Same Family. Same Community. Same Service.
217 Ashby Street, Americus, GA 31709
(229) 924-2958
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Funeral Home, Incorporated
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In remembrance of your loved one
Servants of the People Since 1905
Community Engagement
Providing Support to the Community Since 1905
Barnum Funeral Home's family and staff have proudly supported the Americus-Sumter County community for 121 years. Creating opportunities for growth and change has been a deliberate effort of BFH's aim to bring awareness and knowledge to social, economic and political issues. This aim has been for the purpose to shift attitudes and mindsets but most importantly, to change and improve the experiences for all in our community. The link of each picture shares the spirit of BFH's family and staff giving back and continuously making a difference in our community.
Civil Rights Movement
The Barnum family's commitment to service extended beyond funeral care. During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, they were actively engaged in efforts that supported equality, justice, and community empowerment, reflecting the values of leadership and service that continue to guide Barnum Funeral Home today.
Sumter County Movement
John L. Barnum, Jr. played an active role in the local Civil Rights Movement, serving as Treasurer of the Sumter County Movement. Through his leadership and commitment to the community, he helped support efforts that advanced equality, justice, and opportunity for citizens throughout Sumter County.
The Leesburg Stockade
At just 11 years old, Lorena Barnum Sabbs demonstrated remarkable courage during the Civil Rights Movement. While participating in an effort to integrate a local movie theater in Americus, Georgia, she was among a group of young girls who refused to leave the segregated balcony. As a result, they were arrested and transported nearly an hour away to the Leesburg Stockade, where they were detained. Her experience stands as a powerful testament to the determination and sacrifice of young people who helped advance the cause of civil rights in Southwest Georgia.
Black Women and the Vote
Having experienced segregation firsthand, Lorena Barnum Sabbs has long understood the power and importance of the Black woman's vote. Arrested at age 11 for participating in efforts to integrate a local movie theater and later among the first Black students to attend a formerly all-white high school, she witnessed the sacrifices made by those who fought for equal rights. Those experiences shaped her belief that voting is both a privilege and a responsibility. For Lorena, every vote cast by a Black woman honors the struggles of previous generations and helps ensure that their sacrifices were not made in vain.
Servicing the Community
A native of Americus, Dr. Raven Payne is a community leader and advocate for civic engagement and professional development. She co-founded the twenty40 Young Professionals Group alongside Darrell Sabbs, Jr. and BroDrick Engram to provide a space for young professionals ages 25–45 to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the growth of Americus and Sumter County. Through networking, community service, and leadership development, twenty40 seeks to empower emerging leaders while fostering a stronger, more vibrant community for future generations.
Joseph D. Greene Award
For more than 20 years, Darrell Sabbs demonstrated a steadfast commitment to improving the health and well-being of communities throughout Southwest Georgia. During his tenure as Director of Community Benefit at Phoebe, he led numerous outreach initiatives, including women's and men's health fairs, and founded "Ties That Bind", a mentoring program designed to encourage, educate, and inspire young men. A passionate advocate for men's health and community engagement, Darrell's dedication to service extended far beyond his professional responsibilities. In recognition of his leadership and impact, he was named a recipient of the Healthcare Georgia Foundation's 2020 Joseph D. Greene Community Service Award.
Healthcare Advocacy
As Community Benefits Coordinator for Phoebe Putney Hospital System, Darrell Sabbs participated in a Congressional briefing where he discussed the prostate cancer screening recommendations issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). His participation reflected his ongoing commitment to public health education and advocacy, particularly in raising awareness about men's health issues and the importance of informed healthcare decisions.
Ties that Bind
Ties That Bind was a mentoring and leadership event that did more than teach young men how to tie a necktie—it fostered meaningful relationships and lasting connections. Created in observance of Men's Health Week and Father's Day, the luncheon brought together local male leaders and young men from the community to encourage mentorship, personal growth, and positive life lessons.
Five Generations of Service
Barnum Funeral Home was featured by WALB as part of its spotlight on Black-owned businesses and their lasting impact on local communities. The feature highlighted how, for five generations, the Barnum family continues the work established by its founders—serving families with compassion while helping break down barriers and create opportunities for others. The story also recognized the leadership of Fisk University graduate, Lorena Barnum Sabbs, who carries forward the family legacy and commitment to service. Reflecting more than a century of dedication, the funeral home's enduring motto remains: "Same Family. Same Community. Same Service."
A Love for Reading
What began as a way to support her father's declining eyesight became an opportunity for Lorena Barnum Sabbs to share her lifelong love of reading with the broader community. An avid reader, she discovered that audiobooks provided both entertainment and enrichment for her father, John L. Barnum, as his vision deteriorated. Inspired by that experience, she donated more than 400 audiobooks, along with a tape player, to the Lenora G. Lambert Community Center, helping make literature and learning more accessible to others. Her gift reflected her enduring commitment to education, community service, and improving the quality of life for those around her.
Americus Remembers
Barnum Funeral Home has proudly participated in the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Celebration and Parade, joining community members in honoring Dr. King's legacy of service, equality, and justice. Through its continued involvement, the Barnum family has demonstrated its commitment to promoting unity, fostering community engagement, and helping carry forward Dr. King's dream of a better future for all.