Swain Funeral Home

01/08/2026

Edward Ellis "Eddie" Cleland

Edward Ellis “Eddie” Cleland, age 66, of Baxley passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Appling Healthcare.

Eddie was born November 9, 1959, in Appling County and was the son of the late Mike Dencil Cleland and the late Malzie Ellis Cleland. A devoted member of Friendship Congregational Christian Church, Eddie served his church family in many roles over the years, including chairman of the cemetery and grounds committee, member of the building committee, church trustee, and former choir member.Eddie retired from Georgia Power Company after 32 years of dedicated service. He continued to serve his community as a member of the Appling County Tax Assessor Board and was proud to be a mason.Above all, Eddie cherished his family. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he found great joy in spending time with them. He also loved the outdoors, especially camping and fishing

He is survived by his wife, Shea Cleland of Baxley; sons, Michael (Jason) Cleland of Columbia, MD; Chad (Amanda) Cleland, Layne (Falone) Parker both of Baxley and Cody (Maci) Parker of Ball Ground; sister, Debbie (Wendell) Bullard of McRae. Grandchildren, Cara Bryant, Kate Hunter, Ellie Hunter, Cade Cleland, Logan Parker, Braden Parker, Liam Parker, Malley Grace Parker, Mason Carter, Jackson Carter and Madi Parker; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 12, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Friendship Congregational Christian Church with Rev. Barry Teutsch and Rev. C. J. Keister officiating.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Michael Cleland, Chad Cleland, Layne Parker, Cody Parker, Braden Parker, Hollis Bullard, Jason Kepp and Mike McDaniel.

Honorary pallbearers will be his former co-workers with Georgia Power Company and all family and friends in attendance

Visitation will be held on Sunday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Friendship Congregational Christian Church.

Remembrances may be made to Friendship Congregational Christian Church Cemetery Fund, 900 Friendship Church Rd., Baxley, GA 31513.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

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01/04/2026

George D. "James" Herrin

George D. “James” Herrin, 86, of Baxley entered into the presence of His Lord and Savior on January 3rd, 2026 surrounded by family and covered in prayer.

There’s no doubt that this faithful warrior heard the words, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant” as he was welcomed into his Heavenly home. A devoted man of God, a faithful husband, loving father and treasured “Papa”, he will be missed by those who know and love him. He was a man who delighted in using his talents and gifts to bless others through sharing the good news of the gospel, especially through song.

George (son of Arthia Warnick and George Dewey Herrin Sr) is preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Frances Herrin.

George is survived by his wife Myrna Herrin, sons Jeff (Jennifer) Herrin, Greg (Georgetta) Herrin, and daughter Tammy (Brett) Howell. He had three stepsons: Jimmy, Joel, and Neal White. George was also a proud grandfather to Kaitlyn (Caleb) Myers, Caleb (Sara) Howell, Carter Howell, Joel (Cynthia) Herrin, Julia (Brendon) Block, and Jenna Joy Herrin. The honor to know their great grandfather belonged to Millie Jane Myers, Beckett James Myers, and Mateo Duran as well as several step grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Active pallbearers will be Ernesto Baustia, Neal White, Carter Howell, Caleb Howell, Caleb Myers, Joel White and Lee Fowler.

The Fellowship Sunday School class of Woodlawn Baptist Church will serve as honorary pall bearers, along with the dedicated nurses and staff of Regency SouthernCare Hospice of Vidalia.

The service to honor George will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday, January 6th at Woodlawn Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Zion Church of God Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6:00-8:00PM at Swain Funeral Home.

Arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

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01/04/2026

Virginia Nichols Sanders

Virginia Nichols Sanders, age 87, of St. Simons Island passed away on January 3, 2026.

Mrs. Sanders was born October 30, 1938 in Atlanta, Georgia to the late Frank Nichols and the late Elise McCrary Nichols. She married James Lewis Sanders in 1961 and graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. While at UGA, she was an officer of Chi Omega Sorority and the Atlanta Debutant Club. She went on to teach school in both the Atlanta and Fulton County School Systems. Mrs. Sanders and her husband moved to St. Simons Island in 1978 but continued to be avid and lifelong Georgia Bulldawg fans. She was first employed by Frederica Academy and from 1980 until her retirement, she was the Executive Secretary at Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce. She was a member of First Baptist Church of St. Simons.

After suffering a decline in health, Mrs. Sanders moved to Lakeside Senior Living in Douglas to be closer to her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Lewis Sanders, nephew, David Nichols, great niece, Caroline Smith, and brother-in-law, Jimmy Ney.

She is survived by her daughters, Shannon (Jay) McPherson of Hazlehurst and Meredith (Vince) Hereld of Edna, Texas; son, Jay (Tonya) Sanders of Brunswick; sister, Carol N. Ney of Charlotte, NC; brother, Frank D. (Tommie) Nichols of Atlanta. Seven grandchildren, Ashley (Jeffery) Googe, Mallory (Ross) Powell, Jaymie Beth (Thomas) Perry-Parker, Brittany Thompson, Haley (Matt) Hines, Grady Sanders, and Anderson Sanders; thirteen great grandchildren; and several nieces also survive.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, Georgia.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Lakeside Senior Living for the care they provided during the past eight years.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

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01/01/2026

James Lamar "Jimmy" Allen

James Lamar “Jimmy” Allen, 84, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at his residence under the care of Comfort Care Hospice.

Mr. Allen was born on May 30, 1941 in Walthourville, Georgia to the late Eulie Lee Allen and the late Blanche Boyd Allen Stewart. He came to Appling County in 1968 as a football coach and began a lifelong relationship with the Appling County Pirates, one that he cherished and faithfully supported throughout the years. In addition to football, he coached tennis and track and field. He served as assistant principal and then principal of Appling County Junior High and Middle School, a position he held until his retirement in 2000.

Mr. Allen was honored as Grand Marshal of the Homecoming Parade on two occasions and received several awards, including Boss of the Year and Outstanding Young Religious Leader from Jaycees. He was named Coach of the Year for Boys’ and Girls’ Tennis in 1984 and received the Distinguished Volunteer Leadership Award from the March of Dimes.

Mr. Allen was a member of Baxley First Church, where he served as a Sunday School teacher. He was involved in numerous community organizations, including the Gideons and its Jail Ministry, Lions Club, Retired Teachers Association, Christmas in Action, United Way of Appling Co., and the Touchdown Club. He also served as President of the Lions Club.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Charlene W. Allen of Baxley; daughter, Michelle L. Allen of Baxley; and a sister, Barbara A. Johnson of Baxley.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Baxley First Church with Rev. Adam Thomas, Rev. Lamar Lee, Rev. David Deen and Rev. Ronnie Rentz officiating. Interment will follow in Shiloh Cemetery in Lumber City, Georgia.

Active pallbearers will be Kelvin Skinner, Larry Cooper, Mike Carter, Eddie Miles, Bill Tharpe and Gene Mann.

Visitation will be held at the church, from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral hour.

Remembrances may be made to Baxley First Church, The Gideons, 24/7 House, or the Lions Club.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

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12/31/2025

Donald Ray "Donnie" Smith

Donald Ray “Donnie” Smith, age 75, of Baxley passed away Wednesday, December 31, 2025 under the care of Hospice of South Georgia.

Mr. Smith was born October 22, 1950 in Alma to the late Clifford Lamar “C. L.” Smith and the late Alma Laverne Yawn Smith. He was a member of Baxley Church of God. He owned and operated S & W Enterprises, Inc. from 1986-2002. Mr. Smith went to college at the age of 50 and received his master’s degree. He spent 20 years helping others recover from addiction. He was preceded in death by a brothers-in-law, Timothy Jordan and Edward Walls.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Helen Smith of Baxley; daughter, Daphne “Dee Dee” Brannen of Odum; sisters, Ella Frances of Las Vegas, NV and Cathy Jordan of Baker, FL; mother-in-law, Bobbie Walls of Baxley; godson, J. J. Mincey of Gainesville, FL; and future son-in-law, Jon Priest of Alma.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Swain Funeral Home with Pastor Lamar Lee and Jon Priest officiating. Interment will follow in Omega Cemetery.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Remembrances may be made to Hospice of South Georgia 1625 Sunset Boulevard Jesup, GA 31545.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

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12/29/2025

Janice Marie Jeffords

Janice Marie Jeffords, age 55, of Baxley passed away Monday, December 29, 2025 at Appling Healthcare.

Janice was born July 7, 1970 and was a native and lifelong resident of Appling County. She was a seamstress and especially enjoyed crocheting. She was preceded in death by her mother, Wilda Ann Gaskins.

Survivors include her son, Reuben Lee Miles, of Baxley and a special cousin and caretaker, Janice (Tony) Davis of Baxley.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

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12/28/2025

Deborah Ann Hanson

Deborah Ann Hanson, age 78, of Baxley passed away on December 27, 2025 at her residence under the care of Community Hospice.

Mrs. Hanson was born on August 10, 1947 in Jacksonville, Florida to the late William T. Pendarvis and the late Shirley Natarus Pendarvis. She was a founding member of Christ Community Church, was involved in the LACE women’s ministry, and served with Light for the Nations. Her passion in life was doing mission work around the world.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandparents, Robert Dewey & Cammie Pendarvis and Abraham & Sadie Natarus.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Gary Hanson of Baxley; sons, Randy (Angie) Hanson of Baxley, Danny (Heather) Hanson of Alexandria, VA, and Gregory Hanson of Baxley; and brother Billy (Carolyn) Pendarvis of Mississippi. Three grandchildren, Brittani (Matt) Dooley, Christina (Truss) Beasley and Annalise Hanson (fiancé, Colin Brown) and four great-grandchildren also survive.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at Christ Community Church with Rev. Mike Ricker, Rev. Brad Park, and Rev. Tim Carlson officiating. Interment will follow in Omega Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Swain Funeral Home.

Active pallbearers will be Randy Hanson, Danny Hanson, Greg Hanson, Matt Dooley, Truss Beasley, Colin Brown and Corran Johnson.

Honorary pallbearers will be all family and friends in attendance

In lieu of flowers the family request that memorial contributions be made to Light for the Nations (www.lftn.org/154 Palmetto Dr. Rincon, GA 31426) or to Christ Community Church (1585 Hatch Pkwy. N Baxley, GA 31513).

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

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12/28/2025

Phillip David Osteen

Rev. Phillip D. Osteen, age 82, of Surrency passed away on December 27, 2025 at the Pavilion under the care of Comfort Care Hospice.

Bro. Phillip was born November 16, 1943 and was a native and lifelong resident of Appling County. He served Appling County in many capacities and was the former owner of Farmers Ag Supply. He worked as a deputy with the Appling County Sheriff’s Office and as an officer and detective with the Baxley Police Department. He was a former EMT and served as Coroner of Appling County for many years.

Bro. Phillip was an ordained Baptist minister who served as pastor of Harmony Baptist Church, Harvest Chapel Church, Calvary Baptist Church and Friendship Baptist Church in Wayne County.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard Lavan Osteen and Ethel Lamb Osteen; daughter, Laurie Osteen; brothers, Mickey (Geneva) Osteen and Quinton (Betty) Osteen; and nephews, Lavan Osteen and Rusty Osteen.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Carole Dianne Osteen; daughters, Hollie (Kendall) Mincey and Allyson (Stewart) Reeves; grandchildren, Ashley (Blake) Carter, Dustin Campbell, McKenzie Mincey, Jack Reeves (fiancé, Madi Taylor), and Nick Reeves; great grandchildren, Colton Carter, Cason Carter, Brixton Campbell, and Baylor Webb; and a former caregiver, Hannah Webb.

Graveside services will be held on December 29, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at Zion Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Stewart Reeves, Rev. Rick Brown, and Elder Jerry Lightsey, officiating.

Active pallbearers will be Jack Reeves, Nick Reeves, Colton Carter, Cason Carter, Adam Osteen, and D. J. Kimberly.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ronnie Lewis, Jimmy & Sally Godfrey, Meghan Kimberly, Greg Edwards, Monty Edwards, Henry Branch, Pascal Pearce, Jimmy & Beverly Carter, Bill Johnston, Greg Taylor, Mike & Kim Stanley, Belinda Jackson, Mitchell & Darlene Kimberly, Gladstone Ward, Lamar Leggett, Jerry & Cindy Tomberlin, the staff of the Pavilion C-Hall, and the staff of Comfort Care Hospice.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

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12/24/2025

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law. Galatians 4:4

12/24/2025

Beverly Kay Rivers

Beverly Kay Rivers, age 66, of Baxley passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at her residence.

Beverly was born January 17, 1959 in Bacon County but resided in Appling County for most of her life. She was a member of Southside Church of God in Alma and was a retired Family Nurse Practitioner for Appling Healthcare where she truly loved her patients and they loved her. Christmas was her favorite time of the year, and she loved spending it with her family and friends. She was an avid gardener who enjoyed the outdoors as well as having a passion for the beach. Beverly was preceded in death by her father, Robert Lee Thompson, and a nephew, Jason Hall.

She is survived by her daughter, Bethany (Rex) Cox of Denton; mother, Joyce Thompson of Baxley; sisters, Kimberly (Kevin) White and Sharon Glisson both of Baxley; and brother, Jeff Newsome of Brunswick. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Friday, December 26, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at First Assembly of God with Rev. David Deen and Rev. Ronnie Rentz officiating.

Interment will follow in Omega Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Luke White, David Beckworth, James Henry Hunter, Tony Parise, Jimmy Hunter and Grant Drew.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

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12/23/2025

Janice Riner Allagood

Janice Riner Allagood, 89, passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at her residence in Carbondale, CO.

She was a native of Swainsboro, Georgia, but lived most of her life in Baxley, Georgia. She is preceded in death by her parents, Remus and Sallie Mae Riner; husband Jack D. Allagood and son C. Jeffrey Allagood; sisters, Jacquelyn Price, and JoAnn Thompson.

Janice graduated from Berry College in Rome with a degree in Home Economics. Not long after she began teaching high school in Baxley, she met her future husband who fell in love with her (and her cooking!) After marriage, she acquired a degree in Elementary Education from Georgia

Southern and finished her 30-year career teaching 3rd grade. She enjoyed teaching and considered it a “give back” for all the opportunities education had provided her.

Faith, family and service were important to Janice. She was a devoted member of the Baxley First United Methodist Church, where she was involved with choir, UMW, Sunday school, Church Missions, and the nursery. In the community, she was a member of the Georgia Retired Educators Association, Pine Forest Garden Club, and the Arts Council.

Janice had a passion for dogs and cats and rescued strays who eventually became her “pets.” She gardened with care and displayed beautiful flowers to all who passed by. She also enjoyed playing Bridge, reading, sewing, traveling and of course, UGA football.

She moved to Colorado in 2018 to be near her daughter and son-in-law. Her new friends were drawn to her southern drawl and sweet mannerisms, and they fondly called her “Dixie.” She still considered Baxley her home and returned often to visit friends, loved ones and her church family.

Survivors include her daughter Jill (Richard) Rogers of Carbondale, CO, step-granddaughters, Erin (Kyle) Crawley and Rebecca Rogers of Carbondale, CO, Kristen Rogers of Nashville, TN, and three great-grandchildren. Also surviving are niece Sandra (Chuck) Mason, and three nephews, Mitch (Tracey) Price, Jim Thompson, and Jon Thompson. Several other relatives also survived.

Visitation is scheduled for 10:00, followed by a funeral service at 11:00, on Tuesday, December 30, at Baxley First Church. Entombment will follow in Omega Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Christian Appalachian Project or First Church in Baxley, Georgia.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

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12/22/2025

Clarice Dubberly Swinson

Clarice Swinson passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 18th at the age of 94. She was born September 7, 1931. Clarice and her eleven Siblings knew the meaning of hard work, growing up on a cotton farm in southeast Georgia during the Great Depression. The hardships she experienced during childhood taught her the value of saving every penny.

She lived by that belief throughout her life. She graduated from Surrency High School in 1949. Later she attended South Georgia College, where she studied secretarial skills. She married the love of her life, James (Jim) E. Swinson, in Baxley, Georgia in November 1951. She accompanied Jim throughout his career in the United States Air Force. She raised four children while making homes in Savannah, Georgia, Athens, Greece, Albuquerque, New Mexico and at Edwards Air Force Base, California. In 1972, Jim and Clarice settled in Hazlehurst, Georgia, where they became active members of the Altamaha Community and Philadelphia United Methodist Church. Clarice worked in the business office at Jeff Davis Hospital in Hazlehurst for several years. She was a member of Eastern Star and served as worthy matron. Since 2011, she lived in Chapin, South Carolina.

She leaves behind four children: Shirley Swinson Carter (Jack), Janet Swinson Flint (Kendrick), James T. Swinson (Stephanie) and Steven D. Swinson, two grandchildren: Lindsey Carter and Trenton Swinson as well as many nieces and nephews. Her surviving siblings are Manning Edison Dubberly, Frances Dubberly McGlohon, Doris Dubberly Dugger, Patricia Dubberly Moody, Joseph Edward Dubberly, William Paul Dubberly.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 27th at 10:00 am at Swain Funeral Home, 1632 Hatch Parkway North, Baxley, Georgia.

Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am in the chapel of Swain Funeral Home. Interment will be in Philadelphia Methodist Church Cemetery, 307 Philadelphia Methodist Church Road, Hazlehurst, Georgia.

Pallbearers will be Lewis Swinson, Christopher Swinson, Chace Swinson, Cason Swinson, Trent Swinson, and Cecil Dubberly.

The family wishes to express special thanks to Estella Lesane, caregiver extraordinaire, who lovingly cared for Clarice for more than two years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).

Arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

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