Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Alice Harvey of Americus, Georgia will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at the Union Tabernacle Baptist Church with Rev. Roosevelt Kee officiating. Burial will follow at the Eastview Cemetery.

Mrs. Mary Alice Harvey, daughter of the late Ms. Mary Lue Ross, was born in Marion County, Georgia, on June 3, 1940. At an early age she joined the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Buena Vista, Georgia.  In 1966, Mary Alice joined the Union Tabernacle Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. R. W. Jordan.  In May of 1971, she became a Deaconess and remained a faithful member until her transition.  She was educated in the public school system of Buena Vista, Marion County, Georgia.   Mary Alice was a graduate of Buena Vista High School.   She was a utility worker in the cafeteria at Georgia Southwestern State University.   She retired after 40 years of dedicated service.

On April 28, 1971, she was united in Holy matrimony to Mr. Rubin D. Harvey, Sr.

On Monday, April 11, 2016, Mary Alice peacefully transitioned to her Heavenly home.  In addition to her mother and husband, she is preceded in death by a son, Jimmy Harvey; and two brothers, Luther Ross and John Lee Ross.

She leaves to cherish her memories four devoted sons, Alphonso Ross, David Harvey, Michael Harvey, and Rubin Harvey, Jr.; a daughter, Willie Mae Mitchell; 10 grandchildren, Laquida, Deundra, Nzali, JaCoby, Dadrian, Ledaysha, Shanice, Ariel, Nathaniel and Cornelius; 10 great grandchildren; three devoted sisters, Lula Mae Waters, Barbara Ross, and Varnice Sutton; a brother, Moses (Alma) Ross; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Rejohiah Harvey, Ella Mae (Dea. Bowman) Colwell, Mary Frances Stewart, Janie (Joseph) Prather and Josephine Harvey; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and her Union Tabernacle Church Family.

Funeral services for Deacon Robert L. Ladd of Montezuma, Georgia will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at New Hope Baptist Church in Montezuma, Georgia. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Deacon Robert Ladd, son of the late Costell Ladd, Sr. and the late Ruby Lee Ladd, was born on November 5¸1931 in Bronwood, Georgia. He grew up in Macon County and attended the public schools of the county. After graduating from high school, he served our country faithfully in the United States Army. Mr. Ladd was a member of New Hope Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher. He was also the Sunday School teacher for the Southwest Georgia Baptist Union. He retired as a Math teacher and Assistant Principal at Macon County High School. He was a tutor with the Odom Mentoring Program, an advocate for Relay for Life, and was instrumental in getting the Boys and Girls Club started in Macon County, where he served on the Board of Directors. Deacon Ladd passed away on April 22,2016 at the Coliseum Medical Center in Macon, Georgia.

Deacon Ladd is survived by his wife, Mildred E. Ladd; his children: Valerie L. English, Bob Ladd (Sharonda) and Rod Ladd (Sharon); his grandchildren and great grandchildren, a host of other loving relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Mrs. Willie Lou Harvey of Montezuma, Georgia will be held on Monday, May 2, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church in Montezuma, Georgia. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Mrs. Willie Lou Harvey, daughter of the late Willie Howard and the late Ethel Thomas Howard, was born on March 27, 1942 in Macon County, Georgia.  At an early age she joined New Hope Baptist Church where she served as an usher.  She was active in the Women’s Booster Club and worked at Southern Frozen Foods for many years. She retired after fifty years of service.

She married Mr. Herbert Harvey, Sr. and to this union five children were born.  Mr. Harvey and three of their children preceded her in death: Charlie James Harvey, Herbert Harvey, Jr. and Elizabeth Bernette Harvey Lamb. Willie Lou Harvey passed away on April 26, 2016.

 Left to cherich her memories are her two daughters: Judy Woolfolk and  Vivian Harvey;  two sisters: Alberta Odom and  Annie Marie (Jimmie) Harris, all of Montezuma, GA; one brother, John Howard of Rochester, NY; ten grandchildren: Shaquana Lamb (Kurtis)Thomas, Lonnie Woolfork, Jr, Rafael (Dominique) Woolfork , Brian Clarke, Ashley Harvey, Kenyatta Harvey, Demarcus Woolfork, Latisha Harvey, Valencia Harvey and Alisha Harvey (Derrick) Tatum; seven great grandchildren: Roquan, Roderick, Corey, Shalencia, Makayla, Landen and Leilani; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, including adevoted cousin, Betty Golphin;  Devoted friends are Joyce Towns,  Jean Brown,  Lillie Bell Thornton, Ophelia Waters and  Jeanette Williamson.

Funeral services for Ms. Vernita Ann West of Oglethorpe, Georgia will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 11:00 at Jehovah Baptist Church, Oglethorpe, Georgia with Pastor Glenn Martin Bryant officiating. Interment will follow in Oglethorpe City Cemetery.

Ms. Vernita Ann West was born on June 23, 1946 in Oglethorpe, Georgia to Ms. Virginia Perry and the late C.W. West. She passed away on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, Georgia.

Left to cherish her memory are her mother, Virginia Perry Bautz (Mike) of Amherst, NY, her children: Sheila Bailey of Oglethorpe, GA, Keith Adderley of Buffalo, NY, Ian Adderley of Washington, DC, and Peiare Adderley of Oglethorpe, GA; two grandchildren: Brian Bailey of Oglethorpe, GA and Caleb Bailey of Warner Robins, GA; sisters and brothers: Ericka Adderley of Buffalo, New York, Christiel Adderley of Amherst, NY, Ann Brown Harris (Gerry), Gerald West (Debra) and Tonya Garnes (Quentin) of Montezuma, GA, Yolanda Kendrick (Jerome) of Oglethorpe, GA and Tony Brown of Perry, GA; several nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

 

Funeral services for Mr. Richard Wells will be conducted Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 3:00 at New Hope Baptist Church, Montezuma, Georgia. Burial will follow in New Hope Cemetery.

Richard Wells, son of the late Sylvester Wells and the late Janet Jordan Wells was born November 18, 1959 in Montezuma, Georgia. He was a 1977 graduate of D.F. Douglass High School and was employed as a truck driver at Cargill.

Richard was called to rest on May 16, 2016 at Phoebe Sumter Hospital in Americus, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his siblings: Terry Wells, Montez Redding and Kenyotta Redding.

Left to cherish his memory are his sons: Richard Wells, Jr. of Montezuma, Georgia and Brandon Samas of Atlanta, Georgia; a devoted cousin, Kimberly Davis of Montezuma, Georgia; his step-mother, Paula Joiner Wells of Oglethorpe, Georgia; step-sisters and step-brothers: Paulette (Oscar) Hugley of Macon, Georgia, Sgt. Major Antonio (Laura) Carter of Ft. Lee, Virginia and William (Chloe) Joiner of Macon, Georgia; aunts and uncles: Edward Wells, Joyce (Willie James) Loftly, Debra (Gerald) West, Angienette Carr, Lindsey (Rev. George) Edge, Lewis Jordan and Ronnie (Liz) Jordan; devoted mother, Iris Ridley of Montezuma, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services for Mr. Clifford Brown, Jr. will be held on Monday, May 23, 2016 at Brown Chapel Baptist Church in Montezuma with Reverend Bobby J. Brown officiating. Interment will follow in New Hope Cemetery.

 Mr. Clifford Brown, Jr., known as “Pop”, was born November 10, 1948 to the late Clifford Brown, Sr. and the late Lottie Mae Brown. He was educated in the public school system at Flint River Farms School. Clifford began his work career at Southern Frozen Foods Inc. where he was employed for seven years. He retired from Rumph Farms where he was employed for thirty-five years.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Lucille Allen Brown of Montezuma, Georgia; children: Shirlene Allen and Edward Williams of Montezuma, Georgia and Clifford Brown III of Marshallville, Georgia; a grandchild reared as his own, Antoinette Allen of Montezuma, Georgia; nine grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren; siblings: Jimmie Brown (Mattie), Willie James Brown(Shirley), and Florie Jean Harris of Montezuma, Georgia, Willie Frank Brown, Sr., Terry Brown (Sherry), J.S. Brown and Jerry Brown of Marshallville, Georgia; two aunts: Mary Lizzie Brown of Marshallville, Georgia and Bernice Brown of Miami, Florida; a devoted friend, Sherry Brown; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Graveside services for Master Blake Christopher Busbee, age 15 of Americus, Georgia will be held on Sunday, May 29, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at Sunset Memorial Gardens on Upper River Road in Americus, Georgia.Visitation will be held on Saturday from 6:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Blake Christopher Busbee was born in Americus, Georgia on September 30, 2001 to Jennifer Pritchard and Brian Busbee. Blake died on Thursday, May 26, 2016 in Albany, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Ernest “Clyde” Pritchard, grandmother, Janice Pritchard and his great grandmother Ida Pritchard.

Left to cherish his memories are his parents: Jennifer Pritchard and Brian Busbee; two brothers: Austin Busbee and Logan Pritchard; one sister, Heather Busbee; six aunts: Stacey Cooper, Carrie Oliver Pritchard, Dana Pritchard, Michelle Smith Maryann Black and Maggie Woodam; four uncles: Ronald Cooper, Steven Pritchard, John Black and Doyle Woodam. Several other family members and friends also survive.

Funeral services for Chanel Siyea Rickella King will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at 12:00 Noon at the Lebanon Baptist Church in Plains, GA with Rev. Glen Bryant officiating. Burial will follow at the Lebanon Cemetery.

On June 6, 2010, I was blessed to begin my journey with my mom, Kietra Camillan King and my dad, RoShon Jerome Brown. They named me Chanel Siyea Rickella King—‘The Chosen One’.

On January 9, 2011, I was given back to God in a dedication ceremony.

The summer of 2013 was when I found out that ants were not my friend! 

On January 31, 2015, at 12:01 a.m., in an automobile accident, I was put through a test for two months of my life. God showed all of us that He was a miracle worker. 

On May 18, 2016, I graduated from the Sumter County Early Learning Center.

This summer, I had the opportunity to be a part of the Boys & Girls Club of Plains, GA.

On June 6, 2016, I turned 6 years old. I was so excited about my birthday, because I knew my mother had lots planned! My cousin, my friends and I had an awesome time waiting to see what was next on the list of things to do.

On July 1, 2016 we took a trip to Panama City Beach, FL. While our stay was short, I had the time of my life. In the pool that evening, I went toward the light because God was beckoning me to come with Him. He said, “Not yet” and He placed angels all around me, and allowed them to bring me back from ‘the light’. I experienced difficulties during this time. 

During the night of July 6, 2016 and midmorning hours of July 7, 2016 God told me, “I need you with me.” I was baptized by the Chaplain at Shands Hospital that evening. God said, “It’s time!” My final transition home was July 8, 2016 at 8:57a.m. I’m in the bosom of God now. I lived a full life in 6 years--more than any of you will live in a lifetime.  

I left memories that will forever be cherished by my mom, Kietra King of Plains, GA, my dad, RoShon Brown, Sr. of Andersonville, GA; my brother, RoShon Brown, Jr; my two sisters: Adriana & Abriana Brown of Andersonville, GA; my maternal grandparents: Pattie & Ricky McCoy of Plains, GA and Alvin Muff of Deerfield Beach, FL; my paternal grandparents: Zebbie Gray of Americus, GA and Gregory Richard Wayne Carrington and fiancé Jocelyn Dunlap of CT; my three great grandparents: Teletia Brown of Preston, GA, Letha McCoy and Walter Jackson both of Americus, GA; my eight aunts: Kalandra King of Plains, GA, Erica (Eric) Reese of Americus, GA, Sherlonda Morgan, Jasmine McCoy both of Albany, GA, Hope Baker, Sharece Carrington, Enjoli Carrington and Alyra Muff all of CT; my ten uncles: Shanvoris McCoy, James Arthur McCoy, IV, both of Americus, GA, Demertrice Brown of Buena Vista, GA, Tyshon Brown of Ft. Bragg, NC Gregory Carrington, Jr. Geiovonni Carrington, Torra Kelly, Derrick Shipman, LaJereane Muff and Evin Hylow all of CT; my special friend and cousin, Shanvoria McCoy; several other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Becky Mae Cochran will be held Monday, July 25, 2016 at 1:00 at First United Holiness Church, 324 Engram Street, Montezuma, Georgia. Burial will follow in Champ Waters Cemetery.

A time to be Born: Becky Mae Odom Cochran was born May 30, 1932 to the late Tom Odom and Georgia Bell Harris in Montezuma, Georgia.

A time for Service: Becky accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior and joined the band of Christian believers at the Church of God by Faith.

A time for Learning: Educated in the public school system of Macon County, Becky attended the historic Flint River Farm School in Montezuma, Georgia.

A time for Love:  On December 15, 1951 she was united in holy matrimony to the late Frobell Cochran Sr., and to this union they were blessed with fourteen children.

A time for Labor:  After many years of dedicated service, Becky retired from Southern Frozen Foods. She was very talented; she loved reading the bible and teaching God’s word to whomever would listen. She also enjoyed cooking, writing poems, and singing.

A time to Rest: On Thursday, July 21, 2016, God lifted her from all her ailments, pains, and sorrows and granted her eternal rest.

A time to mourn:  Becky had one child to precede her in death, Kirk Cochran, Sr. (Rose).  Left to cherish her memories are Brenda McKenzie (Elisha), Montezuma, Georgia, Glenda Rogers (Lenorris), Oglethorpe, Georgia, Patricia Cochran, Fort Valley, Georgia, Frobell Cochran Jr. (Corine), Montezuma, Georgia, Sharon Cochran, Fort Valley, Georgia, Ferdinand Cochran, Montezuma, Georgia, Valerie Cochran, Warner Robins, Georgia, Priscilla Cochran Kaigler, Atlanta, Georgia, Daron Cochran (Charlene), Perry, Georgia, James Cochran Sr., Montezuma, Georgia, Felecia Hicks (Gabriel), Americus, Georgia, Becquetta Cochran, East Point, Georgia and Remedios Smith(Andre) Perry, Georgia; Forty-six grandchildren, and one of which she raised as her own, Tuwoski Cochran, Warner Robins, Georgia; Thirty- four great grandchildren; one sister Bernice Johnson, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; four devoted cousins that were raised as siblings: Willie Mack Miller, Roosevelt Merritt of Detroit, Michigan, the late Rebecca Smith and the late Robert Odom; a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services for Mr. Johnny B. Kaigler, Jr., better known as “Buddy” or “Grill Master, of Montezuma, Georgia, will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2016 at 11:00 at Zion Grove Baptist Church in Montezuma with Reverend Coley Clark officiating. “Buddy” passed away on Thursday, July 21, 2016 at Montezuma Health and Rehabilitation Center, Montezuma, Georgia.

Johnny B. Kaigler, Jr. was born June 18, 1947 in Macon County, Georgia to the late Lottie Colbert Kaigler and the late Johnny B. Kaigler, Sr. He was united in holy matrimony to the late Edith Brock Kaigler and they were blessed with one loving son, Darrell Kaigler. He became a father figure for Edward and Jeffery Chavis. He later married the former Mary Harris Kaigler and was a father figure for Curtis Hill, Anthony Harris, Brian Harris and Kevin Harris.

Buddy was a member of Zion Grove Baptist Church. He worked at Southern Frozen Foods for many years. Later he was employed at McKenzie Memorial Golf Club for a number of years until his health failed. He was preceded in death by five siblings: Michael Kaigler, Ola Mae Haslem, Mary Ola Bound, Beverly McGhee and Willie Mae Baldwin.

Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Darrell Kaigler (Dianna) of Charlotte, North Carolina, Jeffrey Chavis of Montezuma, Georgia, Edward Chavis, Curtis Hill of Jesup, Georgia, Anthony Harris of Ann Arbor Michigan, Brian Harris and Kevin Harris of Montezuma, Georgia; four sisters: Carrie McGhee and Bettye Jo McKenzie of Montezuma, Georgia, Annette Cotton of Locust Grove, Georgia and Louise Gardner of Miami, Florida; one brother, Willie (Camille) Brown of Locust Grove, Georgia; a sister-in-law, Delphine Kaigler; devoted cousin, Bertha Barron of Montezuma, Georgia; grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and devoted friends.

Mr. Samuel Smith, Sr. of Americus, Georgia died on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at his home. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by West’s Mortuary.

Sam as he was affectionately known was born on October 3, 1956 to the late Jessie “Bro” Smith and Geneva Childs Smith. He was the oldest of five boys. Sam was educated in the Sumter County School System.

He is survived by his son Samuel Smith, Jr. of Americus, Georgia; four brothers: Jessie Smith, Jr. (Willette), Willie F. Smith, Sr. (Leisa), and John Smith, Sr. all of Americus, Georgia and Joseph Smith, Sr. of Albany, Georgia. Several other relatives and friends also survive.

The family will receive friends at the home of Jessie and Willette Smith at 105 Falcon Drive.

 Ms. Lena Mae Josey of Brookdale Dr. Americus, GA died on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at the Phoebe-Sumter Medical Center in Americus, GA. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at the Eastview Cemetery in Americus, GA.

Ms. Lena Mae Josey was born on March 3, 1935 in Americus, Georgia to the late Fannie Mae Josey and the late Eddie Lee Josey. At an early age she joined the Mt. Olive Baptist Church where she remained a member until her health failed. She was the first African American to work as a cashier at Winn Dixie in Americus and she was also employed at Elmore's Dept. Store and Byrun Laundry & Cleaners.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted children: Amy Josey (Eddie) Edge of Albany, GA, Lenora (Eddie) Tatum of Oakland, CA, Jessie (Gwendolyn) Josey and Alvin (Shirlene) Josey both of Americus, GA; three sisters: Ms. Lorena Josey, Mrs. Mary Russell and Mrs. Carman (William) Clark all of Americus, GA; two brothers: Jimmy (Doris) Josey and James (Mary) Josey both of Americus, GA. Several other relatives and friends also survive.

John peacefully passed away on Monday, July 25, 2016 at the Elberta Health Care Center in Warner Robins, Georgia. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ulysses Stanton and his sister-in-law, Mattie Lou Stanton.

His memory will forever be cherished by: his wife, Brenda Stanton, Montezuma, Georgia; his children: Keith Stanton, Atlanta, Georgia Crystal Stanton (Willie), Montezuma, Georgia, Valeria Stanton Williams (Rodney) and Wanda Stanton Person (Karl), both of Atlanta, Georgia; his grandchildren; his brothers, Willis Stanton (Susie), Decatur, Georgia; David Stanton (Emma), Sparta, Georgia; Alvin Stone, Fort Valley, Georgia; his mother-in-law, Mary Harp, Oglethorpe, Georgia; his devoted sister-in-law, Tammy Williams, Montezuma, Georgia; his brother-in-law, Gregory Williams, Oglethorpe, Georgia; his god-daughter, Jakera Felton; his uncles, aunts, cousins and many friends.