Swain Funeral Home

04/15/2026

Dianne Roberson Griffin

Dianne Roberson Griffin, age 77 of Baxley, passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at her residence under the care of Comfort Care Hospice.

Mrs. Griffin was born on October 28, 1948 in Appling County to the late Hovis “Junior” Roberson and the late Vera Mae Carter Roberson. She was a member of Red Oak Baptist Church and was a retired courier for Dairy Farmers of America. Mrs. Griffin was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, J. F. Griffin; parents-in-law, Frank & Idell Griffin; brother, J. E. Roberson, brothers-in-law, Johnny Griffin & Ray Griffin; and a sister-in-law, Wanell Parker.

Survivors include her children, Becky Griffin Murray & Jeffery (Pam) Griffin; grandchildren, Houston (Christie) Griffin, Hannah Griffin, Alannah Griffin; great grandchildren, Christopher & Cammie-Leigh Salemi; brother-in-law, Henry (Kathy) Griffin; sisters, Linda (Aubrey) Lynch and Jane (Don) Aycock; brother, Stevie (Annette) Roberson; sisters-in-law, Helen Roberson, Wilma Sweat, Janie Batten, Kay Moore, Maxine (Van) Martin, Charlotte (Clyde) Gruber; and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 17, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Red Oak Baptist Church with Rev. Robbie Gill and Matt Gardner officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Larry Williams, Stacey Williams, Brett Aycock, Michael Griffin, Jordan Roberson and Brandon Carter.

Honorary pallbearers will be Lamar & Lisa Deen, Wade & Sherry Orvin, Betty Jo Daniels, Ricky Williams, Carol Williams, Cathy Williams, Venola Miles, Rodney & Pam Williams, Randy & Angie Branch, Carolyn Smith, her special caretakers, Jeanette Parker, Pam Lee, Comfort Care Hospice, and all in attendance as well as Beach Timber Company.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

View Dianne Roberson Griffin's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/15/2026

Barbara Jean Carter

Barbara (Rentz) Carter, age 90, a native of Appling County, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 13, 2026 in her home of over 50 years.

Born on February 7, 1936, to the late Gladys Holland Rentz and Rev. C.D. Rentz, Barbara was the oldest of five children. In her early years her family lived in various locations throughout the Southeast including, Savannah and parts of Florida while striving to live the American dream. Ultimately they returned to Appling County where she grew up surrounded by the love of family, while gaining invaluable life experiences and developing a strong spirit based on faith and devotion that helped her succeed and that she maintained throughout her life. She was a member of Memorial Free Will Baptist Church and also often visited Mt. Vernon Baptist Church.

As a young woman, Barbara went to Nashville, TN to attend Free Will Baptist Bible College. She was preparing herself for a planned career in education. On one of her breaks from college she met and later married the love of her life, James D. Carter Sr. (also a Native of Appling Co.) and together they built a beautiful family celebrating 38 years of marriage filled with joy, laughter, and an unwavering partnership until he passed. They were blessed with two sons, James D. Carter Jr. (“Jim”) and Robert Stephen Carter (“Bobby”). Barbara poured her heart and soul into every challenge. She was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, teacher and friend. She generally led by example and always strived to maintain a God centered, warm and loving environment.

Barbara’s teaching career spanned over 40+ years. She started in Appling County right out of college and after teaching elsewhere, later returned to Appling County where she ultimately finished out her career and retired. She was known for a strict but loving teaching style which always included devotions for her students. She was Appling County Elementary Teacher of the Year for the 1982-1983 school year and throughout her career enjoyed teaching and shaping both the minds and hearts of her many students with wisdom, patience and genuine care. Her impact as a teacher extended far beyond the classroom, as she touched the lives of generations through her kindness and commitment tohelping others learn valuable information and life skills.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband James D. Carter Sr., her cherished son Bobby, her brothers Warren and David Rentz, and sister Joyce Riggs. She has countless cousins on both the paternal and maternal side of her family with many nieces and nephews as her extended family was quite large. One of her greatest joys came late in life after patiently waiting years and years, as Barbara finally got her wish of becoming a grandmother when her grandson, Chase, was born in 2013 who brought her endless pride, joy and happiness.

Barbara was truly a woman of great inner strength, deep faith, and a God given ability for unconditional love, especially for children. She strived to live her life with purpose seeking to share the gospel and teach all who would listen. As a result, she touched the lives of everyone who came to know her in a positive manner. She will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to have shared life experiences with her, especially those who could call her family, teacher or friend. She possessed all the qualities of a virtuous and Godly woman as outlined in Proverbs 31 including, dignity, patience, diligence, generosity, courage, wisdom and devotion.

Her family also wants to extend a special thankyou to her caretakers who have provided her with assistance and care over the past few years, Rhonda Carter, Ann Griffin, Karen Shipes, Betty Copeland and Brenda Williamson. We will be forever grateful for the care and comfort you provided to her as she concluded the final “chapters of her life.” Her love will continue to live on through every life she touched and she will be deeply missed and forever loved by her family, extended family, friends and loved ones.

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 on Friday, April 17, 2026 at Swain Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 18, 2026 in the Chapel of Swain Funeral Home followed by interment at her home church, Memorial Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery. Immediately thereafter a luncheon for the family/friends is being provided by the ladies of the church.

Active Pallbearers will be nephews, Bruce Rentz, Darin Riggs, Barry Rentz, & Felix Rentz, along with great nephews Myers Harvey, Mason Delony, Chandler Rentz and her grandson, Chase Carter.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Retired Educators and her brother, James Rentz.

Presiding ministers will be Rev. Ronnie Rentz and Rev. Rick Brown with music provided by Sherry Lynn and Glen Beach.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

View Barbara Jean Carter's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/15/2026

04/14/2026

Samuel Dexter Lynn

Samuel Dexter Lynn, age 51, of Baxley passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026 at Appling Healthcare.

Dexter was born February 15, 1975 in Glenwood, Georgia to the late Jarvis J. Lynn and the late Glenda Kay Carter Lynn. He was a talented diesel mechanic for Metrolina Equipment. He was a simple man who enjoyed the outdoors, whether he was working on a car, camping, or fishing. But his most treasured moments were spent with his family, especially his beloved children and grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Dexter was preceded in death by a sister, Dana Medders.

Survivors include his wife, Billie Jo Lynn of Baxley; daughters, Dezerae Lynn (Devon) of Baxley, Krista (Jerome) Sikes of Waycross and Kayla (Justin) Jarrell of KY; son, Cody (Bell) Lynn of Baxley; sisters, Shayna Toups of Baxley and Tina Jarrell of KY; brother, Jeffery Lynn of Baxley; step-mother, Annette Lynn of Baxley; and six grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Swain Funeral Home with Rev. Ronnie Rentz and Stephanie Allen officiating. Interment will follow in Midway Baptist Church Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Cody Lynn, Trent Varnadore, Quinton Hall, Devon Friedel, Jeffery Lynn, Spencer Craven and Shaun McIntyre.

Honorary pallbearers will be employees of Metrolina Equipment and JM Miles Construction.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Swain Funeral Home.

View Samuel Dexter Lynn's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/11/2026

Patricia Courson Scarborough

Patricia Courson Scarborough, age 76, of Baxley, Georgia, passed away Friday, April 10, 2026 at her residence, surrounded by her loving family.

Patricia was born November 7, 1949 in Appling County to the late Monroe William Courson and the late Laura Hardwick Courson and was a woman defined by her sweet spirit, her unwavering faith, and the deep love she carried for her family. She will be remembered as a sweet, loving, faithful, and kind woman whose heart was always centered on her family. She loved deeply and without condition, and anyone who knew her felt that love.

She found her greatest happiness in simply being surrounded by her family and the people she loved. She cherished the simple, meaningful moments especially rocking on her front porch, watching her children, grandchildren, & great grandchildren play. One memory her children and grandchildren will forever hold close is her standing on that porch, waving as they left to go home, until they were out of sight, a quiet but constant reminder of her love that followed them wherever they went.

Patricia was a dedicated teacher for over 26 years, a role she truly loved. After her time in the classroom, she retired to work alongside her husband and children in blueberries, something she took great pride in. She loved teaching, she loved working, and she truly loved staying busy. Her children often said she was one of the busiest women they knew and she wouldn’t have had it any other way. She would have continued working this season if her health had allowed.

She loved Jesus and loved her church, and her faith carried her through every season of her life. She was a faithful and active member of Asbury Church.

She is now at peace, resting in the arms of Jesus, reunited with her loving parents, her husband, and her family who have gone on before her. Her love will continue to live on through every life she touched.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved by her family, and by many extended family members and loved ones.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Scarborough, sisters, Catherine Carter, Velma Mumford, and Linda Fowler, son-in-law, Clint Giles, and nephews, Archie Courson, Preston Fowler, and Chad Carter.

Survivors include her daughters, Cheri (Ron) Medders of Nevils, Brandi Giles (Blake Lane) of Rincon, Carlyn Gardner of Baxley, Nanci (Daniel) Rentz of Baxley; sons, Monroe (Amanda) Crosby of Baxley and Jason (Kelsie) Scarborough of Lyons; sister, Janice Miles of Baxley; brothers, William (Claudia) Courson of Baxley and Wayne (JoNell) Courson of Canton; brothers-in-law, Lake Carter and Ronald Mumford both of Baxley. She was a proud grandmother to Noah Gardner (Emily), John Garrett Giles, Alyssa Giles, Jane Rentz, Emily Rentz, Carson Giles, Drew Rentz, Thomas Gardner, Tyler Monroe (Chelsea), Ryan Bohannon (Courtney), Taylor Hutcheson (Brent), Kellin Scarborough, and Dawson Scarborough. A great-grandmother to Damien Gardner, Talia Gardner, Wade Hutcheson, Matthew Hutcheson, Carson Bohannon, Carmen Bohannon, Scarlett Coonce, Ashley Monroe, Paxton Monroe, and Tyhan Davis.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. at Asbury Church with Rev. Shane Youmans officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Monroe Crosby, Noah Garner, John Garrett Giles, Alyssa Giles, Ron Medders, and Remigio Moralez.

Honorary pallbearers will be all friends in attendance of the funeral service.

Visitation will be held Monday, April 13, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Swain Funeral Home.

In keeping with Patricia’s love of gardening and growing plants and shrubs, the family requests that any floral donations be plants rather than fresh flowers.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

View Patricia Courson Scarborough's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/07/2026

Belinda Sue Barfield

Belinda Sue Barfield, age 63, of Savannah passed away Friday, April 3, 2026 at her residence.

Belinda was born February 13, 1963 in Appling County. She was an honor graduate of Appling County High School Class of 1980. She was an avid reader and loved the beach and being outdoors. She was a devoted business administrator and partner of Bella Terra Interior Solutions and enjoyed her many friendships with co-workers and neighbors. Belinda was a member of Memorial Free Will Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her father, Martin Hobart Barfield.

Survivors include her mother, Margaret Barfield of Baxley and longtime companion, William “Corky” Cook of Savannah. Several aunts, uncles, and cousins also survive.

Graveside Services will be held Friday, April 10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Appling Memorial Gardens with Pastor Chris Calhoun officiating.

Active pallbearers will be Todd Boyer, Mark Gordon, Ted Bryan, Rick Byrd, Brock Baker, and Harry Dunn.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. at Swain Funeral Home.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

View Belinda Sue Barfield's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/06/2026

Betty Jean Turner

Betty Jean Turner, age 85, of Baxley passed away Sunday, April 5, 2026 at her residence.

Mrs. Turner was born September 27, 1940 in Blackshear, Georgia to the late Isom Manning Aldridge and the late Rilla Barbara Crawford Aldridge. She was a devoted member of Zoar Baptist Church and dearly loved her church family. Mrs. Turner enjoyed spending time with her family and working in her yards and flowers.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Turner, son, Edward Turner, grandsons, Brandon Walker and Winston Tomberlin, a great granddaughter, Gracie Kay Cauley; siblings, R.I. Aldridge, Harvey Lee Aldridge, Lillian Aldridge, Helen Dixon, Margaret Champion and Jerry Aldridge.

Survivors include her daughters, Mary (Doug) Cauley and Gail Tomberlin, both of Baxley; son, Richard (Toni) Turner of Baxley; sister, Lorine Higginbotham of Jacksonville, FL; brothers, J. B. Aldridge of Jacksonville, FL and Earl Aldridge of Blackshear. Nine grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Zoar Baptist Church with Rev. Allen Stalvey officiating. Interment will follow in Zoar Cemetery.

Active pallbearers are Blake Cauley, Brian Cauley, Brent Cauley, Brody Cauley, Dallas Tomberlin and Chris O’Quinn.

Honorary pallbearers are members of Zoar Baptist Church.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

View Betty Jean Turner's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/04/2026

Marilyn J. McDaniel

Marilyn Johnson McDaniel, beloved wife, mother, and Memama, passed away Friday, April 3rd at her home, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and kindness that can never be forgotten.

Memama was the kind of person who made everyone feel special and deeply loved. Her heart was generous, her presence comforting, and her love unwavering. To know her was to be loved by her, and she gave that love freely to everyone around her.

Memama truly made our world go round. There were always homemade cookies in the jar, M&M’s, and juicy fruit gum close by. You never left her house without feeling better than when you walked in. She had a way of making everything feel okay. She didn’t just love her family, she took care of them in every way that mattered.

She always put her family first and made sure those she loved were cared for and cherished. She had a way of bringing everyone together, whether through a meal, a little tough love, or simply her presence. If you were hers, you knew it, and you felt it.

To her family, she was everything. A constant source of strength, wisdom, and unconditional love. She leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever and a love that will continue to live on in the hearts of her family.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Aaron Otho McDaniel; daughters, Sheila (Dwayne) Lannom and Pam (Gabe) Wooten; son, Darren (Laura) McDaniel; sister, Linda Miller; twelve grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren with three on the way. She was preceded in death by her parents Leroy Johnson and Annie Mae (Smith) Johnson, her sisters, Gertie Lee Spann, Lillian Everett, and Nellie Mae Johnson and brothers, Daniel Lee Johnson, Aubrey Johnson, Oren Johnson, and Lonnie Johnson. Though she is no longer with us, her love remains in every life she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Her absence leaves a space that can never be filled, but her love will continue to guide us, comfort us, and stay with us always.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 12:00 pm at Swain Funeral Home, Hazlehurst Chapel (357 Baxley Hwy Hazlehurst, GA 31539) with Rev. Terry Reagin and Rev. Darrell Johnson officiating. Interment will follow in Oak View Baptist Church Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Corey Googe, Adrian Googe, Triston Googe, Crandall Parlor, Jason Parlor, and Darrell Johnson.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Staff of Coastal Hospice, Carolyn Kight, Cheyenne Cooprider, and Amber Yawn.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home Hazlehurst.

View Marilyn J. McDaniel's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/03/2026

Lanis Allen Hutchinson

Lanis Allen Hutchinson, age 82, of Baxley passed away Friday, April 3, 2026 at The Pavilion.

Mr. Hutchinson was born February 7, 1944 in Baxley, Georgia to the late Lanis F. Hutchinson and the late Murle Rentz Hutchinson. He was a member of Spring Branch Baptist Church and was a retired Farm Market Manager for Kaiser Chemicals. Mr. Hutchinson was preceded in death by his brothers, Derrell F. Hutchinson, Charles M. Hutchinson, and Dave A. Hutchinson; grandparents, William F. and Jennie C. Hutchinson and Fulton A. and Alma Rentz; and a daughter-in-law, Paula P. Hutchinson.

Survivors include his wife, Harriette P. Hutchinson; daughter, Anslee (Drew) Griffis of Baxley; sons, Terry Hutchinson, Stacey (Zandra) Hutchinson, Chad (Angie) Hutchinson, and Josh-Allen (Cae) Hutchinson all of Baxley; sisters, Peggy H. (Ronnie) White of Baxley; sisters-in-law, Barbara Ann Moore of Baxley, Linda S. Hutchinson of Forsyth, Dianne S. Hutchinson of Hiawassee; brother, Kenneth (Loretta) Hutchinson of Fayetteville. Ten grandchildren and seven great grandchildren also survive.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026 at 11:00 am at Spring Branch Baptist Church with Rev. Tommy Daniels and Rev. Michael Sapp officiating and a eulogy by Chad Hutchinson. Interment will follow in Omega Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Zack Griffis, Alston Hutchinson, Dylan Hutchinson, Kyler Hutchinson, Luke Hutchinson, Lane Hutchinson, and Ty Hutchinson

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

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