The funeral service for Mr. Willie Westberry, Jr. of Jacksonville, Florida will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church, 8620 GA Hwy 26E, Montezuma, Georgia. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Mr. Willie Westberry, Jr. was born on August 22, 1930 in Montezuma, Georgia to the late Willie and Viola Hawkins-Westberry.  He was the oldest brother of nine siblings. Willie passed away on July 16, 2018. He was preceded in death by his siblings: James Westberry, Earl Westberry, Louise Westberry Zylanz, Rosa Lee “Coont” Westberry, Hattie Mae Westberry Felton, Hettie Pearl Westberry Haslam, and Vonnie Westberry Woodward; and one daughter, Grace Westberry.

Left to cherish his memories are two daughters: Joyce Westberry-Walker and Betty Jean Anderson; three sons: Robert Scott, Willie James Scott and Earl Scott; two brothers: King Westberry and Limmie Westberry; thirteen grandchildren, nine great grandchildren; a host of other loving relatives and friends.

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

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The Memorial Service for J'Aire Maxie of Oglethorpe, Georgia will be conducted Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 1:30 at the Macon County High School Gymnasium with Brother Tommy Griffin officiating.

J’Aire Dre’Von Maxie was born March 19, 2001 in Warner Robins, Georgia to Mr. and Mrs. Jerald Maxie. He attended Macon County Elementary and Middle Schools.  He was an upcoming Senior Honor Student at Macon County High School.

J’Aire had a fun and outgoing personality with lots of swag about himself.  He was very meticulous about his appearance and set the standard for fashion trends.  J’Aire was short in stature, but had a substantial presence in the lives of his family and friends. He died tragically on July 23, 2018.

J’Aire will always be lovingly remembered by his parents, Jerald and Pamela Maxie; two brothers: J’Vonte and Jeremy Maxie; two sisters: Jania and Janae Maxie; grandparents: Bernette Boland, Barry Maxie and Aleria Zohy; great-grandmothers: Nancy Glenn and Carrie Wilkerson; aunts: Tamera Glenn and Jessica Maxie; uncles: Kenneth and Kyle Boland and Jeffrey Maxie; first cousins: Shanera and Jaron Horace and Khanylah Boland; several great aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

The funeral service for Mr. Melvin Tyson, Sr. of Smith Station, Alabama formerly of Americus, Georgia will be held on Monday, July 30, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at the Friendship Baptist Church in Americus, Georgia with Rev. Ferlin Tyson officiating. Burial will follow at the Eastview Cemetery,         

Mr. Melvin Tyson Sr. was born June 25, 1961 in Sumter County Georgia to the parentage of the late Mr. Eddie C. Tyson and the late Mrs. Clotelle Tyson.  He was educated on the Public Schools of Sumter County.  He worked for Davidson Textron for over 20 years until his retirement.  After retirement he moved to Smith Station Alabama.   Melvin died on Monday, July 23, 2018 in Smith Station, Alabama. He was also preceded in death a sister, Teresa Tyson, and two brothers, Robert Asberry Jr., and Timothy R. Tyson.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his children: Melvin Tyson Jr., Porsha Ingram, Tiffany Tyson, Malcom Tyson; nine grandchildren: Dejion Tyson, Dakavien McDonald, Shakiya McDonald, Daylan McDonald, Jayden King Tyson, Jordan Tyson, Kinsley Tyson, Bella Gray; four sisters: Rosa Calvin Sims, Gloria Rev. J. B. Jackson, Laurie D. Tyson Chris Sales, Geraldine Bernard Tyson; two brothers: Mr. Joseph Brenda Tyson, Mr. Eddie Doris Tyson; a devoted Ex-wife, Valerie West; A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends also survive.

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

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Mr. Gregory Durham of Jacksonville, Florida formerly of Americus, Georgia died on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at Shands University of Florida Healthcare in Jacksonville, Florida. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by West’s Mortuary.

Gregory Durham was born on April 23, 1965 to the late James and Sally Mae Durham.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his five children: Latrisha Durham, Eric Durham, Ericka Durham, Dondi Durham and Gregory Durham, Jr,; ten grandchildren one great grandchild and several other relatives and friends also survive

The Memorial Service for Ms. Willie B. Merritt of Chicago, Illinois, will be held on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at West's Mortuary, 731 N Lee Street, Americus, Georgia. Ms. Willie B. Merritt was born on October 11, 1934 in Marion County, Georgia. She was the third child of the late George and Ida B. Merritt. Willie B., as she was affectionately called, was baptized at New Bethel Baptist Church at an early age. She graduated from Staley High School in 1954. At the tender age of eighteen, Willie B. made the bold decision to move to Chicago, Illinois to find gainful employment and pursue a better life for herself and her family back in Georgia.

Willie B. was employed as a domestic worker until she secured a lucrative position with Mason-Barron Laboratories as a Lab Tech. She remained with this company for more than twenty years until her retirement in the mid-nineties. Willie B. devoted her life to providing love and support to her brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. She gave generously of herself and of her means to help others, even if it meant sacrificing her own personal needs.

Willie B. transitioned into eternal rest on July 29, 2018 at the Symphony 87 Nursing Home in Chicago, Illinois. She is survived by her two brothers: Clyde Merritt of Chicago, Illinois and Malcolm (Janet) King of Americus, Georgia; four sisters: Nadine Wilkerson, Diane (William) Smith, Doris (Charles) Furlow and Sharon King all of Americus, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Judith Kay Ruge of Americus, Georgia passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at the Phoebe-Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Georgia.   

Mrs. Judith Kay Ruge was born December 29, 1941 in Kansas City, Kansas to the late Howard and Lorene Coleman.

She is survived by her husband, Michael R. Ruge, of Americus, Georgia; her daughters: Karen Amon and Cheryl Slaughter (Brian) of Kansas City, Kansas and Misty Merritt (Scott) of Dublin, Georgia; eight grandchildren and  twenty-two great grandchildren. She was a loving wife and mother who will be greatly missed.

The funeral service for Mrs. Izola West of Smithville, Georgia will be held on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at the Jerusalem Baptist Church in Smithville, Georgia with Pastor Ricky Cladd officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Mrs. Izola Robinson West was born in Sumter County, Georgia on July 23, 1935 to the parentage of the late Rev. Leonard Champion and Ola Mae Robinson.  She was affectionately known as “Dobie”.  

Dobie was an Unsung Hero in the eyes of her children and grandchildren.  She was and will always be remembered as a Super Mom.  Although she has never had her achievements displayed on a billboard, her picture has never been featured on the cover of a famous magazine, she has never walked the hall of fame, neither has she ever had a crowd of people calling her name; nevertheless, by God’s Grace and her faith in God, she has modeled a selfless and sacrificial life of love, kindness, generosity, great strength and hard work that will forever be impressed in her children’s hearts and all whom she encountered. 

Izola Robinson was married to the late Charley C. West.   She was a loving and devoted mother who loved God and cherished her family.  She was educated in the Sumter County Public Schools.  She was respectfully known for her good cooking, hair pressing and the proud mother of eleven beautiful children.  She was employed at the Light House Restaurant as a cook for over fifteen years.  She was a faithful member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church up until her change in health.   

Izola was preceded in death by her husband, Charley C. West; her parents, (Leonard) and Mable Champion and John and (Ola Mae) Robinson Terry. She was also preceded in death by her children, M.C. Robinson, Kirk Robinson, Larry Robinson and Marvin West; one grandson, Dacy Robinson, Sr.; one grandson-in-law, Marvin Farrell Wilson; her brothers: Leonard Robinson, Clinton Terry, Joe Terry, C.W. Terry, Johnny Terry, Henry Robinson and Joe Terry; her sisters: Mae Vessel Trice, Annie Lloyd, Bessie Hunter and Catherine Terry Hicks; nephews: James Trice and Anthony Gene Trice.

Dobie leaves to cherish her memories, one sister, Rosa Lee Thomas, Montezuma, GA; one brother, George Fish, Atlanta GA; two sons: Curtis (Stephanie) Leon West, Hinesville, GA and Gregory (Priscilla) West, Americus, GA; five daughters: Viola West, Shelia Smith, Gretel (Levi) Smith, all of Smithville, GA, Beverly (Chris) Dingle, Plains, GA, Vaturnia (Wallace) Ingram, Americus, GA; one daughter in law, Nancy Robinson, Smithville, GA; thirty-four grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren and  a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends survive.

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

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Mrs. Ozzie Bell Ingram of Americus, Georgia, departed this life on Sunday, August 12, 2018 at the Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany Georgia. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at 12:00 noon at the Eastview Seventh Day Adventist Church with Elder Edd Ross officiating. Burial will follow at the Eastview Cemetery.

Mrs. Ozzie Bell Ingram was born on April 31, 1949 in Sumter County, Georgia to the parentage of the late Mr. Marcellus Smothers and the late Mrs. Ruby Lee Smothers. At an early age Ozzie joined the Triedstone Baptist Church. She later moved to Atlanta, Georgia where she furthered her education and graduated from David T. Howard Community High School in 1968. After returning to Americus, she then joined the Eastview Church of Christ. On December 20, 1991 she married Mr. Charlie Ingram and they owned and operated C. & O. Cleaning Service.

She leaves to mourn her passing her husband, Mr. Charlie Ingram of Americus, GA; one son, Mr. Calvin (Christina Hedges) Mathis Jr., Ellaville, GA; two step daughters: Mrs. Kayretia Burt (David), Albany, GA and Miss LaTarsha (Dean) Burkes, Americus, GA; seven grandchildren: Te'Yana Mathis, Earnest Mathis III and Monique Reddick all of Albany, GA. Tramell Mathis, Dallas Mathis,  M’maly Colbert, and Faith Colbert of Ellaville, GA; one great grandchild, Demond Goines, Jr., Albany, GA; one niece, Mrs. Brigetta J. Arnold, Powder Springs, GA; one great niece, Tayler Arnold, Powder Springs, GA; six devoted cousins: Mary L. Bliss, Henrietta, Wilsher, Macon, GA., Matherlene Bruce, Della Lewis, Annie Ruth Manns and Mary Alice Lewis all of Americus, GA. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive, including two special friends: Ms. Saundra Brown and Mr. Randy Barlow.

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

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Damya Olivia Walters the infant daughter of Sarah and Damian Walters passed away on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at Navicent Healthcare in Macon, Georgia. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by West’s Mortuary.

In addition to her parents, Damya is survived by her brother, Kentavious Flowers; grandparents: Mary Dean Walters, Lewis Smith, Debra Kearse and Kenny Kearse; two great grandparents: Mozelle Harpe and Rosie Green; two aunts: LaKisha Merritt and Adrianne Kearse; three uncles: Cedric Smith, LaTorrs Smith and Jason Kearse. Several other relatives also survive.

The Funeral Service for Mrs. Cassandra Faye Biggins Robinson affectionately known as “Poohbaby” will be held on Monday, October 1, 2018 at 2:00 at the Zion Hope Baptist Church with Rev. George F. Monts officiating. Burial will follow at Eastview Cemetery.

Mrs. Cassandra Faye Biggins Robinson was born on February 19, 1976 in Americus, Georgia to Ms. Willie Mae Biggins and Mr. Howard McCray. She confessed to Christ at the Friendship Baptist Church in Desoto, Georgia. She later moved her membership to Zion Hope of Sumter City where she remained until her transition. She worked at the Sumter County Sheriff's Department and as a cashier at Flash Foods. On Wednesday, September 26, 2018, Cassandra peacefully passed away at the Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, Georgia.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Shawn Eugene Robinson; her children: Myeshia Biggins, Rashawn Robinson, Reshawn Robinson and Shawn Robinson, Jr. of Americus, Georgia; her mother, Willie Mae Biggins and her father, Howard McCray; sisters: Bertha Biggins, Teresa McCray, Linda McCray, Desota, Georgia, Mattie Morgan, Albany, Georgia, Lillia Harper (Glenn) Americus, Georgia; brothers: Kenith Hall (Nettie), Bobby McCray, Americus, Georgia, Terrance Biggins, Desota, Georgia; slsters-in-lew Elizabeth Robinson, Americus, Georgia, Brenda Robinson, Warner Robins, Georgia, Valarie Carter, Jacksonville, Florida, Kenneth Carter (Valerie), Cordele, Georgia; a host of uncles and aunts from Cordele, Georgia including Ruby Caison, Alton Biggins, C. J. Brown, Patricia Biggins, Carne Holmes, John Holmes and Paula Biggins; her God Mother, Lavater Bass (Stanley) of Centerville, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, well-wishers and supporters; also two devoted friends: Dana Hawkins and Deterria Williams.

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

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The Funeral Service for Mr. Jeffie Lee Kendrick of Americus, Georgia will held on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at the Friendship Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Mountain Creek A.M.E. Cemetery.

Mr. Jeffie Lee Kendrick was born on April 1, 1928 to Ms. Annie Mae Daniels and Mr. Ned Kendrick in Montezuma, GA. He went to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 27, 2018 after a long illness. Mr. Kendrick worked as a carpenter to provide for his family. He was not just a builder of buildings and homes, he was a builder of people. Mr. Kendrick never made anything all about him, he was all about his family. Mr. Kendrick was an amazing man, a true blessing to those who knew him. He was a man who never let his family down no matter the situation. He gifted his wife, children and grandchildren with the spirit of strength, wisdom and perseverance. He gave his all and he gave it all in good cheer. Our family was blessed to have him. Mr. Jeffie Lee Kendrick leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness and courage.  He was preceded in death by one son Jessie Lee Kendrick and a great grandson Lavonte Kendrick.

He inspired many with the question....Is that the best you can do?

Mr. Jeffie Lee Kendrick is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Mrs. Mildred Kendrick; eight children and a host of loving grandchildren and great grandchildren.

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

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The Graveside Service for Mr. Jessie B. Mathis, Jr. of Americus, Georgia will be held on Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at 1:30 at the Oakgrove Cemetery, with Rev. Freddie Mann officiating.

Mr. Jessie B. Mathis, Jr. was born on August 10, 1951 in Leslie, Georgia to the late Mr. Jessie B. Mathis, Sr. and the late Mrs. Ethel Lee Mathis. He attended Staley Junior High School where he was an avid football player. In his later years he moved to Atlanta, GA where he worked as a welder. He later moved to Brooklyn, NY and lived with his oldest brother, Mr. M.C. Mathis. In 1985 Jessie moved back home to Americus to be with his family. Sadly Jessie passed away on Thursday, September 27, 2018 at the Lillian Carter Nursing Home. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, M.C. Mathis and a sister-in-law Omelia Mathis.

Jessie is survived by two sisters including a loving and devoted sister, Lois M. Battle (Clinton) of Americus, GA and Francis Morris of Leslie, GA; two brothers: Allen Mathis of Atlanta, GA and Willie Frank Mathis of Delray Beach, FL; a loving aunt, Ella Ruth McBeth of Miami, FL;  Several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive.

Ms. Evelyn Thomas of Hwy 90 West Oglethorpe Georgia died on Friday, October 5, 2018 at her home. The funeral service will be held on Monday, October 15, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Lula Chapel Primitive Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Ms. Evelyn Thomas, affectionately known as “Sue", was born February 20, 1950 to the late Mrs. Carrie Bell Tookes Thomas and Mr. Albert Thomas.  At an early age, Evelyn joined the Lula Chapel Primitive Baptist Church. She grew up in a home that believed in sharing what you have with others. She was educated in the Macon County School System, attending Oglethorpe Grammar School then graduating from D. F. Douglass High School class of 1969. After graduating her goal was to have a career in the military but that dream was shattered after she was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anemia. Sue moved to Massachusetts to live with her sister. After later returning to Georgia, she lovingly fostered children and trained and worked in law enforcement. She has worked for the Montezuma Police Dept, Marshallville Police Dept. Macon State Prison and the E911 Center. She participated in various civic and charitable organizations.  She is a founding member of the Harriet Tubman Day Freedom Scholarship and served as secretary of the Retired Teachers and Associates.  She organized deliveries with the Homebound Ministries and the Bread of Life soup kitchen. Writing poetry was her continued passion.  In later years, she formed a writers group in Macon County.

She gave of her time and energy to family, school events, tutoring and church activities.  She nurtured the interests and talents of her daughter, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.  She was an active member of the Powerful Truth Sanctuary Global International where her niece, Evangelist Shirley Thomas Brown, serves as an Associate.

Evelyn was a devout Christian whose love shines as a daughter, sister, mother, aunt and friend to many. Her presence will be greatly missed but her spirit lives on.

She leaves to mourn her passing her daughter, Ms. Olivia Thomas; her four grandchildren that she adored: Kala Thomas, Malachi Thomas, Justin Thomas and Chelsea Thomas; her siblings include two sisters, Amour Jean Smith of Duxbury, Massachusetts and Annie B. Fagan of Monterey, California; and two brothers, Albert Thomas, Jr. of Boston, Massachusetts and Eddie Will Thomas of Oglethorpe, Georgia; a devoted sister-in-law,Annie Claude Thomas; several devoted friends including: Mary Ann Harris, Mary Ann Postell, April Holland, Roze, Ann Floyd Harris, Robert Eric West and Wilbert "Doug" Nelson;  several loving and devoted nieces and nephews also survive.

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

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Funeral Services for Mr. Jimmie Lee McDonald of Montezuma, Georgia will be conducted Friday, October 12, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church, Montezuma, Georgia with Reverend Allen Waters officiating. Interment will follow in New Hope Cemetery.

Jimmie Lee McDonald was born August 15, 1950 in Montezuma, Georgia to the late Jessie and Inez Candler McDonald. He departed this life at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center on Saturday, October 6, 2018. Jimmie received his education from the historic Flint River Farms School and the historic D F Douglass High School. He acquired his Christian experience at New Hope Baptist Church. While an active member, he has served in many capacities, helping wherever needed within the church.

Mr. McDonald was previously employed at Southern Frozen Foods and Southeast Pipe for a number of years. He took pleasure in being a major contributor in the Five Points Community.

Precious memories are left with his devoted wife of thirty-seven years, Angela McDonald; one loving and caring daughter, Jamie Lea McDonald of Lilburn, Georgia; his brothers: Curtis McDonald (Annette), Louis McDonald (Brenda) and Willie McDonald all of Montezuma, Georgia; his sisters: Sandra Dantes (Barney) and Cora McDonald of Montezuma, Georgia, Theresa May (Willie) of Macon, Georgia and Veleeta McDonald of Savannah, Georgia; father-in-law, Johnny Harden of Atlanta, Georgia; brothers-in-law: Vincent Harden,Sr. (Connie) of Douglassville, Georgia, Frederick Harden of Atlanta, Georgia and Augustin Dantes, Sr. of Warner Robins, Georgia; devoted niece, Michelle McDonald; cousin, Willie B. Mitchell; friend, Leonard Rackley; a host of other loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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

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Funeral Services for Bessie Byrom Warren of Montezuma, Georgia will be conducted on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at Noon at Magnolia Baptist Church, 415 Hosie Waters Street, Montezuma, Georgia.  Interment will follow immediately after services at Andersonville Cemetery.

Bessie was a bundle of blessings born to the late Augustus Byrom and Ellen West Byrom on June 11, 1945, in Macon, Georgia.  She was the baby of a family with three older brothers, James Byrom, Sr., Thomas Jerome Byrom and Julius Marcellous Byrom, who all preceded her in death.

She was introduced to Christ as a child and was baptized at New Hope Baptist Church in Montezuma, Georgia.  Later in her life, she joined Magnolia Baptist Church where she served faithfully until her health began to decline.  Bessie served on the Deaconess Ministry and the Missionary Ministry.  She was the  Director of the Youth Ministry and served as Assistant Church Secretary.  She faithfully worked in any capacity she was needed.

On December 26, 1970, she married the love of her life, Jessie Warren.  This union blessed them with their son, Torrance.  Bessie was also the stepmother to Jessie and Alonze.  Bessie had a special love for her family.  She was supportive and was a constant source for guidance and advice.

Bessie was a very outgoing and busy woman.  She graduated from D F Douglass High School in the class of 1963.  She placed an importance on soaring in higher heights in education.  She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Fort Valley State University.  She later attended Troy State University, where she received her Masters  in Education.

 Bessie began her teaching career in the Macon County School System.  She taught and touched the lives of many students for thirty-one fulfilling years.  After she retired, she hit the ground running.  She was a member of Eunice Chapter #164 O.E.S., Beta Rho Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and Past President of the Macon County Retired Teachers and Associates.  Bessie also served her city well.  She worked as the lead Poll Worker for District 5 – Montezuma District.  She dutifully served on the Montezuma City Council. At the time of her death, she was serving her second term on the City Council where she held the position of Mayor ProTem. 

Bessie listened to the Lord – your purpose on Earth has been fulfilled – she took His hand and took her heavenly flight on Thursday morning, October 11, 2018 at St. Francis Hospital in Columbus, Georgia.

Those left to carry on her legacy:  her devoted husband of 48 years, Jessie Warren, Montezuma, Georgia; her darling son and daughter-in-law, Torrance and Alisha Warren, Centerville, Georgia; her stepsons, Jessie Hubbard, Oglethorpe, Georgia and Alonze Oliver, Atlanta, Georgia; her precious grandchildren:  Nyah and Torrance (TJ) Warren, Jr; her brother-in-law, Fred Warren; her sisters-in-law, Leila Walker, Montezuma, Georgia, Mary Daniel, Atlanta, Georgia, and Hattie McKinley, Marietta, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews and special cousins with whom she had a special relationship; her devoted sister-friends who she loved dearly; and many other dear friends and students who will forever cherish her memory.