The Graveside Service for Mr. Willie Frank Brown of Marshallville, Georgia will be held Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at New Hope Baptist Church, Highway 26E, Montezuma, Georgia.

Mr. Willie Frank Brown, better known as “Boot” or “Lenard”, was born March 17, 1953, to the late Clifford Brown, Sr. and the late Lottie Mae Brown. He was educated in the Macon County public school system at Flint River Farms School. Willie worked several years for Southern Frozen Foods, Rumph Farms, and Norris Cattle Farms.

 

Vienell Aaron was born on May 23, 1956, to the late R.J. Chastain and the late Olivia White Chastain in Montezuma, Georgia. Vienell attended and graduated from Macon County High School. She also attended Knoxville College in Knoxville, Tennessee. She was employed at Macon County Head Start, M&S Food Service and at Skipper John’s.

Vienell departed this life on January 4, 2024. She was preceded in death by her siblings: Rosa Mae Chastain, Leonard Chastain, Annie Faye Chastain and Jesse Chastain.

Vienell leaves precious memories to be cherished by her daughter, Tyia Aaron and her sons, Korachee Chastain and Jarvis Chastain all of Perry, Georgia; two sisters: Rosa Dean Chastain of Perry, Georgia and Lanis (Donald) Ransom of Fayetteville, Georgia; two brothers: James Chastain of Perry, Georgia and Jerry Chastain of Atlanta, Georgia; her grandchildren: Leah, Antwanai, Ariana, Makiya, Traekevion, Jamari, and Kayden; one aunt, Mary Lee Stephenson of South Bay, Florida; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, other 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 Homegoing Service for Ms. Karen S. Larry of Montezuma, Georgia will be held Monday, January 8, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Magnolia Baptist Church, 415 Hosie Waters Street, Montezuma, Georgia. Interment will follow in Champ Waters Cemetery, Montezuma, Georgia.

Ms. Karen Sonia Larry was born on April 1, 1960, in Montezuma, Georgia to the late Ms. Beulah Larry Adams. She was a 1978 graduate of the historic D.F. Douglass High School. Karen attended The Fort Valley State University and later graduated from South Georgia Technical College in Americus, Georgia.

At an early age, Karen accepted Jesus Christ as her savior and joined Brown Chapel Baptist Church. Later she became a member of Magnolia Baptist Church where she served faithfully on the Ushers Ministry. Karen was employed at Macon State Prison in Oglethorpe, Georgia until her health started to decline. On January 3, 2024, Karen was called home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Lemario PJ Larry, Jr.

Karen Sonia Larry leaves a legacy of love and memories to be cherished by her two devoted sons: Lemario Larry of Lithia Springs, Georgia and Brandon Larry of Montezuma, Georgia; her grandchildren: Markasia Larry, Daylin Larry, D’Treyveon Larry, Atreyveonna Hudson, and Elizabeth Larry; one great-grandchild, Liberty Hughes; a devoted sister/caregiver, Jennifer Engram of Montezuma, Georgia; a devoted brother, Willie (Marquita) Adams of East Point, Georgia; three uncles: Willie Larry, George Larry, and Hubert (Ernestine) West all of Montezuma, Georgia; devoted nieces: J’Keriah Wheeler, Raven Griffin, Latasha Adams, and Amanda James; a bonus niece, Zy’Kerria Hall; two great-nieces: Journee Battle and ShiNiya McDonald; one great-nephew, Markel McDonald; her godson, Ricardo TyTy Beal; devoted cousins: Emma Forbes, Johnnie Mae Tookes, Cheryl Tharpe, and LaSonya Larry; devoted friends: Laverne Snipes, Wonda Bynum, Gloria Wells, Beverly McDonald, Sarah Crimes, Charles Barnes, Melvyna Curgil, Lena Perkins, Mary Everett, Keith Everett, and the Class of 1978.

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

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

Mr. Simon Bernard Brown was born December 8, 1973, to Edgar Allen Brown Sr. and Princella G. Brown in Sumter County, Georgia. He received his education in the Sumter County public school system. Simon Brown passed away on December 25, 2023, at Wilson Hospice House in Albany, Georgia.

He leaves precious memories with his three sons: Simon Bernard Brown, Aquavious Bernard Brown and Robert Walton; one grandson, Karsyn Brown; two sisters: Deborah (Keith) Brown and Mary Nell (James) Poole; two brothers: James D. Brown and Edgar (Faychal) Brown; three aunts: Mattie Buaton, Mary Greer, and Donna French; two uncles: Robert Baker and Andrew Best; a loving companion, Nell Jackson; and a (niece) sister, Maisha Brown who named him “Pete”.

A Private Memorial Service for Mr. Simon Bernard Brown will be held at a later date.

Ms. Esther Cameron of Americus, Georgia was born on April 21, 1957, to Mrs. Amanda Cameron and Mr. Woodrow Cameron. She graduated from Georgia Southwestern State University and attended the New York School of Fashion Industry.

Ms. Esther Cameron made history by becoming the very first female to hold the title of Legal Investigator in Americus, Georgia. She was also a schoolteacher and a choir member. 

Esther passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023 at her home. She was a truly devoted woman and a brilliant parent who was extremely faithful in the Lord our God.

She leaves beautiful memories with her loving son, Ken Cameron; two brothers, three sisters, her nieces and nephews and other family members and friends. 

The Celebration of her Life will be held on Saturday, December 30 2023 for her immediate family at West Mortuary.  A repast will be held at Big Bethel Baptist Church, 1330 N Jackson St., Americus GA at 4:30 pm to receive friends and family.

Roy Mayes, son of Mr. Jessie B. Durham and Mrs. Hattie Mae Mayes, was born on January 15, 1962, in Sumter County, Americus, Georgia. He received his education in the public school system and graduated from Americus High School in 1981.

Roy worked at TSG (Tape Specialists of Georgia) for five years as a forklift driver and a paint supervisor until his health started to fail. Roy Mayes accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior early in his life. He visited many different churches in his lifetime.

On Tuesday, December 19, 2023, Roy Mayes was set free from the cares of life. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Mrs. Rye Mayes; his mother-in-law, Mrs. Ruby L. Woods; and three brothers-in-law: Henry D. Woods, Daniel C. Woods, and Logan James Tookes.

Cherishing his life, he leaves many special memories with his loving and devoted wife, Mrs. Geneva Woods-Mayes of Americus, Georgia; one daughter, Felicia (Corey) Brown; three granddaughters: Aniya Thompson, Shyterria Thompson, and Heavenly Brown; one grandson, Christopher Thompson; and one son, Kendrick Thornton all of Americus, Georgia; two step-daughters: Ruby Woods (Travis Milledge) and  Ginny Woods;  five step-grandchildren: Bianca Woods, George Woods,  Ra'Qhia Price, Ja'Nyia Woods and Jau'Nosa Woods all of Americus, Georgia; three sisters: Mrs. Ethanel Longstreet and Mrs. Ernestine Davis of Americus, Georgia, and Mrs. Eunice Hawkins of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; three aunts: Mrs. Annie W. Ross of Plains, Georgia, and Mrs. Shirley Hollis and Mrs. Bernet Merritt of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; one uncle, Charlie James Durham of Americus, Georgia; one cousin, Brenda White of Montezuma, Georgia; one nephew, Jason (Antoinette) Daniel and one niece, Precious Daniel both of Americus, Georgia; two sisters-in-law: Mrs. Annie Ruth Tookes and Mrs. Bobbie (Robert) McCoy both of Americus, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive.

The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at Union Tabernacle Baptist Church with Pastor Larry Sims officiating.

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

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

The Graveside Service for Mr. Hugh Smith of Americus, Georgia will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. at Eastview Cemetery. 

Hugh Smith, born in Delray Beach, Florida, entered this world on January 23, 1945, born to Mr. Wayman Smith and the late Mrs. Willie Bell Ellis Smith. He peacefully departed this earthly life on Monday, December 11, 2023, entering into eternal rest.

Hugh's educational journey took place in the public schools of Sumter County, where he laid the foundation for a life filled with knowledge and growth. He dedicated an impressive thirty years of his life to the Atlanta Public School System, contributing significantly to the lives and safety of countless students.

A devoted sports enthusiast, Hugh found joy in watching baseball and football, and he was a faithful fan of the Atanta Braves and the Atanta Falcons. His enthusiasm for the games brought people together, and his spirit will forever resonate with those who shared in his love for sports.

In the midst of his pursuits, Hugh was preceded in death by his sister, Mamie Lou Smith, and brothers: Willie James Smith, Fred Smith, and Sammy Lee Smith. Their memories will forever be cherished.

Hugh leaves behind a legacy of love and family. He is survived by his three children: Latonya Smith and Hugh P. Smith of Atlanta, Georgia, and Kelvin (Alegtha) James of Americus, Georgia. He is also survived by four sisters: Ms. Mary Smith of Americus, Georgia, Ms. Fannie Smith of Brooklyn, New York, Ms. Geneva Thompson of Atlanta, Georgia, and Ms. Martha (Pacie) Butler of Manhattan, New York; four brothers: Mr. Thomas (Pauline) Smith of Americus, Georgia, Mr. George Smith, Mr. Alton (Audrey) Smith of Bloomfield Connecticut, and Mr. Waymon (Fannie) Smith of Rockville Center, New York.

Hugh will be remembered by his four grandchildren: Hugh Patrick Smith III, Tenesha Smith-Epps, Jala James-Deriso, and Quavis James; and nine great-grandchildren. His extended family includes numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives, as well as friends who were touched by his kindness and warmth.

A special mention goes to his devoted niece, Linda Smith, who stood by him with unwavering support. Hugh's impact on the lives of those around him will be a lasting testament to his character.

As we bid farewell to Hugh Smith, let us remember the joy he brought into our lives and celebrate the legacy of a man who touched the hearts of many. May he rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love that he so freely shared with others. 

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

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

The Funeral Service for Mr. Claude Perkins will be held Sunday, December 10, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. at Brown Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Hwy 224, Montezuma, Georgia. Interment will follow in the Brown Chapel Cemetery.

Claude Franklin Perkins was born May 27, 1945, in Montezuma, Georgia to Norman Perkins, Sr., and Bessie Lee Sneed Perkins. He was the eighth of twelve siblings. Claude attended D. F. Douglass High School. He continued his education into farming and running the family farm business. When it came to farming, Claude was the “Big Time Operator” (BTO). Claude Perkins, Sr., was a family farmer in Montezuma, Georgia. He was innovative with farming and took part in the agricultural foreign student exchange program at Fort Valley State University. He taught students from West Africa and Central America.

Claude married Annie Laura Brown on August 22, 1966, and to this union three children were born. In 1980, Claude and his wife moved to Atlanta, Georgia and started their business, Perkins Auto Recycling. The Perkins family became very successful and profitable in developing their business. He set trends and standards in the way that the auto recycling business is done today. Their business became well-known in the city of Atlanta and the State of Georgia. It was seen and heard on radio, television, and the internet all around the Southeastern United States. Mr. Perkins’ success and magnanimous personality allowed him to be a leader amongst men where he inspired and taught many entrepreneurs the art and innovative concepts of auto recycling. There are many auto recycling entrepreneurs that began and became successful in the industry as a result of Mr. Perkins’ influence.

After the passing of his wife, Claude devoted his time every week visiting with his sister, Lena “Tiny” Johnson and his other siblings in Montezuma. They enjoyed a weekly rabbit breakfast. He loved his baby sister dearly and was so fond of her cooking. He also enjoyed going to the casino and enjoyed and loved people. Family was extremely important to Claude. He loved his family and adored helping them grow and have a better quality of life.

Besides his business aspirations, his one-of-a-kind personality and flamboyant conversation made him loved by many because he never met a stranger. He was a shining light amongst the people. He was a leader of men and constituency. 

He was a father figure to his great-nephews and nieces: Kelsey Perkins, Bromeikus King, “Soulja Boys” Najee and Tevin Johnson, Meredith Hodo, Janet (John) Taylor, Bruce Palmer, Shaxda Little, Raven Perkins and Candice Johnson.

Claude departed this life on November 28, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Annie Laura Perkins, son, Claude Perkins, Jr., daughter, Cordelia Stewart, and six siblings: Carrie Palmer, Edith Davis, Cindy Sullins, Norman Perkins, Jr., Norma Jackson, Bessie Leary and Jerome Perkins (his baby brother).

He leaves precious memories with his loving son, Keefer (Miranda) Perkins; loving daughter, Shontanette (Robert) Barber; grandchildren: Keefer Diaz Perkins, Miya Barber, Ka’myra Perkins, Nasir Baber, Derrick Ivory, Claudette Larry, Domonique Larry and DeCarius Larry; several great grandchildren; his loving and devoted siblings: Lena “Tiny Sister” Johnson, Richard Perkins, Ernest Perkins, Sr., Sharon Perkins and Lillian Butler; his devoted brothers-in law and sisters-in-law: Eula Brown, Kay (Gerald) Nugget, Willie (Glen) Ragin, Sylinda (Mike) Dodson, Cordelia “Billie” Perkins, Beatrice Lester and Essie Dennis; a devoted cousin, Melvin Sneed; his adopted sons: Kevin “California” Fowler and Larry Potter; his adopted brother and work partner for over twenty-five years, Peso; his devoted friends: Eli Ray Weaver and Mohit Mahajab; the Brown Family; other loving relatives and friends.