Homegoing Celebration for Deacon James Willie Sturgis, Sunrise: September 12, 1922 - Sunset: Spetember 3, 2017. Saturday, September 9, 2017, 2:00 P.M. Beulah Grove Baptist Church, 1434 Poplar Street, Augusta, Georgia.

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iDeacon Jxunea WiMie Stwigis
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Sunset
September 12,1922
Satwiday,, September 9, 2C17
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September 3, 2C17
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Processional
ScriPture......................01d Testament..............Pastor Robert Felton, Cannon of Galilee
New Testament.....Pastor Frank Lewis, Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church
Prayer.........................................Pastor Robert Leverett, Olive Grove Baptist Church
...................................................................Evangelist Doris Garnett
Please limit remarks to 3 minutes
Deacon Cornelius Young - Chairman of Deacon Board
Friend - Deacon C.T, Walker
The Bright Stars - Deacon Hoppie Darrin / Bro. Walter Etheridge
Spiritual Father Deacon John Simmons
Parade of QuartetsPastor Karlton Howard, Noahs Ark Missionary Baptist Church
.........................................................................Bro. Lee Germany
Nephew
Acknowledgments.......................................................Rev. Eiizabeth Strickland
Tribute.
.The Bright Stars of Augusta, GA
The Echo's of Joy, Thomson, GA
Selection.
Eulogy....
.Piney Grove Combined Choirs
.....................................................................Pastor Gladys Moore
Piney Grove Baptist Church
Recessional
Interment.....................................................................Hillcrest Memorial Park
Repast
Henry Brigham Center
2463 Golden Camp Road
Augusta, GA 30906
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Deacon James Sturgis was bom to Rosa Sturgis Singleton and Sim Germany on September 12, 1922
in Evans, GA. He departed this life and was called home on Sunday, September 3, 2017. He was raised by
his grandparents, Fred and Della Sturgis, in Hephzibah, GA. In 1940, his grandparents moved to Martinez,
GA. In 1941, he moved his membership to Piney Grove Baptist Church. On the 2nd Sunday in June 1943,
he was ordained as a Deacon at the Piney Grove Baptist Church.
In 1941, James left the farm to work at Fort Gordon and worked there until 1946. After leaving Fort
Gordon, he worked at King Mill for 17 years. In 1963, he began working at Bath Mill for 22 years before
retiring in 1985. After retirement, he decided to work with his son, Donald, at Diversco from 1985 to 2005.
Deacon James Sturgis was the original founder of the Bright Stars Gospel Singers. He prayed for a
few Christian men who were passionate about singing the Gospel. In Spring of 1940, GOD answered his
prayers. Deacon Sturgis has been a surrogate father in the lives of over thirty men for seventy-seven years.
He was loved and respected by the men in the Bright Stars who call him Dad.
On September 12, 1942, James united in Holy Matrimony with the love of his life, Georgia Ann
Bennett Sturgis. To this union of 57 years, eight children were bom. They were married until October 24,
1999 when death parted them. In June of 2001, James married Ella Eva Holliman, and they were together
for nine years until her death on November 11, 2010.
Deacon James Sturgis anticipated a heavenly reunion with two sisters, Freddie Mae Thomas and
Mazolla Latimore, four brothers, Henry Singleton, Leroy Singleton, Ed Germany, and John Germany.
James leaves to cherish his memory: five daughters, Elnora Knight, Alpharetta, GA; Laura Dunn, Augusta,
GA; Wonlee Johnson-Smith; Dorothy Sturgis, Martinez, GA; and Margueritt Sturgis, Martinez, GA; three
sons, Leroy (Betty) Sturgis, Raleigh NC; Donald Sturgis, Hephzibah, GA; and James (Christine) Sturgis,
Charleston, SC; 20 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great grandchildren; six stepdaugh-
ters, Mary (Billy) Blakely, Martinez, GA; Valerie (Joseph) Glover, Hephzibah, GA; Vicky Mincey, Augus-
ta, GA; Brenda (Darryl) Dicks, Hephzibah, GA; Mary (Charles) Deloach, Augusta, GA; and Sandra
(Richard) Myers, Augusta, GA; one stepson, Ronnie (Shelia) Hollimon, Taylor, SC; 12 step grandchildren
and 14 step great grandchildren; two sister-in-laws, Jenelle Singleton, Augusta, GA; Eleanor Germany,
Harlem, GA; God children; Arthur and Lois Butler; very special friends, Alma Simpkins, North Augusta,
SC, and Deacon John Simmons, Augusta, GA; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
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tribute from (jfte Samily
Slow do we say goodbye to the man we all love
Ifou conquered the earth and now ascended above
We will never forget what you, did foe us and others..
StaidUty us to be mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers,
you gave uo your boot in everything you would do
Even if thio meant forsaking you.
you comforted uo in our weakest hour
We absorbed your wisdom, your (knowledge, your power
you challenged us to be our best
JVever settle for less
Ala matter what the test,
your lessons were firm but always fair
you loved us but the rod you did not spare,
your life can be described as fruitful and long
(9ne that inspired us to be strong
Bike the minerals of earth, hard and complete
Ifou taught us to be proud facing even defeat.
Ifou gave your advice, open and free
Somehow you always knew what the outcome would be
you gave us space to learn and room to grow
Gnd when we made mistakes you lovingly let us know.
So how do we say goodbye to the S>ad who did so much...
When we needed your guidance and comforting touch.
We stand tall and proud like you taught us to do
Gnd offer up this simple tribute to you.
Well Hove you Glways, She Samily
Sly, Wonee Sturgis
Gcknowledgments
jhe J-amily of (Deacon fames Willie Sturgis acknowledges with deep appreciation
all acts of kutdness extended to them during this our hour of bereavement.
QC(D (Bless you for all thoughtfulness and concern.
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LPatBewwii,
Rodney Sturgis Sr.; Rodney Gantt Jr.; Ricky Chishom;
LaVosier Hunt; Aaron Sturgis; and Terrell Sturgis.
StonoHwtyi tPatt&ewieM
The Deacons of Piney Grove Baptist Church
Ztmal CUtendanto
Ushers of Piney Grove Baptist Church
and Deacon Sturgis Granddaughters
(\Dear L amity,
As I reflect back over my life, I have been through many trails and tribula-
tions. But through it all, I held on to my faith in JESUS CHRIST. I knew that I had
to stand on the promises of GOD. As a result of standing, I am an heir to the King-
dom of GOD, a blessed man of GOD.......Every trail and tribulation Ive experi-
enced only made me stronger and wiser .
...I would like to leave this with my family, believe and trust in GOD. One
thing I have learned during my life is that GOD will work things out alright. Even
when you are falsely accused, lied on, and talked about in this world just stand on
the WORD OF GOD. You must make it the final authority in your life. Live to serve
GOD and love one another, unconditional, as CHRIST loves us.
My young family members, first and foremost, be born again. Obey your
parents, so that you can experience long life on the Earth, as I have done. Learn to
respect yourself first, and then you can easily respect your elders and others.
Always pray and be watchful because The Handwriting is On The Wall.
Most of all family and the Bright Stars let nothing separate your from the
Love of GOD. I love each one of you, and pray that GOD will prosper you in every
area of your life.
Deacon Sturgis Legacy Letter
Love,
DAD
Williams Funeral Home, Inc
2945 Old Tobacco Road
Hephzibah, Ga 30815
706-792-1003
Program Design by:
Cshell Photojournalist + Keysville, Ga. + 706-558-0445
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