Mrs. Fannie Mae Sheffield of Americus, Georgia passed away on Friday, June 17, 2022 at the Lillian Carter Health & Rehab Center in Plains, Georgia. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by West’s Mortuary.

Mrs. Fannie Mae Morgan Sheffield was born on June 1, 1942 in Sumter County, Georgia to the late Alberta Morgan and the late Willie Morgan and the late Dorothy Sheffield.

She is survived by three children: Eugene Sheffield, Dennis Sheffield Jr. both of Americus Georgia and Linda and Augustine Okafor of Nigeria; two sisters-in-law: Dorothy Ware of Americus, Georgia and Lizzie Sheffield of Atlanta Georgia; six grandchildren; a special best friend, Mammie McCray and a host of other relatives and friends also survive.

The Graveside Service for Mrs. Mary Grant of Americus, Georgia will be held on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. at Eastview Cemetery.

Mrs. Mary Grant was born in Sumter County, Georgia on August 11, 1948, to the late Mrs. Rosa Lee Daniels. She was a member of the House of God Church in Americus, Georgia. Mrs. Grant departed this life on June 4, 2022, at her home. She was preceded in death by the late Ella Mae Daniels, Charlie Daniels, and Retha Mae Bridges.

Mary was the auntie that didn’t play but loved you. The one that gave freely if you needed anything. She gave to the extent that she gave to children in need through the United Nations Children’s Education Fund. She was stylish and even was a model in New York for a brief time. She enjoyed driving and riding in fast cars, gardening, shopping, and singing. She loved and served the Lord in her church and was a faithful tithing member. She was a lifelong Sumter County resident and a member of the Sumter County Benevolent Fund. She took care of her mother, sister, and brother until the end. She was a mother to everyone.

She is survived by four sisters: Ira Lee Daniels, Rosetta Lusane and husband Randy Lusane, Paula Furlow and husband Dexter Furlow, and Mary Leverette; one brother, Connie Leverette and wife Katrina Leverette, and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. 

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

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The Funeral Service for Ms. Peggy Jo Banks of Plains, Georgia will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at 1:00 P.M. at the Antioch Baptist Church with Rev. George F. Monts officiating. Burial will follow at Israel Cemetery.

Peggy Jo Banks was born August 10, 1953, to the parentage of the late Rosa Lee White Banks and John Banks Sr. She graduated from Plains High School, Class of 1972. Peggy was a homemaker. She departed this life on June 3, 2022. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Tonya L. Argo; one grandson, Richard C. Henry Jr. (CJ); two sisters: Betty J. King and Minnie Lee Banks; four brothers: John C. Banks Jr, Johnathan Banks, David Banks Sr. and Ernest Banks Sr.

Peggy is survived by her loving family which includes, one aunt, Ruth White Dowdell; one grandson, Ja'Torian Argo-Goodwin; three daughters and one son: Emily Banks, Rose Banks, and John Banks III all of Americus, Georgia and Martha (Keith) Douglas of Augusta, Georgia; a devoted niece, Sonya Solomon of Americus Georgia; grandkids she raised as her own: Jonathan K. Banks, LaShonda Murphy, Ieshua Murphy, Korey Murphey, Chiquita Banks, Haley Banks, Ashlei Banks and Diamond Golden all of Americus, Georgia, Demond Banks of Elizabethtown, KY, Dashawn Douglas, Shakemia Louallen, Matt Henry, Devon Douglas, and Jontavius Henry all of Augusta, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends to include the community of Plains, Georgia. 

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

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To print a copy of this program, click on the link below

Peggy Jo Banks Program (1).pdf

The Graveside Service for Mrs. Leola Bridges Furlow will be held on Friday, May 27, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. at Eastview Cemetery.

Leola B. Furlow was born on October 8, 1944, in Webster County, Georgia to the parentage of the late Gordy Bridges, Sr. and the late Retha Harris Bridges. Leola received her education from Good Hope and Ida S. Lowery Schools in Preston, Georgia. On November 18, 1961, she was united in Holy Matrimony to Mr. Claude Furlow and this union was blessed with three children. They moved to Miami, Florida where she worked for the police department. She later moved to West Palm Beach, Florida and worked for the police department in investigations. She retired after nearly 30 years of service.

Having the desire to be near her immediate family, in 2008 she moved back to Georgia and joined the Mt. Olive Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Dr. H.C. Wilson.

On Saturday, May 21, 2022, Leola answered the call from labor to reward. She was preceded in death by her parents: Gordy Bridges, Sr. and Retha Mae Bridges; Claude Furlow, Pearline B. Pickett, DiShonda Furlow, Rosa Lee and Gordy Bridges, Jr, Retha M. Bridges and Thessalonia and Willie Sanford.

Leola is survived by her son, Keith Furlow of Elizabeth Town, Kentucky; her granddaughter, Keishonda Furlow of Radcliff, Kentucky; three brothers: Sammie Bridges, Sr. (Alice Faye), James A. Bridges (Viola) and Joe B. Bridges, all of Americus, Georgia; one sister, Ocie B. Baker (Robert) of Preston, Georgia; two sisters-in-law: Lillie Dunning and Essie Lowe, both of Americus, Georgia; three brothers-in-law: Charles Furlow (Doris) and Willie Freeman Pickett, both of Americus, Georgia and Robert Furlow (Abeadene) of Miami, Florida; two devoted nieces: Sharon Daniels of Americus, Georgia and Earlene Thomas of Preston, Georgia; one devoted god daughter, Annisteen Shaw of Stone Mountain, Georgia; three devoted friends: Maggie Reynolds of Lawrenceville, Georgia, James Thompson of West Palm Beach, Florida and Nona Perry of Americus, Georgia; her Lonnie Lane neighbors; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and sorrowing friends.

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

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To print a copy of this program, click on the link below

Leola Furlow Program.pdf

The Funeral Service for Deacon Henry Lee Lusane, Sr. will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. at the Friendship Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Eastview Cemetery.

Deacon Henry Lee Lusane, Sr. was born on September 23, 1939 in Sumter County, Georgia to the parentage of the late Mr. Robert Lee Lusane and the late Ms. Susie Mae Johnson. He was raised with love and care by the late Mrs. Ruby Lee Lusane.

He met the love of his life, the late Mrs. Doris Gray Lusane, and married on August 31, 1963. Upon this union of forty- eight years, seven children were born. He was very dedicated as a husband, father, granddad, and uncle. He loved his family, and made sure all of their needs and some of their wants were met.

He attended the New Era Community public-school system in Sumter County, Georgia. At an early age, he knew the meaning of hard work. Throughout his adult life he held jobs at Redman Mobile Homes and Champion Home Builders until he became inspired to start his own business. Through Lusane-n-Sons, his trade as a handyman will continue to be passed from generation to generation. He could fix and repair anything. As a lifetime handyman, his skills, diligence, and willingness to help others won him many admirers and loyal customers. Later in life, he picked up a new role as security of Dorothea’s Beauty Salon and Lusane’s Car wash.

Deacon Lusane was a faithful and dedicated member at Old Corinth Missionary Baptist Church in Leslie, GA, now under the leadership of Reverend, Dr. C.L. McKinstry. He served as treasurer of the church building fund, he offered church transportation services, and provided many other services from childhood until his death.  His most revered role in the church was deacon in which he served faithfully for a number of years.

He was a quiet and humble man that enjoyed the simple things in life. He watched Judge Judy daily and ate at local restaurants with friends. His motto was, “Life, Health, and Strength.” These words guided him in everything. 

He is preceded in death by two grandchildren: Ms. Erica Lusane and Mr. Clifton Lusane, and two great grandchildren: Mr. Cornelius Barker and Korneal Barker. Beautiful memories will forever be cherished by his children: the late Henry Lee Lusane, Jr (Angelia Lusane Cox), Ms. Dorothea Lusane McKenzie, Mrs. Mary Lusane (the late Kenneth) Cross, Mrs. Tracy Lusane (Eric) Finch, Ms. Monica Yvonne Lusane (Tangalia Robinson), Mr. Marcus (Tiffany) Lusane, and Ms. Ann Lusane (Gregory Sims) all of Americus, Georgia; brothers: Mr. Willie Lusane, Mr. Eddie Lusane, Mr. Howard (Janice) Lusane, and Mr. Lawrence (Edith) Lusane all of Americus, Georgia; sisters: Ms. Alberta Dowdell of Tampa, FL and Mrs. Ruby Mae (Dr. Robert) James of Columbus, Ohio; a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and devoted friends.

To view this service , click on the links below, or watch it on our Facebook page.  

 http://www.ustream.tv/channel/CTFY4VcAPbQ   or https://youtu.be/XshayfXVYrA   

To print a copy of this program, click on the link below

Henry Lusane Program (2).pdf

Mrs. Patricia Ingram Clark of Americus, GA passed away Thursday, May 5, 2022 at Phoebe-Sumter Medical Center. The Graveside service for Mrs. Clarke will be held on Saturday May 14, 2022 at 3:30 P.M. at the Eastview Cemetery.

Mrs. Patricia Ingram Clark was born on July 27, 1961 to the late Elnora Ingram and the late Paul Ingram. She was married to Moses Clark who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Helton Ingram and two siblings: Mary Grace and Cornelius Williams. 

She leaves to cherish her memories, a son Marvin Williams; a sister Ms. Pauline Ingram; one brother Henry Ingram all of Americus, Georgia; nieces and nephews: Samantha (Anthony) Howard, Folivia (Eric) Ingram, Shante Reynolds, Rozella Reynolds, all of Americus, Georgia, Christian Reese of Atlanta, Georgia and Carolyn Matthews of Jacksonville, Florida; great nieces and nephews: Gregory, Quincey, Xzaver (Toni), Shaquinta, Tavoris Daniels, Jacob, Devonte, Zykeria, Braylin Ingram, Jeremiah Reynolds and Sabrina Ingram; eight -teen great nieces and nephews, and thirty -two great great -nieces and nephews; four devoted friends: Rosetta Lusane, Mary Leverett, Jamie Clemons and Jennifer Angry; and other relatives and friends 

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

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Patricia Ingram Clark.pdf

It is with profound sadness that we announce the transition of Deacon Frank Wiley, Sr. Deacon Wiley passed on Thursday, May 5, 2022 at his home. Services for Deacon Wiley will be held at the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. with interment to follow in Staley Memorial Gardens. 

Deacon Willie Frank Wiley, Sr., Chairman of the Deacon’s Board at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, passed away quietly at home, May 5, 2022.  He was a Christian man who loved his family and friends, his city, and his beloved church.  Over his 100 years and 15 days of life, he touched many lives around the globe.

Deacon Wiley, affectionately called “Poppi” by family and friends, was born April 20, 1922, to the parentage of Linsey and Jennie (Reed) Wiley, share-croppers for Arch Helms off the Old Dawson Road in Americus, GA. Poppi was preceded in death by his parents, six sisters: Eura Bell Copeland, Eutha Gibson, Eunice McGrady, Bobbie Wiley, Walter Mae Floyd, and Vivian Cooper; three brothers: Clyde, James Bowman, and Charlie James Wiley; and grandchildren: Wiley Shelman Cooke and Mary Edwina Cooke-Hite.

As a child, he joined the Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church.  In 1950, he met and married Mary Elizabeth Wiley and, in 1961, joined the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church by Christian Experience where he faithfully served in many capacities including Sunday school teacher, Men’s Choir member, Deacon, and Chairman of the Board of Deacons until his death.

Poppi received his early education at the Seay School for Colored Children on the Dawson Road excelling in math.  His parents were forced to take him out of school by the farmer they worked for to help in the fields.  On April 23, 2022, one of his greatest dreams was realized when he was awarded his high school diploma by the Sumter County Board of Education during the celebration of his 100^th birthday.

After leaving the farm and his parents, Poppi married Mary Watson. He began working at Still Gas Company making cement blocks for $15.00 weekly.  Later, he would work construction for Charles Wheatley who recognized his intelligence and sold him his first and only home, at Jacob’s Lumber Company, and, finally, for the Georgia Department of Administrative Services Division of Surplus Property as a forklift operator retiring after 30 years of service as the Assistant Manager in 1989.

His community activities included the Civil Rights Marches for Justice and Freedom in the early 1960’s, the Parent / Teacher Association while his children were in school, the NAACP, the Lincoln – Douglas Memorial Association as Treasurer, volunteering as a Red Coat at our local hospital for 18 years, Bailiff in the Americus City Court, the Prince Hall Masons F & A M District #14, the Third District Laymen, the Gum Creek Missionary Association, and the Georgia Missionary Baptist Convention just to name a few.

Deacon Wiley is survived by his wife, Bernice Smothers Wiley; two children: Wilma Wiley Cooke (Col. Charles E. Cooke, USMC, Ret. – deceased) and Willie Frank Wiley, Jr.; four grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, ten great-great-grandchildren and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Words cannot express the pure joy shown on our father's face when he entered the Hope Center of the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church to find the many family and friends gathered in that beautifully decorated space by Nadine Pope to celebrate his 100^th birthday on April 23rd.  The day was made even more memorable by the awarding of his long sought after high school diploma sanctioned by Dr. Torrance Choates and the Sumter County Board of Education presented on their behalf by Assistant Superintendent Kimothy Hadley. 

To all of you who made this day such a joyous occasion, we say, “Thank you”  

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

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

To print a copy of this program, click on the link below

  Frank Wiley Sr Program (1).pdf

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

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

To print a copy of this program, click on the link below

Shalisa Lamar Program (2).pdf

The Memorial Service for Ms. Ms. Rosalin “Roze” Dickson, of Montezuma, Georgia will be held Saturday, May 7, 2022 at noon at New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery, 8620 GA Hwy 26E, Montezuma, Georgia. Due to COVID-19 concerns, we ask that you MASK UP and continue social distancing for your protection and for the protection of others.

Rosalin Dickson, partner, aunt, sister, mentor, and precious friend, can be appropriately described as a black women’s health networker, world traveler, and historian. Roze was beloved by her family and friends. As a world traveler with a brilliant mind and compassionate heart, she significantly impacted all whose path she crossed.

Roze was born on November 8, 1951 in Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida to U.D. Dickson and Eugenia West McRoy.  She later relocated to Montezuma, Georgia where she was raised and reared as the lifetime daughter of the late Lucy Bell Cromer Johnson and John H. Johnson. Roze passed away on July 28, 2020 in New York.

She leaves to cherish her memory, a devoted and dedicated partner, Debbie Newman of New York, a loving mother, Eugenia McRoy of Tallahassee, FL, two sisters: Juanita Dickson Peterson and Sherri Dickson of Washington, DC; brothers:  Dr. Kenneth McRoy of Eustis, FL, Gregory (Ronnie) McRoy, Sr. of Jacksonville, FL, James (Deidre) McRoy, Sr. of Tallahassee, FL, Antjuan Dickson of Rochester, New York and Vernard Dickson of Washington, DC; uncle, Hubert (Ernestine) West of Montezuma, GA; father-in-law, Dr. Marty Newman, of Albany, New York; three sisters-in-law: Sandy Barber of Stoughton, MA, Bonnie Wiener and Lisa McGee, both of Albany, NY; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and sorrowing friends. 

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

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