Sympathy Saturday - Keith Claxton

    Sympathy Saturday will be where I share the obituaries and my condolences for members of my family tree who passed recently.  When you get to be a certain age, you begin to read the obituaries every day.  As the days go by, you read about more and more of your friends and family members who have died.  You compare their age to your own and get a jolt. "That could have been me." 

    For genealogists, checking obituaries and visiting cemeteries is as normal as breathing. I learn so much from an obituary, i.e., maiden names, parents' names; children's' and grandchildren's' names, funeral and burial locations, sometimes even a cause of death.  I want to learn these things not for any purpose but to put it on the family tree for future generations to see and learn about the family that went before them. I admit, most of these relatives I have never met, but I think it is important to share that they were here on this Earth, and they were important.

    So I am signed up with at least three funerals homes from Swainsboro, Vidalia, and Wrightsville to get daily notices of obituaries sent to my email.  Every day, I peruse them and with the help of the family tree, figure out who is related to me and add any new information I learn to the tree.   

Official Obituary of

Henry Keith Claxton

November 10, 1955 ~ April 4, 2025 (age 69)

Henry Keith Claxton, 69, of Swainsboro, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 3, 2025, following an extended illness. His devoted wife was by his side as he peacefully entered the arms of his Savior, whom he faithfully followed throughout his life. Born in Swainsboro on November 10, 1955, Keith was the son of the Late Willis Claxton, Sr., and Jewel Perryman Claxton. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Phyllis Claxton Scarboro. Until his last moments, Keith’s life was marked by a deep and unwavering love for Jesus Christ. Whether through his words, his actions, or simply the way he cared for people, he carried the light of Christ with him everywhere he went. His life’s mission was clear- to make sure the world knew the Savior he loved so deeply. Keith served his community not only through the ministry but through a quiet and steadfast presence. He was a man of grace, courage, and integrity. Those who knew him were touched by his gentleness, his wisdom, and the way he made every person feel seen and valued. He finished his race with the same strength and faith that defined his life, leaving behind a legacy of love, humility, and service. More than anything else, Keith was a family person. He adored his wife of five decades, Kathy Canady Claxton. Their marriage was a beautiful testimony of enduring love and mutual devotion, especially evident in the care and companionship Kathy offered throughout his illness and final days. He was a proud father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and uncle, and his biggest wish was that those he loved would always carry his example of faith and love in their hearts. Keith is survived by his loving wife, Kathy Claxton; his children, Mathew Keith Claxton (Brenda), Joshua Claxton, and Kristal Smith (Wayne); his daughter-in-love, Sara Edmond (Adelaide’s mother); his grandchildren, Lindsey Simmons (Matt), Levi Smith, and Jewel Adelaide Claxton; his great grandchildren, McKinley, Stetson, and Garrison Simmons; his brother, Willis Claxton, Jr. (Diane); and a host of nieces, grand-nieces, nephews, grand nephews, and friends whom he loved and cherished very deeply. A Memorial Service to celebrate Keith’s life will be held at Hillcrest Baptist Church on Sunday, April 13th, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. The immediate family will depart for a private interment following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Beginnings in Christ, a cause close to Keith’s heart, 113 Augusta Road, Garfield, Georgia 30425, (478) 763-2647. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Staff of Emanuel County Nursing Home and Pruitt Hospice in the love and care they showed for Keith. Though the ache of his absence is profound, we rejoice in knowing Keith is now healed, whole, and worshipping at the feet of Jesus. Heaven has gained a good and faithful servant. Until we meet again. Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com. Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Henry Keith Claxton, 69, of Swainsboro.

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    Keith was my 4th cousin.  Our common ancestors were Zachariah William Claxton and Lincelia 'Lincely' Bush Claxton.

    Please join me in offering condolences to Keith's family and holding them in the light.