Col. Joseph D. Alexander

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...

Lucy C. Beco

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

Mable Billups

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...

Deacon James W. Billups Jr.

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...

Cassandra Billups-Thomas (Billups)

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...

Sojourner Hardeman

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 programmin...

Willie R. & Dollie M. Howard, Sr.

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 w...

Willie Thornton (Willie Dexter Thornton)

In loving memory of a remarkable man known by many names - Dex, Willie, Dexter, Mr. Willie, Knot, Shep, Bruh, Dad, Pappa, Granddad, General Pop. He responded to each of these nicknames and aliases with warm greeting and a radiant smile. Now Willie, greeting and smiling at angels in heavenly space.

Willie Dexter Thornton was born May 1st, 1956, to Fannie Maude and Roosevelt Thornton. Throughout his life, Maude ensured that Willie always felt the love of a dovoted mother. She instilled the importance of family, His stepfather, Clerence (Buster) Thornton, left in incredible impact on his life. Willie had one brother, Dwayne Cheney. Despite the years that seperated them due to Embry R...