Memorials
This page is dedicated to honoring the memories of family members who have passed away.
If you know of a family member who has passed who is not listed here, you can add a new memorial with a photo by clicking the Add Memorial button.
You can also write a tribute or leave your comments about those already listed on the page. (Approval may be required prior to publishing)
Col. Joseph D. Alexander
Birth Date:
1938-06-07
Deceased Date:
2021-01-04
Obituary:
A graduate of Howard University, Joseph was a loving, caring person who loved to cook, entertain family and friends, and greeted everyone with, "Hi, call me Joe."
He enjoyed an illustrious, 21-year military career in the United States Army, rising to the rank of Captain at 23 years of age. In 1975, he was placed as Commander of a military base in Ludwigsburg, Germany for three years. One of Joseph’s superiors said of him: “Quiet and unassuming, he produces superior results and commands respect from all those about him.” Throughout his career, he received several medals and commendations. And in 1980, Joseph completed his military services at the Pentagon as a full Colonel (the "Full Bird").
We count ourselves blessed to have had Joseph in our lives. And we pray that you never feel his absence as we plan to remember and demonstrate his love and faith every day.
Edrena Howard Alexander
His Wife
A graduate of Howard University, Joseph was a loving, caring person who loved to cook, entertain family and friends, and greeted everyone with, "Hi, call me Joe."
He enjoyed an illustrious, 21-year military career in the United States Army, rising to the rank of Captain at 23 years of age. In 1975, he was placed as Commander of a military base in Ludwigsburg, Germany for three years. One of Joseph’s superiors said of him: “Quiet and unassuming, he produces superior results and commands respect from all those about him.” Throughout his career, he received several medals and commendations. And in 1980, Joseph completed his military services at the Pentagon as a full Colonel (the "Full Bird").
We count ourselves blessed to have had Joseph in our lives. And we pray that you never feel his absence as we plan to remember and demonstrate his love and faith every day.
Edrena Howard Alexander
His Wife
There are currently no tributes.
Lucy C. Beco
Birth Date:
1936-04-29
Deceased Date:
2021-08-05
Obituary:
The fifth daughter of Dollie M. & Willie R. Howard, Sr is now in heaven; her journey is complete. Those who knew her well will miss her wisdom, unquenchable and consoling spirit, for she was a presence who always saw the light in the dark. She never hesitated to share the possibility that you could see it too.
We thank God that he chose us to share her acquaintance.
Byron C. Beco
Her Son & The Howard Family
The fifth daughter of Dollie M. & Willie R. Howard, Sr is now in heaven; her journey is complete. Those who knew her well will miss her wisdom, unquenchable and consoling spirit, for she was a presence who always saw the light in the dark. She never hesitated to share the possibility that you could see it too.
We thank God that he chose us to share her acquaintance.
Byron C. Beco
Her Son & The Howard Family
There are currently no tributes.
Mable Billups
Birth Date:
1944-11-06
Deceased Date:
2022-08-04
Obituary:
Mable Billups was born to the parents of James W. Billups Sr. and Louise Billups on November 6, 1944. The life-long Tampa resident graduated from Blake High School in 1964. As a homemaker, Ms. Billups opened her house to assist many others in her community.
Mable is preceded in death by her parents, James W. Billups Sr. and Louise Billups; son, David (Marco) Billups; brothers, Joseph Billups, Allen Billups, Marion Billups Sr., and James W. Billups Jr.; sisters, Pauline Williams, and Patricia E.Wilson; grandsons, Omar Billups, and Timario Billups; and niece, Vena Richardson.
A loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Ms. Billups leaves to cherish her memory with: her children, Joann Billups and Pauline Billups; grandchildren, Marcus Telfair, Deshandre Billups, Joquila Fussell, Marlon Dorsey, Loneisha Marchman, Jo’Deja Chisolm, Destiny Chisolm, and Carlos Brim; brothers, Lewis (Wadie) Billups, Homer (Sarah) Billups and John Billups; and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Mable Billups was born to the parents of James W. Billups Sr. and Louise Billups on November 6, 1944. The life-long Tampa resident graduated from Blake High School in 1964. As a homemaker, Ms. Billups opened her house to assist many others in her community.
Mable is preceded in death by her parents, James W. Billups Sr. and Louise Billups; son, David (Marco) Billups; brothers, Joseph Billups, Allen Billups, Marion Billups Sr., and James W. Billups Jr.; sisters, Pauline Williams, and Patricia E.Wilson; grandsons, Omar Billups, and Timario Billups; and niece, Vena Richardson.
A loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Ms. Billups leaves to cherish her memory with: her children, Joann Billups and Pauline Billups; grandchildren, Marcus Telfair, Deshandre Billups, Joquila Fussell, Marlon Dorsey, Loneisha Marchman, Jo’Deja Chisolm, Destiny Chisolm, and Carlos Brim; brothers, Lewis (Wadie) Billups, Homer (Sarah) Billups and John Billups; and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
There are currently no tributes.
Deacon James W. Billups Jr.
Birth Date:
1937-01-14
Deceased Date:
2022-05-30
Obituary:
Deacon Billups was born on January 14, 1937, to James W. Billups, Sr. and Louise Warren Billups in Tampa, FL. He was a graduate of Don Thompson Vocational High School, Class of 1956. Deacon Billups attended college for a period of time before being drafted into the United States Army in 1960. During his 24-year career he held many assignments from Fort Jackson, SC to Fort Ord, CA and from South Vietnam to Darmstadt, Germany to Camp Humphrey and Camp Mercer, Korea. He was very proud of his years in the Service and the experience he gained. He would always say “Support your loved ones who desire serving our country their choice”. Upon his retirement in 1984 at the rank of Master Sergeant, Deacon Billups made it routine to stay in contact with many of his fellow veterans and would travel the distance to see those special ones. He continued to use his skills as a Construction Engineer Supervisor to build small and large projects for himself, family, and friends.
Deacon Billups was smitten by his wife, Cleo, from the moment they met. His daily routine was having a cup of coffee with her on the lanai. He enjoyed gardening, filling their yard with beautiful plants, and taking road trips to see family and friends. He was a wonderful and loving husband and father that put family on the heels of the Lord.
Deacon Billups was a faithful and dedicated member of New Salem M.B. Church. His service to God was important and unwavering. He was a member of the Usher Board and the Security Team until his health began to decline.
He peacefully transitioned from this life on Monday, May 30, 2022 with his loving and devoted wife of almost 29 years by his side.
Deacon Billups is preceded in death by: his parents, James Sr. and Louise Billups; brothers, Joseph, Allen, and Marion Billups Sr.; sisters, Pauline Williams and Patricia Wilson; and son, LeShawn Mingo.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his spouse, Cleo Billups; sons, James W. Billups III (Darlistene) of New York, and David Thurman (Sabrina) of Savannah, GA; sister, Mable Billups; brothers, Lewis Billups (Wadie) of Orlando, FL, John Billups, and Homer Billups (Sarah) of Orlando, FL; sisters-in-law, Mae Cummings, Mary Jones (Leroy) of Lake City, FL; Mary Wilcox of MacClenny, FL, Barbara Davis, Bettye Christian, Bennie Pegram and Marcia Buckley; brothers-in-law, James Sellers, Robert Sellers, and Cornelius Sellers; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and a loving church family.
Deacon Billups was born on January 14, 1937, to James W. Billups, Sr. and Louise Warren Billups in Tampa, FL. He was a graduate of Don Thompson Vocational High School, Class of 1956. Deacon Billups attended college for a period of time before being drafted into the United States Army in 1960. During his 24-year career he held many assignments from Fort Jackson, SC to Fort Ord, CA and from South Vietnam to Darmstadt, Germany to Camp Humphrey and Camp Mercer, Korea. He was very proud of his years in the Service and the experience he gained. He would always say “Support your loved ones who desire serving our country their choice”. Upon his retirement in 1984 at the rank of Master Sergeant, Deacon Billups made it routine to stay in contact with many of his fellow veterans and would travel the distance to see those special ones. He continued to use his skills as a Construction Engineer Supervisor to build small and large projects for himself, family, and friends.
Deacon Billups was smitten by his wife, Cleo, from the moment they met. His daily routine was having a cup of coffee with her on the lanai. He enjoyed gardening, filling their yard with beautiful plants, and taking road trips to see family and friends. He was a wonderful and loving husband and father that put family on the heels of the Lord.
Deacon Billups was a faithful and dedicated member of New Salem M.B. Church. His service to God was important and unwavering. He was a member of the Usher Board and the Security Team until his health began to decline.
He peacefully transitioned from this life on Monday, May 30, 2022 with his loving and devoted wife of almost 29 years by his side.
Deacon Billups is preceded in death by: his parents, James Sr. and Louise Billups; brothers, Joseph, Allen, and Marion Billups Sr.; sisters, Pauline Williams and Patricia Wilson; and son, LeShawn Mingo.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his spouse, Cleo Billups; sons, James W. Billups III (Darlistene) of New York, and David Thurman (Sabrina) of Savannah, GA; sister, Mable Billups; brothers, Lewis Billups (Wadie) of Orlando, FL, John Billups, and Homer Billups (Sarah) of Orlando, FL; sisters-in-law, Mae Cummings, Mary Jones (Leroy) of Lake City, FL; Mary Wilcox of MacClenny, FL, Barbara Davis, Bettye Christian, Bennie Pegram and Marcia Buckley; brothers-in-law, James Sellers, Robert Sellers, and Cornelius Sellers; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and a loving church family.
There are currently no tributes.
Cassandra Billups-Thomas (Billups)
Birth Date:
1959-11-26
Deceased Date:
2021-01-13
Obituary:
Sandra was the sixth child of the late Stepney Billups. She was the life of the party and was told that she exudes a God-like presence when she entered a room. She greeted everyone with a big genuine warm smile and always made you feel loved.
She was a member of Billups Grove Baptist Church since a child and was a member of the Pastor's Aide. She retired from Koch, formerly DuPont, after 40 years. She worked for the Clarke County School District before moving on to the University of Georgia where she was employed at the time of her death.
She loved being around family and traveling. For her 60th birthday, she overcame her fear of flying when her kids took her to Jamaica (pictured). She exclaimed it to be her best birthday to date!
Sandra transitioned on January 13, 2021 after battling COVID. She was preceded in death by her husband G.W. Thomas and her twin brother, Cecil Billups.
She leaves behind two children, LaKandra and Brandon Thomas and a special great niece, Khyla Rhodes;
a loving mother, Mildred Billups (who recently passed in October 2022);
four sisters, Nellie Watkins, Shirley Pounds, Charlene (Ricky) Rhodes, and Mary (Rogers) LaGuins;
two brothers, Mike (Angela) Billups and David Billups;
a host of nieces and nephews, family and friends that adored her.
She's dearly missed and you can bet your bottom dollar that she will be at this reunion in spirit.
Sandra was the sixth child of the late Stepney Billups. She was the life of the party and was told that she exudes a God-like presence when she entered a room. She greeted everyone with a big genuine warm smile and always made you feel loved.
She was a member of Billups Grove Baptist Church since a child and was a member of the Pastor's Aide. She retired from Koch, formerly DuPont, after 40 years. She worked for the Clarke County School District before moving on to the University of Georgia where she was employed at the time of her death.
She loved being around family and traveling. For her 60th birthday, she overcame her fear of flying when her kids took her to Jamaica (pictured). She exclaimed it to be her best birthday to date!
Sandra transitioned on January 13, 2021 after battling COVID. She was preceded in death by her husband G.W. Thomas and her twin brother, Cecil Billups.
She leaves behind two children, LaKandra and Brandon Thomas and a special great niece, Khyla Rhodes;
a loving mother, Mildred Billups (who recently passed in October 2022);
four sisters, Nellie Watkins, Shirley Pounds, Charlene (Ricky) Rhodes, and Mary (Rogers) LaGuins;
two brothers, Mike (Angela) Billups and David Billups;
a host of nieces and nephews, family and friends that adored her.
She's dearly missed and you can bet your bottom dollar that she will be at this reunion in spirit.
There are currently no tributes.
Sojourner Hardeman
Birth Date:
1969-04-10
Deceased Date:
2019-02-16
Obituary:
Our beloved Sojourner Hardeman reached out to embrace her heavenly family as she ended her earthly journey in Stockbridge, Georgia on February 16, 2019.
Sojourner was the first of two young ladies born to the union of Max Lamar Hardeman (now deceased) and Cynthia Lorraine Henderson. She is survived by her sister, Harriet Leila Hardeman, her two nephews, Adrian Vernon Hardeman and Jherrard Marseille Hardeman.
Sojourner was an exceptionally smart, savvy and talented introvert. She enjoyed all aspects of the logic of computers and took many computer programming and developer courses. She used her talent to participate in various computer hacking and programming competitions.
Sojourner participated on a team which created FoodE: a food exchange pod hardware and software system that reduces food waste by connecting extra food with people in need. Her team won third place in the second annual Sustainability Hackathon sponsored by the global nonprofit, BRS, in 2014.
Sojourner also co-founded Emrals, a privacy-centric crypto-currency, which utilizes an eCan system for recycling and trash cleanup. eCan is connected to the Emrals mobile app which rewards people anywhere in the world for reporting and cleaning up trash.
Sojourner’s strong will, ethics and determination led her to a historical legal victory for human rights in New York City defeating both the city and the New York City Police Department for the right of people to passively panhandle on any street in New York City. She chose to take a seat on Fifth Avenue where she advertised her computer skills and desire to work in her field at very reasonable rates. The 2011 landmark case Hardeman v. The City of New York required the retraining of the NYPD Midtown North Precinct so the police understood that the city’s disorderly conduct statute may not be applied simply to arrest homeless people for being present. Her humanitarian efforts will forever be remembered.
Among other friends and family members, Sojourner leaves to mourn her passing, her aunts and uncles, Quay Hardeman-Allen, Leonard Henderson, Joyce Henderson, Angela Anderson, Keith Henderson, Pamela Wyderko, Patricia Henderson, Constance Henderson, Errol Henderson, Richard Wyderko, Karen Brooks, Darlene Allen, and two from Jamaica (names unknown). She is also held in the hearts of a host of first cousins: Nedra, Julia, Garfield, Garland, Patrice, Edwin, Kmur, Jerome, Ayanna, Megan, Jason, Tony, Chandra, Brandon, Jonathon, Scooter, Tiffany, Nia, Asha, Yazmine, Kelvin, and Lisa.
Sojourner joined her father, Grandfather Lucas, Grandmother Julia, Grandfather Leonard, Grandmother Vivian, Aunt Wilhelmina, Uncle Hunter, Uncle Jerome, Uncle Garfield, Uncle Martin, Aunt Lucas Mary, and cousin Keya along with a host of other angels that preceded her in passing.
Our beloved Sojourner Hardeman reached out to embrace her heavenly family as she ended her earthly journey in Stockbridge, Georgia on February 16, 2019.
Sojourner was the first of two young ladies born to the union of Max Lamar Hardeman (now deceased) and Cynthia Lorraine Henderson. She is survived by her sister, Harriet Leila Hardeman, her two nephews, Adrian Vernon Hardeman and Jherrard Marseille Hardeman.
Sojourner was an exceptionally smart, savvy and talented introvert. She enjoyed all aspects of the logic of computers and took many computer programming and developer courses. She used her talent to participate in various computer hacking and programming competitions.
Sojourner participated on a team which created FoodE: a food exchange pod hardware and software system that reduces food waste by connecting extra food with people in need. Her team won third place in the second annual Sustainability Hackathon sponsored by the global nonprofit, BRS, in 2014.
Sojourner also co-founded Emrals, a privacy-centric crypto-currency, which utilizes an eCan system for recycling and trash cleanup. eCan is connected to the Emrals mobile app which rewards people anywhere in the world for reporting and cleaning up trash.
Sojourner’s strong will, ethics and determination led her to a historical legal victory for human rights in New York City defeating both the city and the New York City Police Department for the right of people to passively panhandle on any street in New York City. She chose to take a seat on Fifth Avenue where she advertised her computer skills and desire to work in her field at very reasonable rates. The 2011 landmark case Hardeman v. The City of New York required the retraining of the NYPD Midtown North Precinct so the police understood that the city’s disorderly conduct statute may not be applied simply to arrest homeless people for being present. Her humanitarian efforts will forever be remembered.
Among other friends and family members, Sojourner leaves to mourn her passing, her aunts and uncles, Quay Hardeman-Allen, Leonard Henderson, Joyce Henderson, Angela Anderson, Keith Henderson, Pamela Wyderko, Patricia Henderson, Constance Henderson, Errol Henderson, Richard Wyderko, Karen Brooks, Darlene Allen, and two from Jamaica (names unknown). She is also held in the hearts of a host of first cousins: Nedra, Julia, Garfield, Garland, Patrice, Edwin, Kmur, Jerome, Ayanna, Megan, Jason, Tony, Chandra, Brandon, Jonathon, Scooter, Tiffany, Nia, Asha, Yazmine, Kelvin, and Lisa.
Sojourner joined her father, Grandfather Lucas, Grandmother Julia, Grandfather Leonard, Grandmother Vivian, Aunt Wilhelmina, Uncle Hunter, Uncle Jerome, Uncle Garfield, Uncle Martin, Aunt Lucas Mary, and cousin Keya along with a host of other angels that preceded her in passing.
There are currently no tributes.
Willie R. & Dollie M. Howard, Sr.
Obituary:
Willie R. and Dollie Mae Howard — the Monarchs of the Howard Family in Chicago, IL — were born in Atlanta, and Athens, GA. They were married for 62 years and the parents of six daughters and one son: Willa Mae, Estella, Juanita, Ida, Lucy, Jimmie, and Willie Jr. Dollie Mae is also cousin to (and an olive branch of) the Billups Family in Athens.
Beloved by all because of their love of God and people of all walks of life, Willie and Dollie Mae lived by the word and teaching of God. They set the example to “love your neighbor" and “do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Willie and Dollie Mae were host and hostess to aunts, uncles, cousins and friends when they traveled and visited Chicago. We were blessed with their giving and loving spirts as parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins to other family members and many friends in their lives; of course, they left us too soon.
The heavens gates were opened on July 1, 1985, when Dollie Mae entered to received her "Wings,” and soon Daddy Willie, Sr. joined Mother on January 9, 1989. God's welcoming them with "Your work has been done on earth. Well done my good and faithful servants.”
Rather than mourn the absence of the flames of Willie and Dollie Mae, let us remember how the memories of their lives brightly burned as we celebrate the spirits of their very special life, so that in our hearts the flame will burn forever.
With love and grateful hearts,
The Howard Family
“Happy 50th Anniversary Billups Family Reunion!”
Willie R. and Dollie Mae Howard — the Monarchs of the Howard Family in Chicago, IL — were born in Atlanta, and Athens, GA. They were married for 62 years and the parents of six daughters and one son: Willa Mae, Estella, Juanita, Ida, Lucy, Jimmie, and Willie Jr. Dollie Mae is also cousin to (and an olive branch of) the Billups Family in Athens.
Beloved by all because of their love of God and people of all walks of life, Willie and Dollie Mae lived by the word and teaching of God. They set the example to “love your neighbor" and “do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Willie and Dollie Mae were host and hostess to aunts, uncles, cousins and friends when they traveled and visited Chicago. We were blessed with their giving and loving spirts as parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins to other family members and many friends in their lives; of course, they left us too soon.
The heavens gates were opened on July 1, 1985, when Dollie Mae entered to received her "Wings,” and soon Daddy Willie, Sr. joined Mother on January 9, 1989. God's welcoming them with "Your work has been done on earth. Well done my good and faithful servants.”
Rather than mourn the absence of the flames of Willie and Dollie Mae, let us remember how the memories of their lives brightly burned as we celebrate the spirits of their very special life, so that in our hearts the flame will burn forever.
With love and grateful hearts,
The Howard Family
“Happy 50th Anniversary Billups Family Reunion!”
There are currently no tributes.