Mr. Samuel Lamar Minter was born in Buena Vista, Georgia on November 19, 1954 to Johnnie Winbush Minter and the late Samuel Minter, Sr. He was educated in the Marion County School System. He was employed at several jobs including John Houston Food, Cargill Poultry and as a pulpwood worker. Samuel passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at the Houston Medical Center in Warner Robins, Georgia. He was preceded in death by one son, Jomeka Minter; a grandson, Devontae Minter and four siblings.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by West’s Mortuary

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Nettie Minter of Buena Vista, GA; seven children: Samuel Minter of Columbus, OH, Louann Minter and Maurice Minter both of Buena Vista, GA, Veronica Hunter, Adrian Hunter, Kenyada Minter and Sammio Minter all of Americus, GA; his mother, Johnnie Minter of Buena Vista, GA; two siblings: Jeffery Minter of Fort Benning, GA  and Timothy Minter of Olympia, WA. Several other relatives and friends also survive.

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

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/CTFY4VcAPbQ

  

Mr. Leon Hayward Jackson was born October 5, 1956 in Sumter County, Americus, Georgia to the late John Jackson, Jr. and Eunice Jackson.  He entered into enteral rest on Friday, April 10, 2020.  Leon was the youngest of ten children. At an early age, he became a member of Jerusalem Baptist Church in Americus, Georgia. He graduated from Americus High School in 1974 and furthered his education at Georgia Southwestern College.  He served two years of active duty in the United States Army. Leon had a passion for sports, hunting, bike riding and music. He also loved telling jokes to make you laugh and see you smile. 

 In addition to his parents, Leon was preceded in death by his brother, Lorenza Jackson and his sister, Mary Brady. He was also preceded in death by his brothers-in-law: William Wilkinson and Jimmy Poore.

 Funeral arrangements for Mr. Jackson are incomplete and will be announced later by West’s Mortuary.

Leon leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter Cherree Lee; sisters:  Fannie Wilkinson of Washington, Georgia, Lucy Poore of Hamlet, North Carolina, Johnnie Wynn of Macon, Georgia and Vyrtis Thomas (Nathaniel) of Mitchellville, Maryland; brothers: Eddie Jackson (Jeanette) of Forestville, Maryland, Willie Jackson (Julia) of Columbus, Georgia and John Jackson III (Barbara) of Fort Washington, Maryland; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

A Private Graveside Service for Mrs. Sarah Frances Dupree Richardson will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Galilee Cemetery in Ellaville, Georgia. CDC guidelines allow only 10 people including ministers and funeral staff to attend all services.

Because of concerns over the Coronavirus, visitors will be allowed to view Mrs. Richardson through our walk up window beginning at 3:00 on Sunday. We ask that you please practice social distancing for your safety and the safety of others.

Mrs. Sarah Frances Dupree Richardson was born March 20, 1933 in Ellaville, Schley County, Georgia to the parentage of the late Claude Dupree and Ollie Cicero Dupree. She was preceded in death by siblings, Jessie Lou Dupree Hosley, Jossie Dupree Harpe, Ollie Mae Rogers, Charlie L. Dupree, Sr. and Willie James Dupree.

Mrs. Sarah Dupree Richardson was the beloved companion of the late Leroy Richardson. To this union they were blessed with six children, two proceeded her in death.

She leaves a legacy of love and cherished memories to four children: devoted daughter Doris Mann (Minister William Mann) and Katharene Willis (Tommy) of Americus, Georgia, Andrew Richardson, Sr. (Janie) of Boynton Beach, Florida and Mary Richardson of West Palm Beach, Florida; twelve grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Mae Ola Richardson-Johnson of Ocala, Florida; a host of beloved nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, and special thanks to Miona Geriatric Staff and residents of Ideal, Georgia.

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

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/CTFY4VcAPbQ

A Graveside Service for Mr. Robert Lee Lewis will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2020 at 12:00 Noon at Green Grove Cemetery in Smithville, GA with Bishop Melvin McCluster officiating.

Robert Lee Lewis, Jr. was born on December 3, 1941 in Smithville, Georgia to the parentage of the late Mr. Robert Lee Lewis and Ms. Lutherine Lewis. Notably, at a very young age, he devoted his life to Christ in becoming a member of Green Grove Baptist Church. Soon after graduating from Lee County Training School in 1961, he moved to Atlanta to work for Georgia Pacific, then known as St. Regis Paper Company. After 50 years of faithful employment, he reluctantly retired. 

He loved to dress in nice clothes and drive nice cars. You could always hear him saying “everything is lovely”. After retiring, he was known to spend his days cruising around Atlanta attending activities at Bowden Senior Center in East Point and frequenting Williams’ Car Care on Dill Avenue. When home in Smithville, he spent time with the boys on the corner.

He is preceded in death by three sisters Ada Mae Lewis, Joyce Daniels, and Jeanette Goodin.

His beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of his three devoted daughters, Robin (Ricky) Waters of Smithville, Georgia, Detria (Kelvin) Carter of Atlanta, Georgia, and Sharon (Alan) Robinson of Atlanta Georgia; two devoted sons Morris Tony Byse of Atlanta, Georgia and Eddie Tyrone Byse of Atlanta, Georgia; five loving grandchildren, Brandon Lewis, Bianca Waters, Tamara Waters, Ariel Lewis, and Serenity Waters; five siblings: Linda (Charlie) Thomas, Randy Lewis, Ernestine (George) Staley, Cilia Wilson, James (Verna) Haynes; and a host of nieces, nephews, and devoted friends including Lois Byse. 

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

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/CTFY4VcAPbQ

A private service for Reverend Arthur Style will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2020 at 11:00. CDC guidelines allow only 10 people at a service including funeral staff. This will be strictly enforced by local Law Enforcement. You can view his service live by clicking on the link beneath this obituary.

Reverend Arthur Lee Style (Bud) was born in Plains, Georgia on May 15, 1934 to Charlie Frank Style, Sr. and Nettie Kate Edwards Style King.  His mother later married Eddie James King who raised Bud as his own son. He was preceded in death by one sister, Ms. Emma Lee Hicks, one brother, Mr. Charlie Frank Style, Jr., one daughter, Mrs. Carol L. McCoy and one son, Mr. Arthur James Style.  

Reverend Style was educated in the Sumter County Public School System, where he received a seventh-grade education.  Having to leave school to go to work on the farm to help provide for his family, he gained a wealth of knowledge and skills through his life experiences.

Through the years, he was employed with Paul Bush Agency, Georgia Public Highway and Koinonia Farms.  He retired from Kiononia Farms on June 4, 2004.  He left a legacy of farming techniques at Kiononia Farms.  Current and former employees always spoke highly of Bud’s farming skills and craft.  In his spare time, he was the lead singer for the Star Light Gospel Singers.  Bud would give his last to anyone who asked. He helped many in the community.  

Reverend Style was ordained as a licensed minister on October 11, 1992 under the leadership of Reverend Jack Johnson at his membership church, Bethlehem Baptist Church.  He later moved his membership to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Dawson, Georgia, under the leadership of Reverend Plezy Lee Nelson, where he served as Associate Pastor.

Reverend Style passed away on Monday, March 30, 2020 at the Pinehill Nursing Center in Byromville, Georgia.  He leaves to mourn his passing three daughters: Mrs. Dorothy J. (William) Moore, Washington, North Carolina, Ms. Angela M. Styles-Tyson and Mrs. Kristy N. Johnson both of Plains, Georgia; two sons: Mr. Johnnie F. Styles of Orlando, Florida, and Mr. Kelvin B. Styles of Americus, Georgia; one sister, Ms. Lillie Mae Johnson, Riverdale, Georgia; his loving cousins and caregivers: Ms. Lulean Laster, Ms. Diana Laster, and Ms. Gradine L. Yearby; two devoted coworkers: Reverend Norris Harris and Ms. Geneva Brown; eleven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and several other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends also survive

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

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/CTFY4VcAPbQ

Mr. Jerome Thomas, age 62, of Americus, Georgia died on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, Georgia. He was preceded in death by three siblings: Robert Lee Jackson, Carol Laverne King and Wanda Kay Thomas.

A Memorial Service for Mr. Thomas was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Left to cherish his memory are his siblings: Sally Mae Thomas Smith, Jessie James Jackson, Gloria Jean Patterson, Felton Thomas and Minnie Lou Thomas. Several other relatives and friends also survive. 

The funeral service for Mr. Edward Thomas of Americus, Georgia will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. on the lawn of West’s Mortuary in Americus, Georgia with Pastor Shirley Strawter officiating. Because of concerns over the Coronavirus, the CDC recommends that only immediate family members attend. We ask that you please abide by these recommendations for your safety and the safety of others. 
 
Mr. Edward Thomas was born on October 18, 1946 in Plains, Georgia to the late Ms. Ethel Kate Baker. He was reared by his grandmother, Mrs. Lizzie Wimbush Thomas who preceded him in death. His loving grandfather, Doc Thomas also preceded him in death. Edward was one of five siblings, four preceded him in death: Edmond E. Thomas, O.C. Thomas, Lizzie T. Bert and William Thomas. He was also preceded in death by his beloved great aunt, Anna Wimbush and his devoted nephew, Cheyenne Burt.
 
Edward was a proud graduate of Sumter County High School Class of 1966. Early in life, he was known to be a very intelligent student, classmate and friend. Many that knew him would say that he was very observant, modest and meek. He was very passionate about the civil rights movement, so passionate that he became an active participant with the Freedom Fighters. With the Freedom Fighters, he participated in pickets and other movement activities in his community. He was a dedicated and faithful member of the Americus Lions Club. For many dedicated years, Edward was employed with the Fuller/Perry Wellness Center in Americus, Georgia.
 
On Wednesday, March 11, 2020, Edward made his transition from this life to life eternal. While he will be deeply missed, we take comfort knowing that out of love and compassion, God sent His Angel of Mercy to the bedside of Edward and whispered soft and clear, “Peace be to thee”. We find solace in knowing that he joins other loving family members in that land of rest.
 
His life, his love, his laughter and his legacy will forever be cherished by his loving companion for over twenty years, Shirlene W. Monts; his daughter, Ramona Whitehead (Willie); two granddaughters: Angela Sapp Hercules (Mark) of Atlanta, Georgia, Shyteria Whitehead (Dennis); one grandson, Corderius Whitehead (Malina); four great grandchildren: MarKayla, JaNayla, DeLayla and Morgan all of Americus, Georgia.
 
Edward was filled with so much love and he had a heart of gold that he helped to raise many, to include: Towan White, Jarrod White, Jarrell White, and grandchildren JeKwan Cobb, Khiya White, James White, Jr., Tyree White, Corbyn White, Brittany Laster, Ki’Mari Sims, Khylen Johnson, Khyree Laster; his nieces and nephews: Melanie Detrese Anthony, Valecia Thomas (Otis) Seay, and LaShaunda Renee Thomas (Kenny Wilkerson) all of Americus, Georgia Otis (Betty) Burt, Blannie Burt, John (Elaine) Burt, all of Buena Vista, Georgia, Rebecca Bert (Joe) Brown of Tifton, Georgia, Marvin (Misty) Bert of Forsyth, Georgia, Mary Bert (Oscar) Bell of Americus, Georgia, James (Princie) Thomas and Annie Laney both Americus, Georgia; a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends to including life long friends: Stuart Perry, Amanda Perry, The Fullers, Charlene W. Anthony, Joseph White, Sr., James D. White, Sr., Paula Kay Jones, Perry Wellness Center, Annie Ruth Thomas, Angus Tucker, Albert Mills, Joseph White, Jr., Sammie Clayton and “Buckethead”.
 

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

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/CTFY4VcAPbQ

Mr. Louis James Benefield, affectionately known as “Tootie”, was born on June 24, 1947 to the late Mr. Jimmie Benefield and Mrs. Magnolia Benefield Taylor. At an early age he joined Jerusalem Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Louis was a resident at Wynfield Park Health and Rehabilitation Center in Albany, Georgia. On March 3, 2020, he transitioned from this earthly life to life eternal. He was preceded in death by James Taylor, Jimmie Lee Benefield II, Cora Benefield and Willa Collie.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by West’s Mortuary

Louis leaves to mourn his passing: one daughter, Felencia Benefield of Atlanta, Georgia; two sisters: Ossie Lockett and Mary Henderson of Leesburg, Georgia; three brothers: Thomas Taylor and Bobby Taylor of Smithville, Georgia and Jerome Taylor of Americus, Georgia; four nieces: Kwanis Garner (Julian) of Leesburg, Georgia, Shanta and Wanda Ingram of Americus, Georgia and Erica Morrison of Albany, Georgia; two great nieces: Hormony Burton of Warner Robins, Georgia and SaBrina Ingram of Americus, Georgia; four nephews: Justin Burton of Warner Robins, Georgia, Anthony Collier of Port St. Lucie, Florida, Courtney Lockett (TiShana) of Leesburg, Georgia and Jason Lockett of Plains, Georgia; seven great nephews: Jaxen Bryant and Braycen Bryant of Leesburg, Georgia, Christian Lockett of Dawson, Georgia, Ashad Barthel, Korey Waters and Antwan Waters of Leesburg, Georgia, Jay Ingram and Devonta Ingram of Americus, Georgia. He leaves a host of other relatives and friends to cherish his memories.