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Stokes-Southerland Funeral Home, 206 5th Avenue, Eastman, GA (2025)

11/28/2025

MR. FRANK JAMES WESTBROOK, age 61, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at his residence.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

Frank was born in El Paso, TX, on October 6, 1964, to the late Elizabeth Aschrich Westbrook and William Ralph Westbrook. He was of the Baptist Faith, and moved with his family in his early adult years to Eastman, GA. He worked for Coffee Construction Company for several years before later working for Reynolds Metals as a machine operator for over 20 years. He was a father, grandfather, brother, and uncle who enjoyed fishing, hunting, collecting coins, and grilling with his family and friends. He was affectionately called “Grandpa Frank” by his grandchildren. He will be forever missed. Frank was a great storyteller, loved telling stories in his own unique way, and had a style all to his own. In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded by his Brothers, Bill Westbrook and Boby Westbrook, and Brother-in-law, Steve Willits.

He is survived by his Daughter – Jill Filichia of Eastman; Son – Cody Westbrook of Eastman; Grandchildren – Dustin Mullis, Keira Southerland, and Silas Southerland; Sisters – Nancy Westbrook and Mary Westbrook, both of Lathrop, MO; Several nieces and nephews.
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11/26/2025

MR. STEVEN LEE “STEVE” STAFFORD, age 56, of Milan, GA, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at his residence.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00PM Sunday, November 30, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Aubrey Corbitt officiating.

Steve was born in Marshall, Arkansas, on February 18, 1969, to Teresa Anne Stafford and the late Devon Harness. He was a graduate of Leslie Arkansas High School, and lived in several places including California, Texas, and Arkansas during his early years. In Arkansas he worked for several years in the family business, where he hand planted pine trees. He later settled in Milan, GA in 1996, where he raised his family and worked as a handyman for both Wiggins Insulation and later for Graham and Studstill. He then owned and operated a ground maintenance business for over 10 years. He was of the Baptist Faith, enjoyed hunting, spending time with his family and friends, and really enjoyed fishing for red snapper in Destin, FL. Steve was a hard-working family man who always supported his family, whom he loved dearly. In addition to his father, Steve and was preceded in death by his Brother, Richard Cravey, Father-in-law, Thomas Doody, and Sister-in-law, Billy Jo Doody.

Steve is survived by his Wife of 32 years – Laurie Ann Doody Stafford of Milan; Daughters – Taylor Dowdy of Conroe, TX, Taylor Sandfur of Marshall, AR, Susanna Stafford of Empire, and Stacy Stafford (David Bailey) of Eastman; Sons – Samuel Stafford of Valdosta and Matthew Stafford of Milan; 7 Grandchildren – Bailey Stafford, Barrett Stafford, Kenneth Dowdy, Jr., Kayton Dowdy, Kimberly Watson, Scott Watson, and Patrick Watson; Mother – Teresa Stafford Watts (Earl) of Leslie, AR; Brothers – Mark Cravey (Ethel) of Little Rock, AR and Tim Cravey of Leslie, AR; Sisters – Amber Wallace (Jimbo), Andrea Wilson (Kurt), Angel Weatherbea, all of Leslie, AR and Rebecca Pilkinton of Montgomery, AL; Mother-in-law – Cynthia Roy Doody of Milan; Brothers-in-law – Thomas Doody and David Doody (Sonia) of Milan; Numerous Nieces and Nephews.

The family may be contacted at the Stafford residence, 210 Railroad Street, Milan, GA, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel on Sunday, November 30, from 1:30PM-2:00PM. The family has requested that in addition to flowers, contributions be made to Milan Baptist Church, 27 3rd Ave, Milan, GA 31060. www.stokes-southerland.com

11/25/2025

MRS. EMILY LAURA McDUFFIE POPE, age 44, of Eastman, GA, died Friday, November 21, 2025, at her residence in Eastman.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM Saturday, November 29, 2025, in Rockwell Baptist Church, with Pastor Tom Jackson and Rev. Bill Jones officiating, with interment in Rockwell Baptist Church Cemetery in Milan, GA.

Emily was born in Macon, GA on May 20, 1981, and was a member of Rockwell Baptist Church. She was a 1999 Graduate of Telfair County High School before attending Middle Georgia College and later graduating from Oconee Technical College with a degree in Radiology. She worked several jobs over the years as a Xray technician and a healthcare worker. Emily was currently employed at Piedmont Urgent Care in Eastman where she worked for the past several years. She was very caring and compassionate with her patients during her career. She was a dedicated wife and mother who loved her family dearly. Emily especially enjoyed spending time with her daughter Elissa, attending her dancing and cheerleading competitions. She also enjoyed bird watching, taking her canine companion Libby for rides, and most importantly she loved the Lord and going to church was a priority. Emily loved riding in the boat with her family on the Ocmulgee River. Her favorite time of year was the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season, where she would spend time with her family. Emily was affectionately known as “Em”, and she will be forever missed. She took great care of her sister during their years together growing up in Milan. Emily is preceded in death by her sister, Dichelle McDuffie, her maternal grandparents, Joe and Chesterlee Marchant, and her paternal grandparents, Henry and Emma Deen McDuffie, stepfather, Ronnie Walker, and an uncle, Robbie Marchant.

She is survived by her Husband of 17 years – Eddie Pope of Eastman; Daughter – Elissa Lee Pope of Eastman; Mother – Dianne Marchant Walker of Milan; Brother – Jay McDuffie of Hawkinsville; Parents-in-law – Judi and Madison Kirkley of Eastman; Aunts and Uncles – Laura Phillips (David) of Rebecca, David Marchant (Sandy) and Tommy Marchant (Dianne), both of Milan; Nephew – Joseph McDuffie of Hawkinsville; Her Bonus Daughter – Jaydee Burch of Eastman; Numerous Cousins, many Friends and her Canine Companion - Libby.

The family may be contacted at the Burch family cabin, down the lane across from Benevolence Church, 571 Benevolence Rd., Eastman, or the residence of Judi and Madison Kirkley, 1054 Evergreen Church Rd., Eastman, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 5:00PM-7:00PM Friday, November 28, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the WISE Place, 210 North Lewis Street, Metter, GA 30439, www.thewiseplace.org
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11/24/2025

MR. JIMMY LEE “POP” BROWN, age 89, of Eastman, GA, died Sunday, November 23, 2025, Atrium Health Navicent Medical Center in Macon, GA.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM Wednesday, November 26, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Ron Jones and Rev. Chad Hendley officiating, with interment in Bowers Cemetery in Empire.

Jimmy Lee was born in Eastman, GA on June 22, 1936, to the late Minnie Pearl Oxley Brown and Edward Brown. He attended Dodge Elementary School before leaving to work on the family farm. He was born in Dodge County and raised in the Roddy community and a member of Hillside Baptist Church. He attended school until 3rd grade before having to help on the family farm, plowing with a mule by age 9. Jimmy Lee went to work at Eastman Cotton Mill at age 19 and worked for over 30 years as a textile worker and doffer. He then worked for the Dodge County Road Department for over 20 years. “Pop” was a lifelong mechanic and could fix anything. He was an avid c**n hunter and loved fishing, and a member of Dodge County C**n Hunters Association. Jimmy Lee was a dedicated husband, and a loving father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He was affectionately known as “Pop” to everyone. Along with his parents Jimmy Lee was preceded in death by his Son, Jimmy Ray Brown, Sister, Grace Ellen Brown Thompson, and Brothers, Jerry Brown and John “Junior” Brown.

He is survived by his Wife of 63 years – Ethel “Tootsie” Gay Brown of Eastman; Daughter – Gail Miller (Lisa) of Panama City, FL; Granddaughter – Brittany White (Mark) of Gresston; Grandsons – Ben Sheffield (Taylor) of Eastman and John Lowery of Cadwell; Great Grandchildren – Hunter White, Corbin White, Grayson Sheffield, Sophia Sheffield, and Kennsley Sheffield; Brothers – Gene Edward Brown (Betty), and William Derrell Brown (Sue), both of Gresston; Sisters-in-law - Bertie Faye Brown of Eastman, Dorothy “Dot” Gay of Gresston, Wanda Gay of Rentz and Margie Gay of Eastman; Brother-in-law – Walter Donald of Lyons; Aunt – Polly Oxley of Gresston; Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 1:00PM-2:00PM Wednesday, November 26. Anyone wishing to contact the family can call Ethel “Tootsie” Brown, 478-231-6869, Gail Miller, 850-326-8762, and Brittany White, 478-231-4971. www.stokes-southerland.com

11/21/2025

MR. BOBBY JOE YAWN, age 74, of Eastman, GA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Medical University of South Carolina Hospital.

Memorial services will be held at 3:00PM Sunday, November 23, at First Christian Church, with Pastor Michael Widener officiating.

Bobby was born in Eastman, GA on February 16, 1951, and was a member of First Christian Church. He was a graduate of Dodge County High School. He worked several jobs over the years before working an over 30-year career as an Equipment Operator for Dodge County Road Department – retiring in 2020. He was a dedicated companion and a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Falcons football, bowling, fishing, attending church and spending time with his family. He loved NASCAR racing and was a huge fan of Bill Elliott for many years and his other favorites were Kasey Kahne and Chase Elliott. He enjoyed watching “Mountain Men”, “The Andy Griffith Show” and Gunsmoke on TV. He was affectionately known as ‘Papa Bobby’ to his grandchildren. Mr. Yawn was the son of the late Margarine Sheffield Yawn and Doyle V. Yawn and was preceded in death by his Grandson, Joseph ‘Jim’ Willis and infant brother, Ralph Yawn.

He is survived by his Companion of 22 years – Sara Pittman of Eastman; Daughters – Robin Davis (Lonnie) of Eastman and Linda Bunch (Alan) of Hawkinsville, GA; Sons – Bobby ‘Chico’ Yawn Jr. of Ft. Walton Beach, FL, Christopher Yawn, Nathan Smith (Selena) of Eastman, Casey Yawn of Fitzgerald, GA; Step Son – Mark Braswell (Amy) of Valdosta, GA; Grandchildren – Joshua Willis, Courtney Davis, Robert Davis (Bailey), Tara Peacock (Curtis), Britany Browning (Dylan), Justin Roland, Stephanie Whitehill (Alex), Bobby Bunch (Sophie), Chris Bunch (Jessica), C.J. Rozier (Amber), Mahaley Rozier, Machayla Lindsey, Alanna Yawn, Layla Bazzle, Brenlee Smith, Rylee Smith, Nolan Smith, Casey Yawn Jr., Avery Yawn, Bailey Kitchens (Hunter), and Misty Harrell (Richard); Great-Grandchildren – Jenson Davis, Jaxson Davis, Lakeland Peacock, Avery Sanford, Aiden Sanford, Adrian Davis, Charli Kay Browning, Liam Bunch, Ava Whitehill, Mack Whitehill, Oliva Whitehill, Brooklyn Bunch, Brenley Bunch, Everette Rice, Ruby Rice, Eli Rozier, Cason Grant, Skylar Luden, Saydi Dean, Blaze Dean, Dakota Cromer Jr., Riley Kitchens, McKenzie Braswell, Anya Braswell, and Colton Braswell; Sisters – Florenda Howell (Mickey), Darlene Brown (Charles), Barbara Yawn, Janet Ward, and Karen Yawn all of Eastman; Brothers - William Yawn (Ruby), Raymond Yawn, Derrell Yawn, and Ricky Yawn (Sheila) all of Eastman; and Several Nieces and Nephews.

The family may be contacted at the residence of Robin and Lonnie Davis 872 Chester Highway, Eastman, GA, and will receive friends in First Christian Church from 2:00PM-3:00PM Sunday, November 23. In addition to flowers, the family requests contributions to First Christian Church, 5327 Odgen Street, Eastman, GA, 31023. www.stokes-southerland.com

11/20/2025

MRS. LEDA BLANCHE MICHAL BLOODWORTH, age 87, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at her residence.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10:00AM Monday, November 24, at St. Mark Catholic Church, with Father John Stevens officiating, with interment in Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Leda was born in Detroit, Michigan on February 17, 1938, to the late Ludmila Kavaghn Michal and Blaze Michal. She was a graduate of Highland Park High School in Highland Park, MI, and worked for APEX Broach and Machine Company in Detroit, MI for many years as a controller and office manager. She and her husband later moved to Eastman, GA 1997, after they retired. She was an active member of St. Mark Catholic Church, where she helped organize the music and sang in the choir. She was a devoted wife and a loving mother and grandmother, who enjoyed traveling with her husband and family. In addition to her parents, Leda was preceded in death by her Husband of 68 years, James William “Jim” Bloodworth.

Leda is survived by her Daughter – Cynthia Hilliard (David) of Donalsonville, GA; Son – Edward Bloodworth (Victoria) of New Baltimore, MI; Grandchildren – Clayton Hilliard, Jessie Hilliard, Samuel Hilliard, James “Jimmy” Bloodworth, and Paige Bloodworth; Sisters – Margaret Michal and Marie Ferguson; Several nieces and nephews.

The family may be contacted at the Bloodworth residence, 5441 Pine Drive, Eastman, and will receive friends in St. Mark Catholic Church following the celebration of life service on Monday, November 24. The family has requested the omittance of flowers, and would prefer donations be made the Christian Life Center, 307 King Street, Eastman, GA 31023, or to St. Mark Catholic Church, 1687 Hawkinsville Hwy., Eastman, GA 31023, in honor of Leda. www.stokes-southerland.com

11/19/2025

MR. CURTIS BUFORD ATKINSON, age 78, of Eastman, GA, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center in Dublin, GA.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00PM Saturday, November 22, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Myron Parkerson and Rev. Bill Crooms officiating, with interment in Cottondale Cemetery.

Curtis was a lifelong resident of Eastman, GA and a 1966 graduate of Dodge County High School. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1967 and served his country valiantly during the Vietnam War. He left the Army in 1970 and returned to Eastman, GA, where he worked several jobs before going to work at Reynolds, where he worked for many years. He later worked for Blue Bird Body Company for several years before retiring in the mid-1990s. Curtis was a faithful and dedicated member of Central Baptist Church for many years, where he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and youth leader. He was a current member of Eastside Baptist Church and enjoyed helping in any capacity needed. He loved fishing, cutting grass, and working with the youth at church and taking them on trips. He was the son of the late Lola Mae Raffield Atkinson and Rev. Buford Atkinson and was preceded in death by his Brother, Randall Atkinson, Mother-in-law, Pearl Nutt, and Brothers-in-law, Robert “Bob” Nutt, Jr. and Karl Urban.

Curtis is survived by his Wife of 43 years – Cathy Nutt Atkinson of Eastman; Sons – Curtis Jason Atkinson (Dina) of Macon and Trey Victor Atkinson of Hawkinsville; Grandsons – Carter Atkinson and Hunter Fleenor; Sisters-in-law and Brothers-in-law – Janice Edge Atkinson Driggers (Eddie), William Michael Nutt, both of Eastman, Michelle N. Urban of Hoover, AL, and Pat Nutt of Midway Community; Several Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins, including a Special Cousin – Wanda Riner (Jonah) of Vidalia; Special Friends – Phil and Diane Brown of Eastman.

The family may be contacted at the Atkinson residence, 930 Dublin Highway, Eastman, GA, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 2:00PM-3:00PM Saturday, November 22. In addition to flowers, the family request contributions to Eastside Baptist Church, % Trenetta Graham, 1294 Reedy Branch Rd., Eastman, GA 31023, or to the charity of the donor’s choice. www.stokes-southerland.com

11/19/2025

MR. DONALD LEE “DON” HUFF, age 78, of Eastman, GA, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 17, 2025, at his residence.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM, Friday, November 21, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Elder Terry Warnock and Rev. Myron Parkerson officiating, with interment in Giddens-Harrell Cemetery.

Don was born in Eastman, GA on February 1, 1947, to Thelma Lee Whigham Huff and the late Bobby Huff. He was of the Baptist Faith, a 1965 graduate of Dodge County High School, and worked for Joe Large Service Station and Eastman Cotton Mill, before marrying the love of his life, Annette, on June 4, 1965 and during that year he went to work as a Civil Service employee at Robins AFB and worked as an electrician and later as a zone chief before retiring in the early 2000s after 38 years of dedicated service. He also owned and operated Rentz Bus Line for many years shuttling coworkers to Robins AFB to and from work. He also worked tour group travel taking many on trips through the years. Don was a dedicated husband of over 60 years, and a loving father, and friend to many. He enjoyed piddling in his shop, fishing, camping, and spending time with his family. He will be truly missed. In addition to his father, Don was preceded in death by his Brother, David Lynn Huff, Brother-in-law, Glynn Tarpley, Sister, Carolyn Brown and Niece, Autumn Huff.

He is survived by his Wife of 60 years – Annette Sheffield Huff of Eastman; Daughter – Debbie Huff of Eastman; Son – Robbie Huff of Eastman; Mother – Thelma Lee Whigham Huff of Eastman; Sister – Gail Tarpley of Eastman; Brother – Chris Huff (Sandy) of Greer, SC; Brother-in-law – Deron Brown of Eastman; Nieces and Nephews – Angela Sapp (Hank), Kelby Tarpley (Baylen), Clint English (Melissa), Ryan Wilson, Melissa Bouchea (Jason), Eron Brown (Mike), Michael Huff, Matthew Huff, and Nathan Huff; Several great-nieces and nephews, and numerous friends.

The family may be contacted at the residence of Robbie Huff, 172 Don Huff Rd., Eastman, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 5:00PM-7:00PM Thursday, November 20. In addition to flowers, the family requests contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/.
www.stokes-southerland.com

11/19/2025

MR. CHARLES EARNEST HALL, age 85, of Kathleen, GA, entered peacefully into the presence of His Lord and Savior on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family at his residence.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Eastman First Baptist Church, with Rev. Tim Campbell and Rev. Rick Hall officiating, with interment in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Charles was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and faithful servant of Christ. He was a graduate of Dodge County High School and spent most of his life investing in the community he loved. He was part-owner and operator of Hall’s Superette, where he worked diligently, joyfully, and with the kind of integrity that reflected his walk with the Lord.

Charles dedicated much of his life to ministry. He served as Music Minister and Sunday school teacher at Greenlawn Baptist Church, later as a Deacon and Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church, and in his retirement years, attended Old Suwannee Baptist Church and Joyful Life Baptist Church. The Lord gave Charles and his wife a Korean and Chinese Bible Class in Suwannee, GA, which was a true joy for him. Through every season of his life, he used his gifts to glorify God, lifting hymns in worship, offering wisdom with humility, and serving others with a gentle, Christ-like spirit. His faith was not only spoken but lived, evident in his devotion to his church, his family, and every person blessed enough to know him.

Above all earthly accomplishments, Charles was a man who loved deeply and was deeply loved. He married the love of his life, Jeanette Hall, and together they built a home centered on faith, gratitude, and unwavering love. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Ruby Evelyn Bethune Hall and Robert L. “Whipple” Hall, son, Greg Hall, and brother, Robert Eugene Hall.

He is survived by his wife – Jeanette Melvin Hall of Kathleen, GA; 2 Sons – Randy S. Hall (Kimberly) of Eastman, GA and Robert T. Hall (Rhonda) of Hawkinsville, GA; 9 Grandchildren – Heather Grinolds (Matt), Joey Hall (Christi), Mindy Simerson (Jordan), Kaitlyn Brantley (Cameron), Marissa Sheffield (TJ), Gabrielle Hall (Jonathan O’Conner), Hayley Horne (Alex), Peyton Hall, Ethan Hall, Brandon Josey, and Caitlin Spann; 23 Great-Grandchildren – Kinslee, Jessa, Cooper, Jessilynn, Annalise, Knolen, Walker, Tripp, Weston, Josie, Ruby Mae, Maggie, Taylor, Ava, Oliver, Rhaegan, Gracie, Jackson, Adelyn, Avery, Izzy, Mila, and Elijah; Brother – Morris Hall (Sylvia) of Eastman; Sisters-in-law and Brothers-in-law – Kathy Lewis (Randall) of Eastman, Patty Spires Gilbert (Paul, Jr.) of Cochran, and Danny Melvin (Faye) of Milan; Several nieces and nephews and many extended family members and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Charles’s life was a testimony of God’s goodness, a reminder of the joy found in serving the Lord, loving one another, and walking faithfully in every season. Even as we mourn his earthly absence, we rejoice in the promise of Jesus Christ: that Charles now stands whole and restored in the presence of the One he worshiped so faithfully. “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.”- Matthew 25:23

The family may be contacted at the Hall residence, 116 Galloway Street, Kathleen, GA 31047, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 5:00PM-7:00PM, Friday, November 21. In addition to flowers, we invite those wishing to honor his memory to consider a donation to Middle Georgia Hospice (103 Westridge Dr., Warner Robins, GA 478-953-5161), whose gentle care and compassion meant so much to our family in his final days. www.stokes-southerland.com

11/14/2025

MR. BRUCE PERRY HILL, age 76, of Oglethorpe, GA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 13, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM Monday, November 17, at Oglethorpe Baptist Church, with Rev. Richard Taylor, Pastor Mike Richardson, and Dave Frederick officiating, with interment in Oglethorpe City Cemetery.

Bruce was born on October 27, 1949, in Montezuma, GA, to the late Dixie Puckett Hill and Perry Hill. He was a graduate of Macon County High School and attended Georgia Southwestern College, where he studied accounting and business. He served as Chief Appraiser for Macon County for over 25 years and later owned and operated Appraisal and Real Estate Services of GA, LLC for over 30 years. Bruce served as Mayor of Oglethorpe, GA for eight years and was a member of Oglethorpe Baptist Church. He enjoyed golfing, music, collecting gaming machines and vinyl records, gambling, classic cars, vacations with his family, and spending time with his family and friends. He loved his grandchildren dearly and was affectionately known to them as “Papa”. In addition to his parents, Bruce was preceded in death by his Son, Jason Hill, Sister, Jean Robbins, Brother, Gary “Splasher” Hill and Sisters-in-law and Brothers-in-law, Jeff Koehlinger, Patsy Rogers, Jimmy George Rogers, Wayne Rogers, and Needham H. Rogers, Jr.

He is survived by his Wife – Clara Rogers Hill of Oglethorpe; Daughter – Janna Marie Hill Bowers (Michael) of Easton, PA; Son – Jarrod Hill (Alaina) of Atlantic Beach, FL; Stepsons – Leon Stokes and Scott Stokes (Dana), both of Eastman; Grandchildren – Elizabeth Stokes (Keshawn Lockett), Jonathan Stokes, Jackson Stokes, Jace Stokes, and Jack Hill; Great-Grandchildren – Rylah Kate Lockett and Lakeleigh Kay; Sister – Elaine Hill Koehlinger of Perry; Brother – Lee Hill (Holly) of LaGrange; Sisters-in-law and Brothers-in-law – Ann Wright (C.W.), Mary Orr Rogers, both of Eastman, and Johnny Robbins of Montezuma; His God Daughter – Ellen Tucker (Brian); Several nieces and nephews; His Precious Neighbors – Scott and Jodie Smith and Jamie and Angela Cannon (They were always there when needed). Special thanks to Amedisys Hospice of Macon, GA.

The family may be contacted at the Hill residence, 607 North Randolph Street, Oglethorpe, GA, and will receive friends in Oglethorpe Baptist Church from 1:00PM-2:00PM Monday, November 17. In addition to flowers, the family requests contributions to Oglethorpe Baptist Church, 210 Sumter Street, Oglethorpe, GA 31068.
www.stokes-southerland.com

11/13/2025

MRS. DONNA LEIGH STONE SWEARINGEN, age 61, of Chester, GA, passed away on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at her residence.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00PM, Sunday, November 16, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Trey Benton officiating, with interment in Pine Level Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery.

Donna was born on July 8, 1964, in Warner Robins, GA, to the late Deanna Elaine Wilkinson Stone and Rev. Thomas Lee Stone. She was of the Baptist Faith, a 1982 graduate of Wilcox County High School, and attended Berry College in Rome. She worked for many years for the Georgia Department of Corrections as a Deputy Warden of Administration at the Milan State Prison and later for Wilcox State Prison as a Business Process Coordinator. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren who called her “Granny”. She loved laying out in the sun and tanning by the pool, fishing, and taking care of her animals. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Stepson, Jason Swearingen, and Brother, Andy Stone.

She is survived by her Husband of 30 years – Wendell Swearingen of Eastman; Sons – Ricky DeVane (Hillary) of Eastman and Ryan DeVane (Samantha) of Kathleen; Stepsons – Jody Swearingen (Tonia) of Cordele, James Swearingen of Chester, and Brian Swearingen (Iris) of McRae; Grandchildren – Jason Swearingen (Breanna), Hunter Swearingen, Eric Swearingen, Colby Swearingen, Noah Mulkey, Raylan DeVane, Jakob DeVane, Khloe DeVane, Bentley DeVane, Mira DeVane, Camden DeVane, and Maggie Barlow; Sister – Cheryl Barefoot (Johnny) of Seville, GA; Brother – John Stone (Angela) of Dallas, GA; Sister-in-law – Brenda Carpenter of Kathleen; Several nieces and nephews.

The family may be contacted at the Swearingen residence, 2099 Plainfield Rd., Chester, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 2:00PM-3:00PM Sunday, November 16.
www.stokes-southerland.com

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