Funeral service for Mrs. Reatha B. Breedlove-Mable of Americus, GA will be held on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. at Big Bethel Baptist Church in Americus, GA with Pastor Calvin Rollins officiating. Burial will follow at the Eastview Cemetery.

Mrs. Reatha B. Breedlove-Mable was born in Sumter County, Georgia on August 15, 1960 to the parentage of Mr. Johnny Edward Breedlove and Mrs. Susie Mae Foster Breedlove. In addition to her parents, she had a devoted step-father, Mr. Oscar Jones. Reatha was educated in the Sumter County School system. She was a devoted daughter, loving mother and sister. Her first place of employment was at Home Depot then at Medicon Medical Services for eight years. Later she worked at Caravelle Boats for three years. She joined Blooming Rose Baptist Church of Americus, Georgia under the leadership of Reverend H.L. Respert.

Reatha Breedlove-Mable departed this life on Sunday, March 11, 2018. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers: Willie Breedlove and Ellis Breedlove.

Those she leaves behind to grow from her love include her devoted husband, Eddie Dean Mable, Sr. of Americus, Georgia; two sons: Travis Breedlove (devoted daughter-in-law, Lawanda Thomas) and Eddie Mable (devoted daughter-in-law, Kizzy) all of Americus, Georgia; an additional devoted son, Derrick “Boone” Clark of Americus, Georgia; one daughter, Natasha Sherrice Mable (Jamie) of Americus, Georgia; one brother, Lewis Breedlove ( devoted sister-in-law, Susie); one sister, Minnie Ruth McDonald (Rogers); devoted step-brother, Johnny “Coot” Willis all of Americus, Georgia; ten grandchildren: Quarteisha (Montavious) Bridges, Anisha Mable, Amarion Wallace, Tintalana Mable, Desoshianna Carter, Rodney Carter, Travion Breedlove, Tre’Vion Sims, Shanneshia Reynolds and Khalil Reynolds; four great grandchildren: Jaiden Bridges, Aurielle Bridges, Kait’Lynn Mitchell and Ke’Ziah Reynolds; great aunt, Eula Breedlove; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins including some of her favorites: Keshia (Sandreal Jackson) Mable, Crystal (Joshua) Coleman, Lashon Hoston, Carlton Mable, Mercedes Mable, Lucious Breedlove and Darius “Big Dog” Carter; devoted friends that she loved dearly: Natashi Thomas and Joe “Ellick” Jackson; a host of other loving relatives and friends also survive.

Graveside services for infant Hailey Nicole Gorman were held on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. at the Lebanon Cemetery with Rev. Shirley Strawter officiating.

On March 10, 2018 God saw infant Hailey Nicole Gorman, struggling for life and decided to remove all of her pain and take her Home to rest. She was preceded in death by her great grand-father Governor Wilson.

She leaves to mourn her passing her parents: Mercedees Merritt and Jaquie Gorman; her grandparents: Carolyn Wilson, John Merritt, Sr., Ruby Golden and Ernest Golden; great grandparents: Lena Wilson and Sarah Gorman; one aunt, Jasmine Merritt and one uncle, John Wayne Merritt, Jr. Several other relatives and friends also survive.

Graveside services for Ms. Lucy Mae Neal of Montezuma, Georgia will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 15, 2018 at Champ Waters Cemetery, Twin Churches Road, Montezuma, Georgia with Reverend Hosie Waters officiating.

Ms. Lucy Mae Neal, daughter of the late Johnnie Neal and Fannie Mae Thomas Neal, was born June 10, 1936 in Montezuma, Georgia. She attended Macon County Training School and was a faithful employee of McKenzie Southern Frozen Foods for over forty years.

Lucy was beloved by her family, friends and community. She passed away on Thursday, March 8, 2018. She was preceded in death by her son, Wendell F. Neal and five siblings: Willie Glenn Neal, John L. Neal, Fannie Jones, Patricia Harvey and Jessica Neal.

Cherished memories are left with her loving and devoted brother, Tom Neal of Horsham, PA; a host of loving nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, her grandchildren, other loving relatives and friends.

Mrs. Annie Rose Hall Bridges of East Rock Hills Drive Americus, Georgia passed on Saturday March 3, 2018 at her residence. Her funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 8, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. at Greater New Lebanon Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia.

Mrs. Annie Rose Hall Bridges was born March 19, 1929 in Dumas, Georgia to the late of John and Ozella Hall. She worked for several years as a Custodian at Georgia Southwestern College. Ms. Hall was united in marriage to Emmett Bridges Jr. and to this union nine children were born, two preceded her in death: Moses Bridges and John Bridges. She was also preceded in death by two grandchildren: Carlos Burns and Bernard Bridges and four great grandchildren: Kelvin Walton, Jr., Brian Bridges, Terry Davis, III and Kaion Hamilton, II.

She leaves to cherish her memories her three daughters: Joann (Robert) Mack and Irene (Lawrence) Britt, Americus, Georgia and Barbara Bridges, Columbus, Georgia; four sons: James Edward (Carla) Bridges Edison, Georgia, Joe Bridges, Americus, Georgia, Raymond (Debra) Bridges, Americus, Georgia and Emory Wayne (Betty) Bridges Americus, Georgia; thirty grandchildren, seventy great grandchildren and fifteen great, great grandchildren. Several other relatives and friends also survive.

Annie Rose Hall Bridges Program.pdf

Funeral services for Mrs. Rosa B. Anthony will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 12:00 noon at Friendship Baptist Church on Cotton Ave. in Americus, Georgia. Burial will follow at the Eastview Cemetery.

Rosa B. Anthony, affectionately known as “Granny” graced the world with her presence on August 1, 1918 in Americus, Georgia. She was the only child born to the late Catherine Mott Merritt and John H. Mott.

Granny pursued her childhood education in Americus, Georgia. She then began her working career at Acluster Peanut Mill as a sorter. For an ample amount of years, she wholeheartedly served as a caretaker as well.

Granny greatly impacted the lives of many through her spunkiness and feisty words. Her words encouraged people to make improvements within themselves and essentially, she did all she could do to "whip them into shape". Even through her stern ways, she never left you wondering whether or not you were loved.  She loved to be the center of attention; she loved an audience when telling her stories and making everyone laugh. If she wasn’t looking after the little ones and fussing she was doing the one thing she loved and that was fishing.

Granny dedicated her life to pleasing the Lord. She attended Peach Baptist Church in Americus, Georgia and stood by her saying “You live right, you die right”. Granny passed away peacefully at the age of 99 on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at the Montezuma Healthcare. She was preceded in death by her parents Catherine Mott Merritt, John H. Mott, her children, Louise Taylor Gordon, and Jimmy Lee Taylor.

Rosa leaves to celebrate and cherish her memory, her children: Buddy Hollis and Catherine Clark Taylor, nine grandchildren, and a host of great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, other relatives, and friends.

Funeral service for Mr. Lynwood Kleckley Williams of Americus, GA will be held on Saturday, February 24,2018 at 11:00 A.M. at the Zion Hope Baptist Church in Sumter City with Pastor George F. Monts officiating. Burial will follow at the Eastview Cemetery.

Mr. Lynwood Kleckley Williams was born Sumter County, Georgia on June 27, 1981 to the parentage of the late Mrs. Sharon Lynn Williams and Mr. Lynwood Kleckley. He received his education in the Public School System in Americus, GA.

He is preceded in death by his grandmothers: Mrs. Viola Williams and Mrs. Belzoric Kleckley; grandfathers: Eddie Lee Williams and Washington Kleckley Sr.; one aunt, Ms. Alma Louise Williams Snipes and two uncles: Robert Lee Williams and Kelvin Williams.

Lynwood leaves behind a legacy of love ones which includes his father, Lynwood Kleckley (Marilyn Kleckley) of Parrott, GA; five daughters: Ms. Michya Jenkins, Ms. Kailee Williams, Ms. Ty’mia Williams, Ms. Kourtney Jenkins and Ms. Kolby Williams; one son, Mr. Kaden Williams all of Americus, GA; two sisters: Ms. Tiffaney Kleckley of Americus, GA, and Ms. Ebony Nuk Lamb of New Jersey; five brothers: Arlando Williams, Travis Williams both of Americus, GA, Lynwood Kleckley, Jr., Deon D. Kleckley of Augusta, GA and Reginald Red Daniels (Shaunta) of Albany, GA; aunts: Ms. Elizabeth Jackson, Plains, GA, Ms. Barbara Fulks of Americus, GA, Ms. Deleria Coleman of Macon, GA, Ms. Maria Kleckley of Leslie, GA., Ms. Gwendolyn (Johnny) Meriweather, and Ms.Karen (Charles) Jones of Lee County; uncles: Johnny Kleckley and Willie Kleckley of FL, Lee (Katrel) Kleckley of Carolina, Clifford Kleckley of Macon, GA, Charles Henderson of Lee County, Eddie Lee Williams (Donna Mae), Monroe Williams and Willie Frank Williams of Americus, GA, Jerome Williams (Debra Ann) of Montezuma, GA, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends, including three devoted friends; Danyelle Sheffield, Keyandra Jenkins and Charlotte Williams. 

Graveside services for Ms. Cora Lee Benefield of Port St. Lucie, FL formerly of Smithville, GA will be held on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Smithville, GA with Rev. Henry Hosley officiating.

Miss Cora Lee Benefield was born January 1, 1943, to the late Magnolia Benefield Taylor and the late Jimmie Lee Benefield in Perry, GA.  She worked for IBM for many years in New York City and Port St. Lucie, Florida until her health declined. She was preceded in death by her daughter Denise Hunter, Mother Magnolia Taylor, two brothers Jimmie Benefield and James Taylor Jr., and a sister Willa Collie.

She leaves to mourn two sisters: Ossie Lockett and Mary Henderson (Charles) of Leesburg, Georgia; four brothers: Jerome Taylor of Americus, GA, Bobby Taylor and Thomas Taylor of Smithville, GA and Louis Benefield of Albany, GA;  nieces: Kwanis Garner (Julius) of Leesburg, GA, Shanta, Wanda and Erica all of Americus, GA;  nephews: Jason Lockett of Plains, GA, Courtney Lockett of Smithville, GA, Justin Burton of Leesburg, GA, Jimmie Benefield III of North Carolina and Anthony Collie of St. Lucie, FL, and a special lifelong friend, Mr. James Stephenson.

Funeral services for Mrs. Iona Felton Lowe of Montezuma, Georgia will be held Friday, February 16, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Pleasant/Travelers’ Rest CME Church located on Norris Street in Montezuma, Georgia. Burial will follow at Andersonville National Cemetery.

Iona Marie Felton Lowe was born on April 15, 1936 to the late Mae Lillie Howard Felton and the late Charlie Spunk Felton. She grew up in Montezuma and graduated from Macon County Training School. She was employed as a school crossing guard for the Montezuma Police Department. She had the honor of being the first black female to serve on the Montezuma Police Department.

Mrs. Iona Lowe departed this life on Sunday, February 11, 2018. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Lowe, Jr. and her only daughter, Lena Dianne Lowe Stanton.

Cherished memories are left in the hearts of her granddaughter, Crystal (Willie Goggins) Stanton who she reared as her own; two great-grandchildren: Ty’Quavous and Ja’Terrance; her siblings: Ophelia Stewart of Oglethorpe, Georgia, Nettie Ashman and Lucretia Mason both of Montezuma, Georgia and Charles Felton of Miami, Florida; a devoted sister-in-law, Sarah (Harrison) Nash of Tampa, Florida; a devoted nephew, Samuel Stewart; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many sorrowing friends.

Funeral services for Mrs. Lillian June Hooks-Johnson of Brooklyn, New York will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at New Hope Baptist Church 8620 GA Hwy 26E, Montezuma, Georgia with Reverend Gail Haliburton officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Lillian June Hooks-Johnson, affectionately known as June, daughter of the late John W. Dixon and Evelyn Bell-Dixon was born January 7, 1935 in Oglethorpe, Georgia. She was the eldest of nine children. She attended Garden Valley Elementary School in Macon County and Reynolds High School in Taylor County. She attended Rocky Mount Methodist Church with her father and Corinth Baptist Church with her mother. At an early age, she showed resilience and strength by being the first woman to work in her father’s field as a truck driver transporting cotton to the gin.

On June 7, 1953, she married the late Deacon Charles Hooks. From this union, they were blessed with Reverend Gail Halliburton, Terri Hunter, Franshayla Hooks and Timothy Hooks. Shortly after getting married, she migrated to New York with her late husband and friends, Deacon Charles Hooks, Louis Bryant and Reverend Willie R. Bryant.

In 1964, they joined the Little Zion Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Reverend G.B. Crawley, then later from 1977 to 1999 under the leadership of the late Reverend Dr. Willie R. Bryant. Her roles in ministry included: membership in the Gospel Chorus, Deaconess Board and the Building Fund Committee.

After graduating, she pursued her career as a nurse. She worked as a LPN at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens. She later received her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing at Medgar Evers College. After becoming a RN, she worked at numerous hospitals and facilities throughout the Brooklyn and Queens area. She retired from V.A. Hospital in St. Albans, Queens. Caring for others was her passion. She showed this by helping to raise her nieces and nephews.

In 1999, she married the late Reverend Jesse O. Johnson, pastor of the Mount Sion Baptist Church. She served as First Lady and on the Deaconess Board. From this union, she was blessed with six more children, two of which she helped raise: Keisha Ricketts and Shannon Johnson.

Lillian will always be remembered as a feisty, sassy diva. She was a dedicated, loving wife and mother. She would help anyone and everyone who had been in need at one time or another. Her doors were opened 24/7 to anyone in need.  She enjoyed shopping at her favorite stores, buying her infamous church hats, and getting her hair and nails done. She was one of a kind.

Cherished memories are left in the hearts of her children: Reverend Gail (Henry) Halliburton, Terri (Andre) Hunter, Keisha (Ricardo) Ricketts, Franshayla Hooks, Timothy Hooks and Shannon Johnson; four grandsons: Kaalen and Khaalid Jackson, Branden McLaughlin, Jr., and Zachary Ricketts; one granddaughter, Wynter Worthy; five godchildren: Jacqueline Lamb, Takia VanAllen and Bernard (Cynthia) Lewis and their children: Bernie, Tiffany and Daniel; three sisters: Nancy Jones, Grace Flowers and Janet Dixon; four brothers: Ernest (Verna) Dixon, Charlie Roy (Angela) Dixon and John Westly (Ruth) Dixon; a host of loving nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and caring friends.