A Graveside Service for Mr. Daren Thomas of Americus, Georgia will be held on Friday, March 26, 2021 at 12:00 at Staley Memorial Gardens. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we ask that you please MASK UP and continue practicing social distancing for your safety and for the protection of others.

Mr. Daren Thomas was born in Americus, Georgia on November 05, 1966 to the late Johnny Broner Thomas and Virgirie Harris-Thomas of Americus Georgia. He was a graduate of Americus High School class of 1984 and furthered his education at Florida A & M University in Tallahassee, Florida. He was employed with the Sumter County School District for over 9 years where he enjoyed keeping a smile on all the kids’ faces. Mr. Daren had a passion for working on cars and was a jack of all trades. There was no job too big that he would not try.

On Monday March 22, 2021, Mr. Daren Thomas passed away at the age of 54 surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his father Johnny Broner Thomas, brother Staff Sgt. Johnny Broner Thomas Jr, grandparents Romeo and Lonnie Mae Harris, grandparents Roscoe Lamar Thomas and Elma Culliver, and uncle Romeo Harris Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memories his mother, Virgirie Harris-Thomas; one daughter, Ms. Koby D. Thomas; one brother, Mr. Derrick M. Thomas; four uncles: Mr. Mackel (Lynette) Harris of Dallas, Georgia, Mr. Eric Bernard Harris of Dallas, Georgia, Mr. Roscoe Lamar Jr. of Hartford, Connecticut and Mr. Willie Lamar of Atlanta, Georgia; four aunts: Mrs. Elnora Girven, Mrs. Lillie Mae Cladd, Ms. Norma Hurley all of Americus, Georgia and Mrs. Doris Harris of Smithville, Georgia; one sister-in-law, Mrs. Clara Thomas of Lee County, Georgia; two devoted nieces: Mrs. Shonemeca Thomas-Hill “Baby Girl”, and Ms. D’erica Thomas “Taterhead”; four nephews: Devontae and Chandler Thomas (his main man) and Drill Sgt Dominque Thomas and Quinten Thomas. A host of other relatives and friends including a great neighbor Arthur Ed Terry and a devoted friend Mr. Izell Mathis also survive.

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

https://video.ibm.com/recorded/129638100 

https://youtu.be/9YvLBiwItMw

Douglas M. Harrison, better known as “Doug”, was born on July 17, 1943 to Zedie and Mamie H. Harrison in Macon County, Georgia. Doug attended Flint River Farms School. He joined New Hope Baptist Church at an early age.  His love for music allowed him to be a part of the Soul Liberator’s Band.  He was employed with Seaboard Coastline Railroad Company and Hazel Ray Trucking Company as a truck driver. 

Douglas departed this life on March 22, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings: Annie Buckles, James Harrison, Charlie Harrison, Mildred Tuff, and Bobby Harrison.

He leaves precious memories to be cherished by his two loving children: Deborah (Walter) Berry of Kathleen, Georgia and Harold Clark of Macon, Georgia; six grandchildren: Terri Gaines, Kennedi Berry, Kortney Berry, Bradford Clark, Alexis Clark and Jolina Rivera (Arturo); two sisters: Jessie Bell (James T.) Spivey of Byromville, Georgia and Zeddie Hankerson of Montezuma, Georgia; one brother, Charles (Geraldine) Harrison of Tampa, Florida; dedicated and devoted nieces: Rose Marie (Marvin) Brown, Marvis Brown and Zyriah Brown of Montezuma, Georgia;  a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

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

https://youtu.be/haS3WKcUwHk

Mrs. Maggie Harper Bownes of Americus, GA passed away peacefully on Thursday March 18, 2021 at the Magnolia Manor Nursing Home in Americus, GA. The Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 3:00 at Eastview Cemetery with Rev. M. Harris officiating. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we ask that you please MASK UP and continue practicing social distancing for your protection and for the safety of others. 

Maggie Harper Bownes is the daughter of the late Elder Harper and Mariah Sampson Harper. She was born in Americus GA. on March 7, 1926. She is survived by seven nieces and three nephews. She also has a host of grand nieces and nephews.  

 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  

https://youtu.be/khPVzgld8Jo 

The Graveside Service for Mrs. Barbara Deloise Harvey Jackson will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery, Montezuma, Georgia with Pastor Allen Waters officiating. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we ask that you please MASK UP and continue practicing social distancing for your protection and for the safety of others.

On Thursday, March 18, 2021, God called Barbara to enter the Heavenly Garden of peaceful rest and everlasting life. Barbara was born on January 13, 1942 to Jerry and Mamie Harvey and was the fifteenth out of sixteen children. Barbara grew up in Montezuma, Georgia where her parents owned their own farm. While working on the farm with her siblings, she also attended Flint River Farms School and graduated from D.F. Douglass High School. She played basketball and had the honor of being crowned Queen of D.F. Douglass High School. She reigned from 1959 – 1960. 

Barbara eventually met Master Sergeant Maxwell C. Jackson (M.C.), and they were married on March 24, 1963 in Rochester, New York. Now with her new role as a military wife, Barbara traveled the world as a military spouse and lived in Giessen, Germany, Fort Ord, California, Fort Lee, Virginia, and retired in Tampa, Florida. Barbara took pride in raising her two daughters and pushed them to continue their education and strive to be the best they could be. Barbara and M.C. were married for forty-two years until his untimely death in 2007.

Barbara leaves loving memories with her loving family which includes her daughters: Trudy Douglas of Mableton, Georgia and Melody Bingham and husband Lewis Bingham of Tampa, Florida; grandchildren: Kisha Douglas-Dorsey and husband Johnnie Dorsey of Ft. Worth, Texas, Staff Sergeant Freddie Douglas, Jr. of Fort Jackson, South Carolina and Jasmine Chester of Tallahassee, Florida; great grandchildren: Jayda Douglas of Lithonia, Georgia and Royal Douglas of Newport News, Virginia; her sister, Rosie Harvey Carter of Montezuma, Georgia; brothers: Lucious Harvey and wife Virginia Harvey of Atlanta, Georgia and Larry and Harry Harden of Montezuma, Georgia; her brother-in-law, Franklin McLarty; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was predeceased by her husband Maxwell C. Jackson; her brothers and sisters: Jerry Harvey, Jr., Claude Harvey, James Harvey, Allen Harvey, Joe Louis Harvey, Isaac Harvey, Lillie Mae Harvey Hines, Maude Harvey Colson, Annie Lee Harvey Harden, Jimmie Lou Harvey Chandler, Mamie Harvey McLarty, Fredrick Ward Harvey and Reverend Dr. Willie Gene Harvey. 

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  

https://youtu.be/pn1fObwvrzU  

The Funeral service for Mr. Allen “Rico” Mathis will be held on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 1:00 P.M. at Historic West End Chapel on Ralph Abernathy Blvd in Atlanta, GA. Interment will follow on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 1:00 in Oak Grove Cemetery in Americus, GA.

Mr. Allen Mathis was born on June 9, 1946 in Leslie, Georgia to the late Mr. Jessie B. Mathis Sr. and the late Mrs. Ethel Lee Mathis.  He attended Nunn Industrial School and later his family moved to Americus, Georgia where he attended Staley High School.  As a young man, he moved to the Vine City Community in Atlanta, Georgia for better opportunities.  Allen was well loved and respected in this community, where he was affectionately known as “Rico” by his friends.

Allen worked hard and lived hard.  He loved to listen to his oldies music, buy computer gadgets and entertain friends in his home.  Very comfortable and loved, he transitioned there on Thursday, March 11, 2021.  Allen was preceded in death by two brothers: M.C. Mathis and Jessie B. Mathis, Jr. and one sister-in-law, Omelia Mathis.

Allen is survived by two sisters including a loving and devoted sister, Lois M. Battle of Americus, Georgia and Ms. Francis Morris of Leslie, Georgia; a devoted brother-in-law, Clinton Battle of Americus, Georgia; a loving aunt, Ella Ruth McBeth of Miami, Florida; several nieces and nephews including his devoted and caring nieces and nephews: Jeaneen and Jacqueline Mathis, Jessica Kelly, Kamala Johnson, Wendell Edwards and Rodney Mathis;  many cousins and his friends especially those that reside in the Vine City Community in Atlanta, Georgia.

To view his Committal 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  

https://youtu.be/crzH8jrCqV4

The Graveside Service for Mr. Gene “Roy” Hodges will be held on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 12:00 Noon at Staley Memorial Gardens with Pastor James Lawrence officiating.

Mr. Gene “Roy” Hodges was born in Americus, Georgia on November 4, 1954 to Ms. Inez Hodges and Mr. William Harris. He also had a special mother, Mrs. Mattie Sue Harris. Gene's journey lead him to Atlanta, Georgia where he discovered his passion for driving trucks. He was blessed to be Owner Operator of his truck for 40+ years. Gene was united with his wife Charlene Hodges on March 19, 2006. They were blessed to share twenty-two lovely years together.

Gene “Roy” touched the lives of so many, and was truly blessed! He departed this life on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his mother, two sisters, six brothers, and his granddaughter, Alehas Hodges.

He leaves to celebrate his life, his wife, Charlene Hodges; his children: Drason Hodges (Brittany), DeAndrae Joseph (Seikesha),  Shanicka Martin (Eric), Martavius Byars (Baranda), Keyunicka Byars and Gary Childs Jr.; twenty-one grandchildren, one great grandchild; eight brothers: Nathaniel Hodges, William E. Harris (Amelua), Dwight Harris (Sandra), Robert Harvey, Larry Lewis (Bridget), Johnny Lewis, Charles Lewis and Ricky Lewis; four sisters: Jennie Mae Greene (Edward), Pamela Bryant (Willie), Mattie Hodges a special cousin Wylie Holmes; two special friends: George Jones and Demetrius Crawford and a host of other cousins, nieces, nephews and 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   

The Graveside Service for Coach Irad Pittman of Oglethorpe, Georgia will be held Friday, March 12, 2021 at 1:00 PM CST at St. Mary Cemetery in Jacob City, Florida. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we ask that you please MASK UP and continue practicing social distancing for your protection and for the safety of others. Public Viewing at West's Mortuary will be from 4:00 - 7:00 PM Thursday, March 11, 2021. Viewing in Jacob City, Florida will be Friday, March 12, 2021 from 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM CST.

Irad was born April 7, 1948, in Jacob City, Fla., to the late Enoch and Florentine Jackson Pittman. In his youth, he attended St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church where he was baptized.

He received his secondary education through the Jackson County, Florida school system. He was a proud graduate of St. Paul High School, Campbellton, Fla. Class of 1965 - The Mighty Megatons. With the assistance and support of St. Paul HS’s Coach Elmore Bryant, Irad received a football scholarship to Albany (GA) State College. He excelled on the gridiron and would later in life come to the aid of his students. He earned his bachelor and master degrees from Albany State.

Irad’s professional career as a teacher and basketball and football coach was exemplary. While serving as head football coach at Stewart-Quitman High School, Irad’s team brought home the Region 1 Class A Championship in 1987. This was the school’s first and only football championship. The Georgia Athletic Coaches Association named him Football Coach of the Year in 1987. Stewart County Middle School’s girls’ basketball team named him Coach of the Year 2002 - 2003. He retired from the Georgia Association of Education Stewart County in 2004 after 31 years of service.

Because of Coach Pittman’s commitment and dedication to sports and his students, he established an MVP award for all athletics at Stewart County High School to recognize athletic and academic excellence. Upon his retirement in 2004, the name of the Award was changed to the Irad Pittman MVP Award. And you could count on seeing his face in the place at son Elliot’s middle and high school and college football and basketball games.

Irad enjoyed a good debate and honed those skills when he served as a council member for the city of Lumpkin, Georgia from 1990 - 1997. News, politics, sports and investing were his topics of the day. He was a gentle, kind, and thoughtful man who loved God.

Irad is survived by his devoted and loving partner, Cheryl Law; daughter, Inika Pittman; son, Elliot (Jasmine) Pittman; brother, Edrick (Betty) Jackson; sister, Lorestine Pittman (Johnny Smith); uncle, George W. Pittman, Sr., Godmother, Lorene Pittman; beloved nieces, nephews and cousins; bonus daughter and granddaughter Keisha Law and Nadia Walker; special friends, Willie D. (Mary H) Gray; James (Faithleen) Henderson; Marvin (Glenda) Bishop, and Stewart County Retired Educators.

_{The Graveside service for Mr. Michael Jones of Americus, Georgia will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. at Eastview Cemetery, with the Rev. Calvin Rollins officiating. Due to COVID-19 concerns, we ask that you MASK UP and continue practicing social distancing for your protection and for the safety of others.}

_{Mr. Michael Jones was born August 8, 1966 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the parentage of Mrs. Emma Jean Laster Jones and Mr. Aubrey Jones. He acquired his early education from Americus City Schools. He graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His loving mother, father, grandmother (Mrs. Essie Mansfield Laster), and grandfather (Walter Laster) preceded him in death.}

_{Michael was employed by the Philadelphia Housing Authority and later by the Unadilla Correctional Facility as a Correctional Officer. Michael was a sweet, loving, caring person and obtained the nickname “Counch”, which he was affectionately called by his friends. He loved children as they brought a smile to his face. He was a devoted and faithful member of Big Bethel Missionary Baptist Church where he was willing to help out in any way he could. On March 2, 2021, Michael answered God’s call to enter into his final resting place.}

He leaves to cherish his memories: three brothers: Kimmy (Nora) Foster, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ricky Jones, Roanoke, Virginia, Bernard Williams, North Carolina; one sister, Cynthia (Keith) Gaines, Roanoke, Virginia; one uncle, Willie James Laster (Chizua Ketchup), Americus, Georgia; four aunts: Barbara Ann Williams, Betty Jean Carter, and Essie (McArthur) Sims, all of Americus, Georgia, and Mrs. Ruth Jones; five nephews, two nieces, four great nieces, and a host of cousins, relatives, and friends also survive.  

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   

A Graveside service for Mr. William Charles Small, III will be conducted on Saturday February 27, 2021 at 11:00 A. M. at Israel Cemetery Americus, Georgia with Reverend Horace Holloway, III officiating.

Mr. William Charles Small III, was born December 13, 1965 in Americus, Georgia to William Small Jr. and Gloria Deriso Small. William was a 1984 graduate of Americus High School. He was employed at South Georgia Technical College. At an early age William joined the Zion Hope Baptist Church where he served as a choir member and junior Deacon. William passed away at his home on Tuesday, February 23, 2021.

He leaves loving memories to his beloved family which include a loving, caring and dedicated mother Gloria Deriso Small; children: Beyunkia Jackson (Horatio) of Lawrenceville, GA, Shakeithia Jackson (Cornelius), Jeanne Hawkins of Americus, GA and Joshua Small of Atlanta, GA; siblings: Calvin Small (Gwen) of Americus, GA, Randy Small (Earlene) of  Montezuma, GA and Gabriel Small (Patricia) of Dallas, GA; grandchildren: Beyonce, Bryce, Bryan, Ryleigh, Bailey and Ryan all of Lawrenceville, GA, Cavell, Curran, Candence and Courtney, III all of Americus, GA; aunts: Thelma Merritt of Miami, FL and Mattie Deriso of New York; uncles: Benjamin Deriso (Jackie) and Sylvester Deriso (Olinda) of Orlando, FL; a devoted companion Janice Hawkins of Americus, GA; several devoted nieces, nephews, cousins and 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   

 https://youtu.be/tSeTW6S2Qqo

The Graveside service for Ms. Mary Raines of Americus, Georgia will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 11:00 at Eastview Cemetery.

Ms. Mary Raines was born September 13, 1937 in Andersonville, Georgia to the late Lucille Raines and the late Jessie Raines. She attended the Public School system of Sumter County and was a member of Union Tabernacle Baptist Church.

Mary was a loving and caring person whose smile would light up a room. She had a great sense of humor and was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 7, 2021 at the Phoebe-Sumter Medical. She was preceded in death by her siblings: Dorothy Lee Tucker, Jeanette Marie Raines Green and Jessie Mae Raines; one aunt, Odessa Wilson and her devoted friends: Sara Nelson, Cletha Hall and Willie Bell Jones

Left to cherish her memory is her son, Alphonso Raines; one granddaughter, Jennifer English; a grandson, Christopher English; two great grandchildren: Tamara and Adajisha English; one aunt, Odessa Wilson all of Americus, GA; several nieces and nephews including: Cornelia Raines Howell of Americus, GA, Kenneth Frazier of Minneapolis, MN, Linda Raines of Durham, NC, Lee Raines of Jacksonville, NC, Carlton Russell and Shirley Raines both of Albany, GA, Eddie Raines of Chino, CA, Cynthia Frazier of Louisville, KY, Rolanda Frazier of Homestead, FL and Clinton Frazier of St. Louis, MS; one sister-in-law, Evelyn Raines of Americus, GA. Several other relatives and friends also survive. 

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 

https://youtu.be/4BN0GhHFEUQ