia and later joined the United States Air Force.

Leroy closed a chapter in the book of life on Sunday, March 17, 2024, and a new chapter in his life began in Glory as he went home to be with the Lord. He was preceded in death by his wife, Angela M. Henderson; father, Leonard Henderson Sr.; mother, Viola Henderson; five brothers: Leonard Henderson Jr, Walter Henderson, Louis Henderson, Will Henderson, and Curtis Henderson; two sisters: Odessa Henderson and Mary Willie Henderson; his son, Reginald Henderson Sr.; and daughter, LeJeani Williams.

Leroy leaves to cherish his memory and will greatly be missed by his two daughters: Shantarie Osborne and Eureka Morris (Claude Morris); two sons: Christopher Osborne and Leroy Henderson Jr. (Catherine Nesbitt); nine grandchildren: La'Quassan Osborne, Pry'ce Thompson, Sa'Riyah Brown, Taylor Nesbitt, Reginald Henderson Jr., Jordan Williams, Pe'Rei Henderson, Pa'Rei Henderson, and Eden Morris; one sister, Mary Emily Furlow (Sam Furlow); one brother, Charles Henderson (Bernice Henderson); a host of loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

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

Click on the link below to print a copy of the obituary

Leroy Henderson Program final draft.pdf