Sympathy Saturday

 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 to the tree. Some weeks there are several, and some weeks there are none. This week there are two who actually passed away a few months ago as I got behind on email for while. So I may be doubling up for a several weeks.

    Please join me in offering condolences to their families and holding them in the light.

George Saffole Kight

February 15, 1934 - July 11, 2026

Cochran - George S. Kight, age 92, passed away Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 6:00 A.M. in Pinewood Healthcare Center in Hawkinsville. Funeral services will be held Monday, July 13, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. in the Chapel of Mathis Funeral Home with Pastor Robbie Passmore officiating. The family will greet friends from 7:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Mathis Funeral Home. Burial will be private in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Saffole (as he was known by most of the family), born in Kite GA. had lived in Cochran GA. since 1974. He was the son of the late George Marcus and Madeline Fortner Kight and was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years Roberta Maddox Kight. He was a graduate of Kite High School and was retired after more than 33 years as an Avionics Mechanic at Warner Robins AFB. A 65-year Freemason and Past Master of Cochran Masonic Lodge No. 217 he had been a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Middle Georgia for more than 38 years. He was a U.S. Army Veteran. One of his greatest joys was being “Poppa” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

His sister, Robbie (Forrest) Meeks and nephews, Forrest Colon Meeks Jr. and Daniel Marcus Meeks, preceded him in death.

Survivors include two sons, George S. (Lora) Kight Jr. and Edward O. (Kathy) Kight; two granddaughters, Christina (Jonathan) Ayers and Amanda Kight; two grandsons, Christian (Shelby) Kight and Colin Kight; two great-granddaughters, Hadleigh Ayers and Ella Kight; several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Masonic Home of Georgia, 1417 Nottingham Drive, Macon, GA 31211, or online at masonichomeofgeorgia.com/donate in memory of George S. Kight.

Mathis Funeral Home has charge of the funeral arrangements. This is a courtesy announcement of Stanley Funeral Home and Crematory/Wrightsville Chapel.

Peter Lynn Tapley

April 4, 1967 - July 28, 2026

Peter Lynn Tapley, of Opelika, Alabama was born in Alexander City on April 4, 1967 and passed away on July 28, 2026. He was 59 years old.

Lynn is survived by his wife of 18 years, Rachelle Tapley, and his 2 children: Camden Tapley and Clayton Tapley.

He is also survived by his sister, Beth Waldrep, his brother, Matt Tapley and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J.W. Tapley and Jeanette Tapley, his brother Kevin Tapley and his niece, Destiny Tapley.

Lynn was a devoted husband, proud father, loyal friend, and hardworking businessman whose life was defined by faithfulness, perseverance, and a deep love for his family.

Lynn dedicated 38 years of his career to D&J Enterprises, where he earned the respect of his coworkers through his strong work ethic and unwavering commitment. In 2010, alongside his wife, Rachelle, he pursued a lifelong dream by founding Lynn Tapley Trucking, LLC. What began as a shared vision, grew into a thriving business built on integrity, determination, and a genuine care for the people he served and worked alongside. Lynn poured his heart into creating something that would outlive him; a legacy measured not only by the company he built, but by the lives he touched, the relationships he formed, and the opportunities he created for others.

Above all, Lynn loved his family. He worked tirelessly to provide for those he loved and believed in giving his very best in everything he did. His strength, generosity, and unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and the work he loved will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy will live on through the family he cherished and the business he built with love, vision, and determination.

Services will be held Saturday, August 1, 2026 at Fredrick-Dean Funeral Home at 3:00 and will receive family and friends immediately following.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Sympathy Saturday

    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 to the tree. Some weeks there are several, and some weeks there are none. This week there are two who actually passed away a few months ago as I got behind on email for while. So I may be doubling up for a several weeks.

    Please join me in offering condolences to their families and holding them in the light.

Brenda Cheryl Galbreath Foss

August 17, 1951 - June 22, 2026

Mrs. Cheryl Galbreath Foss, age 74, of Ailey, died Monday, June 22, 2026, at the Community Hospice House in Vidalia following an extended illness. She was a native of the Sharpespur Community in Montgomery County and was a 1969 graduate of Montgomery County High School. She moved to Augusta where she lived for several years, and returned to Montgomery County, living in Ailey for the past forty years. Cheryl was a homemaker and a member of New Corinth Baptist Church. She enjoyed canoeing and white water rafting with her husband and family.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Allen “Bob” Foss; parents, Samuel Lawton “S.L.” Galbreath and Doris “Dot” Tapley Galbreath; and two brothers, Duane Galbreath and Terry L. “Lucy” Galbreath. 

Mrs. Foss is survived by one sister, Kim Galbreath Corley and husband Jim of Sharpespur; one stepson, Christopher Foss of Texas; one brother, Dennis Thornton and wife Lisa of Vidalia; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Per her request, a private graveside funeral service was held on Wednesday morning, June 24th, 2026, at 10:00 at Galbreath Cemetery with Pastor Reece Mincey officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Community Hospice Foundation, PO Box 2277, Vidalia, GA 30475.

Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge of arrangements.

Deborah Darlene 'Debbie' Tapley Stogner Arceneaux

December 23, 1952 - July 03, 2026

A celebration of life for Deborah "Debbie" Darlene Arceneaux, 73, of Saint Joseph, LA will be held at Calvary Baptist Church in Vidalia on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 11AM. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday from 10AM until service time at 11am.

Debbie was born on Tuesday, December 23, 1952 in Ringold, GA and passed away on Friday, July 3, 2026 at her residence surrounded by loved ones. Debbie was a woman of unwavering faith whose love for the Lord guided every step of her life. A strong and resilient Christian, she faced life's journey with courage, grace, and peace. When her time came, she was ready to meet her Savior, trusting completely in His promises. Debbie found joy in traveling, always looking forward to new adventures, whether near or far. At home, she loved working in her yard, tending her beautiful gardens, sewing thoughtful creations, and preparing delicious meals that brought family and friends together. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a personality that could brighten any room. Her infectious smile, quick wit, and joyful spirit made everyone around her laugh and feel welcome. Debbie never met a stranger, and those who knew her couldn't help but love her kind heart. Above all, she cherished her husband, delighting in every opportunity to spend time by his side. Her love, laughter, faith, and gentle spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed.

She is reunited with her parents, Francis Doyle Hazel Tapley and Andrew Doyle Tapley; and husband, Jimmy Stogner.

Those left behind to cherish Debbie's memories are her husband, Mike Arceneaux; brother, Danny Tapley & Sallie; sons, Eric Stogner and Jerimiah Stogner; grandchildren, Taylor Stogner and Kenley Stogner; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

To leave an online condolence for the family please visit www.youngsfh.com.

Sympathy Saturday

 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 to the tree. Some weeks there are several, and some weeks there are none. This week there are two who actually passed away a few months ago as I got behind on email for while. So I may be doubling up for a few weeks.

    Please join me in offering condolences to their families and holding them in the light.

Otis Lewis 'Buddy' Fortner
November 4, 1941 - June 5, 2026

Otis L. “Buddy” Fortner, 84, of Kite was called to Heaven by his Heavenly Father on Friday, June 5, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was loved by everyone and will be greatly missed.

If you came to Kite, GA, and asked for Otis Fortner few people would know who you were talking about but if you asked for Buddy Fortner, they could tell you where to find him. He was born on November 4, 1941, in a country home to the late Daniel Lewis Fortner and Reba Wheeler Fortner. In high school, he played basketball and was a catcher all 4 years for the Kite Tigers. He graduated from Kite High School in 1959. After high school he married the love of his life, Kathryn Kitchens Fortner, and they married on October 2, 1960. They spent 65 years loving each other in marriage.

He started his career at the age of 18 as a self-employed livestock dealer. He had friends and business contacts throughout the Southeast. As owner of Fortner Livestock, he employed 100s of employees. He operated big rigs hauling hogs and cows. He was also a partner in Smith Brothers Stockyard and Swainsboro Stockyard and later worked for Pulaski County Stockyard.

Buddy was a lifetime member of New Home Baptist Church. He loved God, his family, and his friends. He was the former Sunday School Superintendent and on The Social Committee. Buddy was a member of the Swainsboro Masonic #244 and a member of the Swainsboro Shrine Club for 25 years. As a Shriner clown he enjoyed visiting the Shriners hospitals. He enjoyed fishing and taught his children and grandchildren to fish. His trips to Gatlinburg with his church family were some of his favorite memories. He found pleasure in raising cows and taking care of his farm. He had a special gift for making people happy.

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughters, Kathy Carpenter and Tiffany Broughan.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years Kathryn Kitchens Fortner; daughter, Twan Broughan (Buddy) of Kite; son, Lewie Fortner (Gail) of Wrightsville; grandson, Lewis Fortner III (Jessica) of East Dublin; brother, Bobby Gene Fortner (Mahala) of Kite; 5 great grandchildren; special family friend, Jimmie Rumore; other extended family and many dear friends.

Funeral Services will be Monday, June 8, 2026, at 2:00 pm at New Home Baptist Church with Reverend Lamar Kersey, Mr. Phillip Boatright, Reverend Phil Wilson, and Reverend Burton Dixon officiating. Mr. Buddy Fortner will lie in state 1 hour prior to funeral service.

Internment will follow funeral services in Gumlog Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery. 

The family will receive friends at Chapman Funeral Home from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday June 7, 2026.

Pallbearers will be Todd Fortner, Danny Fortner, Walter Drew, Mark Crosby, Jody Scott, and Donnie Sweat.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Eddie Henry, Kenny Carroll, Anthony Frost, Big Red, and Men of New Home Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the New Home Baptist Church Youth Group, c/o Teri Crosby, 1862 Moore’s Chapel Road, Wrightsville, GA 31096.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Pruitt Hospice for their care of our loved one.  

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of all arrangements for Mr. Otis L. “Buddy” Fortner, 84, of Kite.

Jakob Hogan Tapley

~ 2001 - June 19, 2026
Ellabell, Georgia

Jakob Hogan Tapley, 25, of Ellabell, Georgia, passed away suddenly on Friday, June 19, 2026, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Jakob is going to be missed by his parents, Terry and Sherry Tapley; brother, Carter Tapley (Makenna); maternal grandparents, David and Shirley Hogan “Nana and Pop Pop”; special family, Cristy Sehr (William), Macey Mroz, and Caroline Cannady; uncles, Greg Tapley and Kim Tapley; aunts, Crystal Deal “Beet”, Charlie Spence and Melanie Cook (Mel Mel); special friends, Lucas Dyal, Trey Meeks, Destiny Graham, Greg Romano, Tommy Mikell, Thomas Hicks (Dolly), Terryn New, and Patrick Baratta; cousins, Timothy “Tim Tim” Thompson (Amber), Logan, Laney, Kinsley Sehr, Andrea Flakes, Daci Flakes, Maranda Thompson and Dathan Flakes.

Jakob and Logan Deal, who also passed away in the accident, were cousins and best friends from birth, each other’s “ride or die”. Jakob was his grandparents first grandchild, and his grandmother Shirley enjoyed calling him her “SugaBuggaBuggaBear”. He enjoyed fishing with his dad and brother, gaming, collecting guns, swords and he enjoyed anything Marvel. He was always happy and never had a bad day. Jakob had the most contagious smile and loved big. Jakob was so loved by his family and was always picked on for being a mama’s boy, who he loved and adored the most. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Edsel and Ethelene Tapley, and was employed with the ILA 1475 at the Georgia Port Authority.

The visitation will be on Friday, June 26, 2026 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the funeral home.  The funeral to honor Jakob's life will follow at 2 p.m. in the chapel of the funeral home.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes – WEST CHATHAM CHAPEL – 901 West Highway 80 – Pooler, Georgia (912) 748-2444

Sympathy Saturday

    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 to the tree. Some weeks there are several, and some weeks there are none. This week there are two who actually passed away a few months ago as I got behind on email for while. So I may be doubling up for a few weeks.

    Please join me in offering condolences to their families and holding them in the light.

Rita Tapley Marshall
April 20, 1942 - May 14, 2026
Waycross, Ware, Georgia, USA

Rita Tapley "Nanu" Marshall, 84, died peacefully in her sleep early Thursday morning (May 14, 2026) following a brief illness at Waycross Health and Rehabilitation.

She was born in Villa Rica GA, had lived most of her life in Marietta GA before making her home in Waycross for the past 8 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harley Eugene Marshall, a son Kevin Howard Marshall and her parents Carl Norman Tapley and Roberta Lee Tapley.

She was a member of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church and the Adult Ladies 2. Sunday School Class.

Survivors include her son: David Marshall (wife Briana), a granddaughter, Isabela Marshall, and a grandson, Elijah Marshall all of Waycross; a sister: Cathy Miller (husband Art) of Magnolia Springs AL, and two nephews, Drew Miller of Magnolia Springs, AL and Ben Miller of Tallapoosa GA.

In lieu of flowers it is requested that donations be made to Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, 7136 Central Ave, Waycross, GA 31503 or online at www.pvbcwaycross.org.

A committal service will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday (May 16, 2026) in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Villa Rica, GA.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday (May 26, 2026) at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the church Fellowship Hall.

Sympathy can be expressed by signing the online registry at www.musicfuneralhome.com.

Music Funeral Home of Waycross is in charge of arrangements.

Marcella Diane Nail Sapp
July 08, 1967 - June 01, 2026

Marcella Diane Sapp, 58, entered into eternal rest on June 1, 2026, at Community Hospice.

Born on July 8, 1967, Marcella was the daughter of Velma Beasley Curl of Reidsville and Ben L. Nail of Collins. She was a 1985 graduate of Pinewood Christian Academy and knew from an early age that she was called to become a teacher. She attended Georgia Southern University, where she earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Early Childhood Education.

Marcella devoted her life to teaching and nurturing young minds. During her career, she taught in the Tattnall, Montgomery, and Wheeler County school systems. Although she never had children of her own, she lovingly considered her students to be her children. She poured her heart into the classroom and touched the lives of countless students and their families through her compassion, patience, and dedication.

A faithful member of First Baptist Church of Lyons, Marcella’s life was grounded in her Christian faith. Shortly after beginning her teaching career, she married the love of her life, William “Lee” Sapp of Lyons. Together they shared more than thirty-one years of marriage built on faith, love, laughter, and unwavering devotion.

In November 2004, Marcella was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor, a diagnosis that ultimately prevented her from returning to the classroom she loved so dearly. Through every challenge that followed, Lee remained faithfully by her side, honoring the vows he made before God. Despite the limitations imposed by her illness, Marcella and Lee continued to enjoy road trips and make cherished memories together for many years.

In January 2023, Marcella’s health declined further, leaving her bedridden. Yet even then, her mind remained as sharp as ever. She enjoyed talking on the phone with family and friends, sharing good food, and watching her favorite television programs. Though her earthly body endured many hardships, Marcella rarely complained. Those closest to her knew that if she voiced her struggles, it was in prayer. In her Bible, she had marked Psalm 143, a quiet testimony to the faith that sustained her through difficult days. Though she seldom shared her burdens with others, she faithfully carried them to the Lord in prayer.

Marcella will be remembered for her loving heart, her dedication to education, her quiet strength, and her steadfast faith in God. Her grace in the face of adversity was an inspiration to all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her stepmother, Kay Lively Nail; her brother-in-law, Dewey O. Batton; and her grandparents, Otis and Jessie Beasley and Frank and Eunice Nail.

Left to cherish her memory are her devoted husband of more than thirty-one years, William “Lee” Sapp; her beloved fur babies; her mother and stepfather, Velma and Gary Curl of Reidsville; her father, Ben L. Nail of Collins; her sister, Melissa Batton of Lyons; her brother, Brent Nail (MaryLynn) of Bishop; her niece, Laura Johnson of Lebanon, Tennessee; her nephew, Ben Johnson of Atlanta; her nephew, Garrett Nail, and her niece, Gracen Nail, both of Bishop; her great-nephews, Camdon Cody and Carson Cody of Lebanon, Tennessee; and numerous extended family members, former students, and dear friends.

A graveside funeral service celebrating Marcella’s life will be held on Saturday morning, June 6th, 2026, at 10:00 at Cedar Creek Primitive Baptist Church, 1199 Cedar Creek Church Road, Collins, Georgia. Pastor Brian Durden will officiate.

Pallbearers are Brent Nail, Garrett Nail, James Rogers, Joe Skeens, Ben Johnson, and Tommy Kennedy.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice Foundation, PO Box 2277, Vidalia, GA 30475, in Marcella’s memory.

Though she is no longer with us, Marcella’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the students she inspired, and the family and friends who were blessed to know and love her.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

Written by her sister, Melissa.

Sympathy Saturday

    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 to the tree. Some weeks there are several, and some weeks there are none. This week there are two that actually passed away in the Spring. I got behind on email for while.

    Please join me in offering condolences to their families and holding them in the light.

Dessie Lewis Claxton

December 27, 1941 - April 14, 2026

Dessie Lewis Claxton, age 84, of Swainsboro, died Tuesday morning, April 14, 2026, at Emanuel County Nursing Home after an extended illness. Funeral services were held Friday, April 17, at 11 a.m. at Union Primitive Baptist Church with Elder Sam Bowen officiating and Elder Will Martin assisting. Mr. Claxton lay in state one hour prior to service. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Family received friends Thursday, April 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Tomlinson Funeral Home. Pallbearers were his grandsons. Lewis was born December 27, 1941, in Swainsboro, to the late Elder William Claxton and Nannie Lou Hudson Claxton, and was a lifelong resident of Emanuel County. He was a truck driver for over 35 years and retired from Claxton Septic Service. Lewis was a very loving daddy who instilled in his girls at an early age to always take care of each other as well as others around them. He enjoyed gardening and was very passionate about fishing. Nothing made him happier than a string of “good eatin’ size” bream. Lewis’ greatest pleasure was sharing a meal with someone. He was a member of Union Primitive Baptist Church. Mr. Claxton is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Linda Watkins Claxton; stepmother, Sarah Hudson Claxton; brother, Harold Claxton; and special friend, Catherine Kirby. Survivors include his daughters, Lesa Edwards, Barbara Williamson, Jane Claxton and Betty (Shane) Blalock; bonus son, Roy (Linda) Smith; step-sisters, Judy (Russell) Moore, Barbara (Allen) Strickland and Jessie (Donnie) Garrett; brother-in-law, Glen (Tammy) Watkins; grandchildren, Steven (Leslie) Edwards, Matthew Edwards (Kelsi McElroy), Tyler (Holly) Williamson, Faith (Brandon) Page, Tammie (Chance) Callaway, Katelyn (John) Hooks, Bill (Nikki) Hackle, Ryan Blalock, Ashley Blalock, Kayte Blalock and Morgan Blalock; great-grandchildren, Dylan (Emilie) Edwards, Baylee Edwards, Ashton Edwards, Karson McElroy, Danni Lynn Williamson, Demi Williamson, Denver Williamson, Weston Page, Collins Page, Gannon Williford, Chandler Callaway, Karsyn Callaway, Madilyn Hooks, Tucker Hooks, Eli Hackle, Baylor Hackle, Ansley Crosby, Avery Crosby, Ava Crosby and Leah Osborne; special nieces, Karen (David) Underwood, Laura (Billy) Tompkins, Jill (Tom) Usher and Julie (Andy) Love. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Union Primitive Baptist Church, c/o Barbara Williamson, 114 Francis Ave., Swainsboro, GA 30401. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Emanuel County Nursing Home and Pruitt Health Hospice for taking such excellent care of their dad the past year. Tomlinson Funeral Home of Swainsboro was in charge of arrangements.

Linda Marie Claxton Scarboro

April 19, 1959 - May 10, 2026

Mrs. Linda Marie Scarboro, 67, of Swainsboro passed away Sunday, May 10, 2026, at her residence. She was born on April 19, 1959. in Swainsboro to the late Carvie Claxton and Alma Thelma Gregory Claxton. Linda was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Rex Scarboro; grandson, Christian Malphrus; sisters, Jeanine Sumner, Gloria Scarboro; brother, Carvie “Buddy” Claxton, Jr.

Linda was a simple gracious woman whose life was defined by service. Through her work caring for patients at PruittHealth, she offered compassion, dignity and warmth to those who needed it most.

Her quiet strength and steady kindness touched many lives and reflected the depth of her character. She carried a deep love for God and found peace in the beauty of nature where she felt closest to her faith. Those who knew her will remember her gentle spirit and humility and the way she gave of herself without hesitation. Her legacy is one of love, service and quiet grace.

Survivors include her daughters, Diane Craig of Aiken, SC, Samantha Scarboro of Twin City, Carol Scarboro of Swainsboro; grandchildren, Nathan Henry (Jessica), Courtney Carter (Shayla), Jamie Bush, Samuel Scarboro; great-grandchildren, Peyton Henry, Leliana Harris; brother, Glen Claxton of Atlanta; sisters, Mary Wilson of Kingsland, Patricia Radford of Augusta; several nieces, nephews and many friends.

Funeral Services will be on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Chapman Funeral Home with Reverend Mark Hardin officiating.

Interment will be in Bithynia Primitive Baptist Church cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to services.

Condolences may be made at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Linda Marie Scarboro, 67, of Swainsboro.

Here's how these Claxtons were related to each other:

Sympathy Saturday

    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 to the tree. Some weeks there are several, and some weeks there are none. This week there are two that actually passed away in the Spring. I got behind on email for while.

    Please join me in offering condolences to their families and holding them in the light.

Robert Wayne Kea

October 11, 1941 - March 05, 2026

Swainsboro, Emanuel County, Georgia, USA

Mr. Robert Wayne Kea, 84, of Swainsboro passed away Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Emanuel County Nursing Home. He was born October 11, 1941, in Swainsboro to the late George Robert Kea and Frances Hooks Kea. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Larry Kea.

Survivors include his daughter, Sherry Riner (Jason Howard) of Swainsboro; brothers, Phillip Kea (Carol) of Atlanta, Gene Kea (Ann) of Swainsboro); sister, Barbara Williams (Bill) of Register; grandchildren, Amanda Rich and Justin Riner, both of Swainsboro; great-granddaughter, Stella Riner.

No arrangements have been made at this time.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com

Chapman Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements for Mr. Robert Wayne Kea, 84, of Swainsboro.

 

Henry Brady 'Bud' White Jr
August 20, 1953 - April 13, 2026

Mr. Henry “Bud” Brady White, age 72, of Tarrytown, died Monday, April 13, 2026, at his home following an extended illness. He was born on August 20, 1953, in Candler County to the late Henry Brady White and Mary Emma Collins White. The family returned to Tarrytown in 1959, and he graduated from Montgomery County High School, Class of 1972. After high school, he worked many years with the Georgia Department of Transportation. In 1996, Bud moved to Fairbanks, Alaska, working as a diesel mechanic for the Fairbanks School System before returning to Tarrytown in 2016. As a younger man, he was a member of Ruth’s Chapel Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, Georgia football and the NFL.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a son, Anthony Shane White; and a brother, George Jeffery White.

He is survived by one son, Chris H. White of Vidalia; three stepchildren, Angie Barfield Jackson of Dublin, Quinton Barfield, and Richie Barfield and wife Sam, all of Fairbanks; one sister, Gail White Parrish of Tarrytown; one brother, James White and wife Chelia of Ailey; two nephews and two nieces.

A graveside funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 16th, 2026, at 12:00 noon at Tarrytown City Cemetery with Pastor Paul Beasley officiating.

The family will receive friends at the cemetery from 11:00 until just prior to the service.

Flowers are accepted, or memorial donations may be made to Diamonds in the Ruff, PO Box 771, Soperton, GA 30457.

Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge of arrangements.