http://www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com/

Chapman Funeral Home, 427 N Main Street, Swainsboro, GA (2026)

02/17/2026

Shirley Brown Crawford

Mrs. Shirley Brown Crawford, 90, passed away at her daughter’s home in Gainesville, Georgia on February 13, 2026.

Shirley was born January 13, 1936 in Twin City to the late James Roscoe and Marguerite Hall Brown. She was the valedictorian at Emanuel County Institute, and attended Georgia Southern University (formerly Georgia Teachers College) for two years before moving onto graduate from the University of Georgia, earning her Bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

She was a teacher in Brunswick, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida. Following her marriage in 1962, she was a homemaker for many years. Shirley was a great cook and found joy hosting many in her home. Loving nothing more than an excellent and unique meal, she missed her calling as a food critic. She loved hiking, travel adventures and spending time with family at the Georgia coast. She passed on her love of reading to family and was a lifelong student of the Bible.

She was a member of Dunwoody Baptist Church for 41 years, serving as a Deacon and participating in many ministries such as Precept Bible Study, Benevolence Committee and the Wellness Center. Other community involvement included PALS (Perimeter Adult Learning Center), Dunwoody Newcomers Club and ALTA (Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association). After moving to Gainesville, she became a member of Lakewood Baptist Church.

She is preceded in death by her husband Benton Earl Crawford, her parents, brother James Roscoe Brown, Jr., sister Dorothy Brown Morrison, son-in-law David Walton Roberts, and sister-in-law Joe Ann Crawford Darville.

She is survived by her children and their spouses: Carol Crawford Roberts (Daniel) Bulsa, Susan Crawford (Scott) Meadows, and Kenneth Brown (Heather) Crawford. She also leaves behind her grandchildren: David Walton Roberts, Jr., Benton Scott Meadows, Peter Monroe (Halea) Meadows, Adrian Lynn Meadows, Laura Meadows (Joseph) Cotton, Tyler John Bulsa, Halle Jordan Howard, and Griffin Palmer Howard, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 1:00 PM at the Twin City First Baptist Church with Reverend Dennis Darville officiating. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service.

Interment will follow at the Coleman Cemetery in Twin City. Pallbearers will be David Roberts, Tyler Bulsa, Benton Meadows, Peter Meadows, Joseph Cotton and Griffin Howard.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions to the Lakewood Baptist Church (2235 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville, Georgia 30501) or the Lung Cancer Research Foundation (https://lungcancerresearchfoundation.org).

Chapman Funeral Home (https://www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com/) is in charge of all arrangements.

View Shirley Brown Crawford's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/16/2026

Frederick Vernard "Freddy Love" Seabrough

Mr. Frederick Vernard "Freddy Love" Seabrough, 57, of Swainsboro, passed away Monday, February 16, 2026, at his residence. He was born on August 16, 1968, in Swainsboro to the late Charles Seabrough and Mary Stephens Hall. Frederick was preceded in death by his parents; stepdad, Larry Hall; brothers, Daron Stephens and Nicholas Hall.

Frederick is survived by three sons, Frederick Seabrough, Jr. of Statesboro, Cedrick Seabrough (Ami) and Daron Coleman, both of Swainsboro; mother of children, Shameka Coleman of Swainsboro; five brothers, Charles Seabrough (Tonya),Victor Hall, Audrereus Mosely-Hall, Terrell Sherrod, all of Swainsboro, Calvin Seabrough (Jennifer) of Uvalda; four sisters, Deidra Seabrough (Robert), Marilyn Sherrod, both of Swainsboro, Andrea Brown of Atlanta and Shakeyra Hall of Conyers; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 2:00 pm at St. Philip Baptist Church.

Interment will follow in Swainsboro City Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Chapman Funeral Home.

The family will be gathering at the residence of Cedrick and Ami, 411 West Pine Street, Swainsboro, GA

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Frederick Vernard Seabrough, C/O Chapman Funeral Home, P. O. Box 559, Swainsboro, GA 30401.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com

Chapman Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements for Frederick Vernard "Freddy Love" Seabrough, 57, of Swainsboro.

View Frederick Vernard "Freddy Love" Seabrough's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/16/2026

Michelle Lynn Boula

Ms. Michelle Lynn Boula, 54, of Vidalia passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Memorial Hospital in Savannah. She was born on May 21, 1971, in Grand Gorge, New York to Frank Lloyd Boula and Georgia Mae Rose Boula.

Survivors include her adopted son, Joshua Boula of Dublin; brother, Shannon Boula (Mindy) of Harpersfield, New York; sister, Corinna Smith (William) of Tuscaloosa, Florida.

At this time no services are planned.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Ms. Michelle Lynn Boula, 54, of Vidalia.

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

02/16/2026

Charles Asa Woods

Mr. Charles Asa Woods, 74, of Twin City passed away February 14, 2026 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Swainsboro on July 17, 1951 to the late George Woods Sr. and Charlene Hobbs Woods.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, George Woods, Jr., Albert Woods, sisters, Gloria Reyes, and Callie Wiggins.

Charles attended Swainsboro High School and Swainsboro Technical College. He worked as an Instrument Technician for Southern Company for 30 years. After retirement, he returned as a contractor for Southern Company for 4 more years. Charles was a member of Twin City First Baptist Church.

He was a devoted family man whose greatest joy was time spent with the people he loved most. He was an avid golfer who enjoyed his time spent on the course with family and friends.

One of his greatest joys was time spent with his grandchildren. He was a proud papa who enjoyed every chance to sit in the stands, cheer from the sidelines, and support his grandchildren at their school and sporting events.

He is survived by his caring wife of 54 years, Jane J. Woods of Twin City, his children and their spouses, Monica W. (Michael) Akins of Hagan and Charles Eric (Tess) Woods of Metter, grandchildren, Maddox Akins, Mallory Akins, Levi Woods, Charley Grace Woods, and Ford Woods, a brother and sister-in-law, Eddie Ray (Kathy) Woods of Twin City, sisters, Betty Donaldson of Twin City and Margaret Freeman of Wadley, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Chapman Funeral Home at 2:00pm with Rev. Franklin Sasser officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30pm until 2:00pm.

Interment will follow at Hebron Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery with the committal by Elder Will Martin.

Pallbearers will be Jason May, Kevin Edenfield, Adam Johnson, Mike Johnson, Mike Wiggins, Jerry Farmer, and Albert Hall.

Chapman Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements for Mr. Charles Asa Woods, 74, of Twin City.

View Charles Asa Woods's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/15/2026

Barbara Faye Shirey

Mrs. Barbara Faye Shirey, 81, of Swainsboro passed away Friday, February 13, 2026, at Pruitt-Health Nursing Home in Swainsboro. She was born on July 8, 1944, in Phenix City, Alabama to the late Sarah Benton.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lamar Shirey; brothers, Lee Benton, Jimmy Reynolds.

Survivors include her daughter, Rhonda Puzo (Lou) of Lincolnton; grandson, Brandon Kirk (Katie) of Appling; 2 great-grandchildren, Tyler Kirk, Luke Kirk; nephews, Chris Reynolds, Shane Reynolds; niece, Angie Benton; best friends, Barbara Jean Brown, Henry Brown, Kathy Herrington.

No arrangements have been made at this time.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Barbara Faye Shirey, 81, of Swainsboro.

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

02/13/2026

Macie Betty Leefaye Bazemore

Infant Macie Betty Leefaye Bazemore was awarded her angel wings February 11, 2026 at 6:43 p.m. Macie is survived by her parents, Jerry and Julianna Bazemore; big sisters, Lainey and Brooklyn Bazemore; maternal grandmother, Betty Sue Scarboro; maternal grandfather, Jonathan Henry; paternal grandfather, Jerry Bazemore; paternal grandmother, Marie Lucas; paternal great-grandmother, Geraldine Bazemore and several other family members.

Graveside service will be held Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at Swainsboro City Cemetery.

Chapman Funeral Home is charge of all arrangements for infant Macie Betty Leefaye Bazemore.

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02/13/2026

Kenneth L. Wilburn

Mr. Kenneth L. Wilburn, 57, died Wednesday, February 11, 2026 after a sudden illness. Kenneth, better known as “Kenny” or “Papa”, was a very devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Kenny grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. He later moved to Georgia, where he met the love of his life, Janet and her three boys. They spent 34 wonderful years together. Kenny stepped up and became an exceptional father figure and role model for James (Duner), Rick, and Blake. One of Kenny’s greatest joys in life was his grandchildren. He was a great storyteller and enjoyed his time telling them stories of things he did growing up. He loved following them around watching them play different sports, compete in pageants, ride dirt bikes, or whatever else they had going on at the time. Kenny always looked forward to New Year's Eve because it was a tradition that all the boys stayed with Nana and Papa on that night, no matter how old they were. Kenny always made sure to let his girls know just how beautiful they were to him. Kenny was a huge Florida Gators fan and passed that love down to some of his kids and grandkids. Kenny taught us all that family wasn’t defined by blood, but rather by choosing to love who God places in your life.

Kenny is survived by his dear wife, Janet Wilburn of Canoochee, his sons and daughters-in-law, James (Duner) Marsh of Twin City, Rick and Brooke Marsh, Blake and Jodi Marsh, all of Canoochee, his grandchildren, Ansley McQuaig, Aceton Marsh, Aden McQuaig, Addi Marsh, Nathan Marsh, Abbey Marsh, Ab Marsh, Jake Marsh, Ayla Marsh, Tripp Marsh, and Kennalyn Marsh (named after her Papa), a brother and sister-in-law, David and Eliah Wilburn of California, nieces and nephews David J.Wilburn, Allen M. Wilburn, and Monica Wilburn, and his canine companion, Dash.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Chapman Funeral Home with Rev. Tony Thompson officiating, assisted by Rev. Curt Grimm. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service.

Interment will follow at Canoochee Baptist Church.

Pallbearers will be Jody Walsh, Jason Vining, Josh Vining, Robert Wilburn, and Randy Green.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Lewis Akridge, Jimmy (Mop) Akridge, James Akridge, Ricky Akridge, and Jerry Akridge.

Chapman Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements of Mr. Kenneth L. Wilburn, 57.

View Kenneth L. Wilburn's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/12/2026

Mary V "Ginger" Purcell

Mrs. Mary V. “Ginger” Purcell, 83, of Swainsboro passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Emanuel Medical Center. She was born on August 17, 1942, in Swainsboro to the late Bertie James Fields and Ruby Shealy Fields. Ginger was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Jimmie Fields.

Ginger was a woman whose life was defined by love, faith, and an unwavering devotion to those around her. She was not simply a grandmother to her family, she was “Grandma” to everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her heart was vast, her kindness endless, and her love knew no boundaries.

She found joy in the simple, meaningful moments of life. Baking and cooking were never just tasks to her, but acts of love. Every meal, every sweet treat, every recipe carried a piece of her heart. The kitchen was one of the many places where her warmth, laughter, and nurturing spirit shined brightest.

Above all else, Ginger’s life was anchored in her faith. Her soul was deeply dedicated to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. God was the center of her world, and her relationship with Him guided the way she lived, loved, and cared for others. Whether attending church in person or faithfully joining online when she could not physically be there, her devotion never wavered. She was a woman of steadfast belief, always reminding those she loved to “give it to the Lord.”

Ginger possessed a rare and genuine spirit. She was the most sincere, loving, and giving person. She was someone whose happiness came from seeing others happy. She celebrated the joys of her family and friends as if they were her own, always proud, always supportive, always encouraging. She was everyone’s biggest cheerleader, showing up whenever she could, offering her love, guidance, and unwavering support.

Her generosity was unmatched. Ginger gave freely and wholeheartedly, never hesitating to offer everything she had if it meant bringing a smile to someone’s face. She formed special bonds with everyone she met, treating each person with warmth and compassion. To her, no one was a stranger, everyone was family.

She cherished every opportunity to spend time with family and friends, appreciating each moment as a precious gift. Her conversations were filled with wisdom, comfort, and love, often sprinkled with the rhymes and sayings passed down from her own mother; small treasures of tradition that reflected her deep appreciation for life’s simple joys.

One of the many ways Ginger expressed her love was through the words she so often shared with those closest to her. She never missed an opportunity to remind others how deeply they were loved, frequently saying, “I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.” These words, so simple yet so full of warmth, perfectly reflected the depth of her affection and the tenderness of her heart.

Ginger took great joy in the lives of those she loved. She always wanted to know the latest updates on every milestone, every story, every tiny detail. No moment was ever too small to share with her. She listened with excitement, genuine interest, and pride, finding happiness simply in being a part of the lives of her family and friends.

If there was ever someone you could count on, whether on your best day or your worst, it was Ginger. She was the best friend, the steady presence, the comforting voice. She listened without judgment, loved without condition, and always ended conversations with gentle reminders of faith, hope, and trust in God.

Ginger lived her life with gratitude. She was always thankful, always content, always appreciative of the blessings she had. Her love was constant, her pride in others unwavering, and her presence unforgettable.

She will forever be remembered for her genuine heart, her deep faith, her boundless generosity, and the love she so effortlessly gave to everyone around her.

Though she is no longer with us, her love, her lessons, and her spirit will continue to live on.

For those who knew Ginger, her absence will be deeply felt. Though heaven has gained her, her love continues to surround us every day. Some people leave this world quietly, but the love they gave echoes forever.

Survivors include her sons, Brian Purcell (Christy) of Warner Robins, Todd Purcell (Mandi) of Swainsboro; brother, Pepper Fields (Barbara) of Swainsboro; grandchildren, Carson Purcell, Conner Purcell, Melanie Purcell, Keigan Purcell, Macie Purcell; niece, Christine Waters (Ron); nephews, Robert Fields (Bonnie), Michael Fields (Debbie); and many friends.

Funeral Services will be 4:30 p.m. Saturday, February 14, 2026, in the chapel of Chapman Funeral Home with Mr. Kevin Chapman officiating assisted by Reverend Brad McKenzie.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to services.

Interment will be in Swainsboro City Cemetery.

The Pallbearers are Kevin Chapman, Ron Waters, David Way, Carson Purcell, Conner Purcell and Keigan Purcell.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Mary V. “Ginger” Purcell, 83, of Swainsboro.

View Mary V "Ginger" Purcell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/12/2026

Tyrone "Ty" Smith

Tyrone “Ty” Smith, of Swainsboro, Georgia, passed away surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a legacy of courage, service, and unwavering devotion to those he held dear.

Born in Webb, Alabama, Ty moved to Ludowici as a young boy and proudly called it home. Sixteen days after graduating high school in 1966, he was drafted into the United States Army, beginning a distinguished military career that would span two decades. Ty completed two tours in Vietnam that included seven military campaigns, serving with honor and bravery before being grievously wounded in combat. His strength and resilience carried him through a long recovery and into continued service to his country despite not being a member of the Airborne and being reclassified to communications in 1971.

During his decorated career, Ty rose to the rank of Sergeant First Class and served as a communications specialist and Army Recruiter. His commendations included the National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze service stars, The Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), and the U.S. Army Combat Infantryman Badge, among others. He retired honorably from the United States Army after 20 years of faithful service.

After retirement, Ty returned to his hometown and continued serving others in a career with the Long County Sheriff’s Office—a career that spanned nearly another two decades and retirement as a Lead Investigator. Ty married Donna and moved to Swainsboro, where he remained a man of deep faith, steady character, and quiet strength. He loved his family fiercely and was never prouder than when speaking of his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 12 years, Donna M. Smith; his daughters, Tara (Nick) Petain of Savannah, Tammy (Johnnie) Wells of Hinesville, Hannah (Brad) Larsen of Columbus, Ohio, and Hope (J.C.) Falotico of Tifton; his son, Hal (Jessica) Wilson, Jr. of Swainsboro; seven adoring grandchildren, Tyler McGowan, Trey (Lydia) Wilson, III, Faith and Ty Larsen, and B***n, Chandler, and Tony Falotico; and a very special niece, Cindy (Mike) Gunter and many dear friends who will forever cherish his steady presence, generous heart, and infectious optimism.

He was preceded in death by those who welcomed him home in glory, including his parents, Frank and Hattie Lou Smith; two sisters, Sybil Carramore and Cleo Wade; and one brother, Jerry Roberts.

The family is gathering at the residence of Hal and Jessica Wilson, 950 Hawhammock Church Road in Swainsboro. Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church in Swainsboro, with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026. Veteran interment will follow at Eastbrook Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Veterans at the Library Program at Franklin Memorial Library.

Ty’s life was defined by duty, sacrifice, and love — for his country, his community, and most of all, his family. He will be deeply missed, forever honored, and always remembered.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Tyrone “Ty” Smith, 78, of Swainsboro.

View Tyrone "Ty" Smith's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/12/2026

Martha Kersey Bargeron

Mrs. Martha “MIA” Bargeron, 82, of Swainsboro passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Southland Healthcare and Rehab in Dublin following an extended illness. She was born April 30, 1943, in Swainsboro to the late Morris Waldon Kersey and Grace Stevens Kersey. MIA was raised outside of Meeks and at a young age went to work at Sportswear in Swainsboro where she met her husband of 63 years, Ray. They bought a farm in Kite and soon thereafter she spent her life tending to the family farm. She loved nothing more than to raise, gather and share her garden with family, friends and strangers that soon became friends. MIA always had a servant’s heart, doing for others even in the worst of days. Nothing but positive was ever spoken by her. There is no doubt that if heaven has a garden, then she is helping Poppi lay out the rows today for the seeds of tomorrow.

MIA was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ray Bargeron; sister, Bonnette Rowland; brother, Leon Kersey.

Survivors include her sons, Tim Bargeron, Jimmy Bargeron; grandsons, Hunter Bargeron (Averi), Holden Bargeron (Emily) Greysn Bargeron, Trey Chapman; great-granddaughters, Beverly Everett, Dovie Grace Bargeron; sister, Laverne McNure (George); several nieces, nephews and many friends.

Graveside Service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 13, 2026, at Lamb Cemetery with Elder Steve McNure officiating.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Chapman Funeral Home.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Martha “MIA” Bargeron, 82, of Swainsboro.

View Martha Kersey Bargeron's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/10/2026

Karen Rebecca Mathews

Ms. Karen Rebecca Mathews, 71, of Swainsboro passed away Saturday, February 7, 2026, at WellStar Medical Center in Augusta. Karen was born October 5, 1954, in Covington to the late Eugene Sylvester Mathews and Lois Vivian Price Mooney. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Barry Mathews and grandson, Jonathan Valenzuela.

Survivors include her daughter, Keri Watson (Jeffery) of Swainsboro, Anna Mooney of Dublin; son, Thomas Dominy, Jr. of Calhoun; grandchildren, Aishlee Valenzuela, Eladia Ramirez, Marycella Ramirez, Mireya Ramirez and Annissa Eastman.

At this time no services are planned.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Ms. Karen Rebecca Mathews, 71, of Swainsboro.

View Karen Rebecca Mathews's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/09/2026

Jerry Ashley Way

Mr. Jerry Ashley Way, 74, of Swainsboro passed away Friday, February 6, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah. He was born October 19, 1951, in Swainsboro to the late Ernest Way and Stella McBride Way. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Dianne Wilson.

Survivors include his brother, Tony Way (Patti) of Swainsboro; nieces, Joanne Cox, Becky Powell; nephews, Steven Wilson, Ben Way; several great-nieces, great-nephews and many friends.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Chapman Funeral Home with Reverend Jack Whitehead officiating.

The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at Chapman Funeral Home.

Interment will be held at Swainsboro City Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Glenn Fennell, Mark Fountain, Joey Hiers, Ben Way, Devin Snipes, and Bobby Mason.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Jerry Ashley Way, 74, of Swainsboro.

View Jerry Ashley Way's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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