Mrs. Lula “Bell” Battle was born on June 5, 1944 to Mr. Emory Battle and Mrs. Jessie Bell Battle. Lula was a very lively, active and outspoken lady. She would witness the goodness of the Lord to whoever she came in contact with while walking the streets of Americus nearly every day. Lula’s health failed on September 20, 2020. It was a long journey but she made it home. Lula was preceded in death by her father Mr. Emory Battle, her mother Mrs. Jessie Bell Battle, and two brothers Mr. Arthur Lee Battle and Mr. Willie Lee Battle.

She leaves to cherish her memories one son, Mr. Bobby Lee Battle of Atlanta, Georgia; three sisters: Mrs. Pearl Williams of Americus, Georgia, Mrs. Virginia Sampson of Los Angeles, California and Mrs. Ethel Register of Columbus, Georgia; one brother, Mr. John Lee Battle of Plains, Georgia; one granddaughter, Jalisa Thomas; three great grandsons: Montavious Thomas, Monti Holley and Ky’mon McCoy all of Americus, Georgia; two sisters-in-law: Mrs. Inez Battle and Mrs. Mary Pearl Battle of Plains, Georgia; two devoted friends: Mr. Bill and Mrs. Ann Harris of Americus, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

A Graveside  Service will be held on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at 1:00 P.M. at the Eastview Cemetery.

To view this service live or at a later date, click on the link below of visit our Facebook page http://www.ustream.tv/channel/CTFY4VcAPbQ  

 https://youtu.be/TeOXOQoz6Hg

Julia Kate Andrews was born in Darien, GA, to the late Gratt Jr. and Julia Dukes on December 25, 1943.The family moved to Ft. Lauderdale FL, later moved to Pompano Beach, where Julia attended Blanche Ely High School, graduating with the class of 1963.

In 1967, Julia married the love of her life, William Andrews, Jr.  To this union, three beautiful children were born. They were married for 54 years. He preceded her in death in December 2020.  Julia was a proud employee of the Unites States Postal Service.  She was employed there for 30 years.  She made many friends and her co-workers adored her. Julia joined the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church and attended services faithfully until retiring and relocating to Americus, Georgia where she was a member of Union Tabernacle Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Larry Sims. In Americus, Julia became an entrepreneur, venturing in a few businesses that kept her occupied. Julia enjoyed helping others and spending time with family and friends. She was usually the life of the family gatherings.  She was funny, loving, and loved being around family. 

Over the years, Julia’s health began to decline, but she kept her spirits up.  On March 23, 2021, God called his angel Julia home. A huge void has been left in the family she left behind, but we know she is in a better place. Her caring and nurturing ways will be missed by all.

Julia is survived by her children: William Leonard “Nard” Andrews, Trecia Jasper and Dwayne Andrews; son-in-law, Mick Jasper; grandchildren: Kanarvis Andrews and Sophie Jasper; great-granddaughter, Ka’Maria and great-grandson, Chris Andrews, Jr.; sisters: Mattie B. Walker, Annie Rozier, Martha Blue and Connie Dukes; sister-in-law, Allie Mae Dukes; a host nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Her grandson, Chris Andrews, preceded her in death.  She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Mark and Gratt Dukes.  

Due to COVID-19, a Celebration of Julia’s life will be announced in the future. 

Mr. Ronald Josey affectionately known as "Bullet" was born on March 24, 1959 to the late Clarence Josey, Jr. and Leila M. Josey in Americus, Sumter County, GA. He attended Americus city schools and worked previously for the City of Americus and various furniture/moving companies until disability retirement. Ronald was known for helping family members and friends with their furniture moving needs. He was appreciated by many for his kindness and assistance.  In the early morning of Tuesday, March 23, 2021 he passed away in the company of his beloved niece Ms. Amber Josey Caldwell his caretaker.  Besides his parents, Ronald was preceded in death by his brother, Anthony Earl Josey, aunts Ms. Annie Kate Josey, Mrs. Estelle Josey Willis, Mrs. Margaret Mercer, Ms. Alma White; uncles Mr. Charlie Josey, Mr. Leroy Josey, Mr. Clifford Josey, and  Mr. Charles Josey; grandmothers Mrs. Eula Mae Josey and Mrs. Mae Belle Cox.

He leaves to mourn his loss a sister Mrs. Deborah (Joseph) Josey Smith, Macon, GA; three brothers, Mr. Clarence Josey, III, Americus, GA, Mr. Ernest M. (Carolyn) Josey, Buena Vista, GA, and Mr. John F. Josey of Atlanta, GA. Three nieces, Ms. Amber Josey Caldwell, Mrs. Leila Jones (Bradley) Small, and Ms. Rayven Josey Burks. Five aunts, Ms. Doris Josey, Mrs. Viola (James) Bridges, and Ms. Ozella White all of Americus, Mrs. Willie Josey, Belle Glade, FL, Mrs. Addie Pearl Josey, South Carolina,.  Three great-nieces and two great-nephews. Devoted cousins Mr. Eddie and Alice Mercer; devoted friends James Mann, Ms. Stacey Reynolds, Mark Pollard, Mr. Ezella Harper, Gloria Dean Reynolds, Ulysses Harper and a host of cousins and friends also survive.

 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.