Chapman Funeral Home

11/05/2025

Melody J Dennis

Mrs. Melody J. Dennis, 64, of Swainsboro passed away Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at her residence. She was born June 27, 1961, in Swainsboro to the late Jim Oglesby and Eudell Marsh Clark.

Melody had many hobbies, but her main and most important one was spending time with her children and grandchildren. She attended every recital, ball game, holiday, and birthday, anything to watch her family. She also enjoyed taking the kids out swimming, feeding the fish, playing in the pool, dancing with whichever child was playing their music, and she never missed an episode of General Hospital.

She will be missed by many but especially her children, grandchildren, and their friends, every one of who entered her home instantly became family. She will be remembered as the most awesome mom and grandmother anyone could have.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her father, Jimmy Clark, a sister, Crystal Dawn Clark, a brother, Billy Oglesby, and an infant brother, Stevie Ray Oglesby.

She is survived by her children and their spouses, Ashley Hood, Nikki (Steve Rich) Dennis, Rocky (Scott) Hutchcroft, and Haley (Dustin Smith) Garnto, grandchildren, Kambri Barnes, Kashlyn Barnes, Charleigh Garnto, Lydia Garnto, Lenox Smith, Hazalee Smith, her siblings, James Oglesby, Karen (Ritch) Mooneyham, and Sherry Woodall, many nieces and nephews, and many who will cherish her memory.

Memorial service will be on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Chapman Funeral Home with Reverend Joe Bedgood officiating.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Melody J. Dennis, 64, of Swainsboro.

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

11/03/2025

Billy Gene Holder

Mr. Billy Gene Holder, 81, of Swainsboro passed away Monday, November 3, 2025, at his residence. He was born October 12, 1944, in Swainsboro to the late R.J. Holder and Mary Virginia Dyson Holder. Billy was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Raymond Holder.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Linda Davis Holder of Swainsboro; son, Mickey Holder (Jennifer) of Galax, VA; daughter, B.J. Holder Griffin (Derek) of Atlanta; grandchildren, Maddison Holder Hughes (Harrison), Davis Ralph Griffin, Sam Edward Griffin; nephew, Collin Holder; and other family members and friends.

Funeral Services will be 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at First Methodist Church in Swainsboro with Reverend Jim Harrell officiating.

Interment will be at Swainsboro City Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Chapman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Jed Davis, Wes Snellgrove, Britt Williams, Brad Williams, Tommy Kirby, and Joey Crapps.

Honorary pallbearers will be Don Flanders, Larry Canady, Bob Youmans, Mike Youmans, Larry Riner, Jerry Woods, Mark Jordan, Scott Livingston, Ronnie Ricks, Carson Cross, Larry Wilkes, Alex Grindler, Keith Wright and Graham Lawson.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Billy Gene Holder, 81, of Swainsboro.

View Billy Gene Holder's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/03/2025

Marsha McAlum

Ms. Marsha McAlum, 61, of Swainsboro passed away Sunday, November 2, 2025, at her residence.

She was born in McRae on January 2, 1964, to the late John Duncan McAlum and Hazel Mae Kersey McAlum at the Telfair County Hospital. She was one of eight siblings, but to the others she was just a toy. The doctors said she would never sit, walk, or crawl, even though she accomplished most. It was hard on her mother, who made sure every day was special for her. At age seven Marsha went to stay at the nursing home in Hazlehurst, GA, and stayed there for several years while she attended school, after that she returned home to her parents. She was fourteen when a law was passed allowing her to attend public school, and as soon as she could she attended Wheeler County High School and graduated in 1982. After graduation she went to Warm Springs, a rehabilitation center, where she studied being a switchboard operator and where she first learned to drive on her own and be more independent.

Her first job was at the Jeff Davis Hospital as a microfilmest, she later moved to Wadley and worked for the Wadley Police Department as a dispatcher for two years. She then went to stay with her sister in Eatonton and worked at Perky Caps making caps for a summer. After that she worked at the Wheeler County Hospital as a switchboard operator and other things as well. In 1992 her father passed away from cancer, and she and her mother moved back to Wadley. Then in early 1995 her mother passed away, and Marsha thought her life was over. My niece, Julie, had a little girl named Kimberly Marie Bell. It took Marsha only a few weeks to decide that her life was worth living for this little girl. She kept little Kimberly from the time she was about two months until she started school. She became like her daughter, and she called her Mama from the beginning. She took her to her first day of school, and Marsha cried all the way home. She then knew what being a mother was like when their child goes to school. She was there for her kindergarten graduation and all of her dance recitals. Her nieces and nephews were more like her children and their children were like her grandchildren.

Through having spinal bifida Marsha had a lot of hurdles to overcome. She lived a full and happy life.

This obituary was written by Ms. Marsha herself; with everything she wanted her friends and family to know about her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brother; Gladus McAlum; nephew, Alan Knight; niece, Amy Claxton; great-nephew, Justin Lamb.

She is survived by her special adopted parents, Lamar and Ione Little of Vidalia, her sisters, Sandra (Jimmy) Phillips of Swainsboro, and Frances (Mike) Thigpen of Cochran, her brothers, Comer (Becky) McAlum of Alamo and John McAlum of Independence, MO, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Blundale Baptist Church.

The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to services.

Interment will follow in the Blundale Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be her nephews.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Ms. Marsha McAlum, 61, of Swainsboro.

View Marsha McAlum's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/31/2025

Laura Sally Robertson

Laura Sally Robertson, 85, of Swainsboro, Georgia passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, October 30, 2025 surrounded by her family. Sally was born September 28, 1940 to Tom and Sallie Mae Wilson. Sally worked at Larkin Furniture, Heritage House Furniture, and Ithaca Industries. After retiring from Ithaca, Sally spent her Saturday nights working for Paul and Debra Purvis at Swainsboro Raceway.

Sally attended The Rock Worship Center in Stillmore, Georgia and United Fellowship Baptist Church in Oak Park. She loved her large family and always wanted to make sure they were taken care of. She loved to have her family together for each holiday. She loved working out in the yards and in her “quiet” time, you could find her with a word search book.

Sally is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, J.C. Robertson, brothers, Bo Wilson, Grable Wilson and Elbert Wilson; sisters, Artie Nell Edenfield, Tommie Henry, and Grace Douglas; and great granddaughter, Cadence Conley. She is survived by her sons, Gary Odom (Carol) and Greg Odom; Daughters, Kathy Conley, Karen Youmans (Randy), and Julie Perkins (Larry). She is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, bonus sister, Sandra Proctor (Jimmy), and several nieces and nephews.

Sally will be remembered most for her love for her family. On our end, our world got a little dimmer, but when stepped out of this life into her eternal home, her world got a whole lot brighter. In her last days, she shared her love for the Lord and her desire to have everyone together again one day in Heaven.

Funeral service will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at 2:00pm at Chapman Funeral Home with Pastor Larry Perkins and Brian Milbee. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service. Burial will be at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Norristown, Georgia.

Pallbearers will be Jeremy Odom, Andrew Thompson, Kade Youmans, Justin Gray, Tyler Thompson, Kaleb Edenfield, Jake Perkins, Jackson Gray

Honorary Pallbearers will be Kason Edenfield, Kolby Edenfield, Tate Thompson, Joshua Gray, Easton Milbee, Connor Odom, Easton Odom, Aaden Cumbee, Raylon Cumbee, Robert Conley, and Nathan Roberts.

We would like to give a special thanks to Robyn Cumbee and Pruitt Hospice for their love and care during this time.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge on the arrangements for Mrs. Laura Sally Robertson, 85, of Swainsboro.

View Laura Sally Robertson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/31/2025

We want to invite everyone to come trick or treat with us at Chapman Funeral Home. Bring the little ones and enjoy candy, hotdogs, and good company. We'll have a tent set up outside ready for all the trick-or-treaters!

At Chapman Funeral Home, we’re proud to be part of the Emanuel County community — not just in times of need, but in moments of joy. We look forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting new friends.

📅 Friday, October 31, 2025
🕕 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 427 North Main Street, Swainsboro, Georgia

From our family to yours, we wish you a safe and fun Halloween.

10/30/2025

Roy Daniel "Dan" Meeks

Roy Daniel “Dan” Meeks was born on April 18, 1969, in Swainsboro, Georgia. He spent nearly his entire life in Meeks, the small community that shared his name and his heart. To Dan, there truly was no better place to be than home. He passed peacefully at his residence on October 29, 2025.

Dan was the kind of man who could fix just about anything and often did. A jack of all trades and a perfectionist by nature, he had a way of turning even the simplest task into something worth doing right. Whether he was fixing a leak, rebuilding an engine, or figuring out how to make something work better than it did before, you could count on his determination to see it through. If Dan Meeks did the job, it was done right. But it wasn’t just his skill that people admired, it was his heart. When he wasn’t fixing something for someone else, you’d likely find him under the hood of one of his old Fords. He had a deep love for the sound of a good engine, a slight need for speed, and more often than not, you’d hear him coming before you saw him.

Dan loved the simple things in life. He was happiest enjoying a quiet evening in the recliner, watching a western with his dog by his side.

He is survived by his parents, Billy and Elaine James; his two sons, Matt Meeks and Justin Meeks; his brothers, Dennis (Shannon) Meeks and William James; and the mother of his children and longtime companion, Vicky Hutcheson. He will also be deeply missed by a host of extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.

The family invites friends and loved ones to share their favorite stories and memories of Daniel; the ones that make you laugh, the ones that show his heart, and the ones that remind you of who he truly was.

Graveside Service will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Sardis Cemetery with Reverend Mark Hardin officiating.

The family will receive friends Friday, October 31, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Chapman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Trey Powell, Jake Jackson, Johnny Woodcock, Mark Williams, Ron Wilson, and Mike Rowland.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Roy Daniel “Dan” Meeks, 56, of Kite.

View Roy Daniel "Dan" Meeks's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/27/2025

Glenda Douglas Avery

Mrs. Glenda Douglas Avery, 78, of Swainsboro passed away Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Community Hospice in Vidalia. She was born on December 25, 1946, in Swainsboro to the late Spencer A. Douglas and Auline Hooks Woods.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Avery; parents; sister, Margie Thigpen; nephew, Mike Thigpen; special friend, Don Rountree.

Glenda was employed for many years with the City of Swainsboro Water Department. She enjoyed family history, fishing, crafts and crocheting. Glenda was a long-time member of Hawhammock Baptist Church.

She is survived by several cousins and friends.

Funeral Services will be on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Chapman Funeral Home with Reverend Cail Pressey officiating.

The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to services.

Interment will be in Sardis Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Michael Douglas, Del Brown, Allen McDaniel, Bo Larisey, Matt Braswell and Mark Canady.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Glenda Douglas Avery, 78, of Swainsboro.

View Glenda Douglas Avery's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/22/2025

Charles Everett "Mac" McDaniel, Jr.

Courtesy Announcement by Chapman Funeral Home

Charles Everett “Mac” McDaniel, Jr. passed away on October 15, 2025 at his home in Dawson, Georgia. Memorial service will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025 at 2:00pm at Mathews Funeral Home. Visitation will follow immediately after the service. Interment will be held in Swainsboro at a later date.

Everett was born in Camilla and moved to Swainsboro, Georgia with his family when he was a small boy. He grew up in Swainsboro and graduated from Swainsboro High School. He was a member of the SHS marching and concert bands. While in high school, he was also a member of a number of clubs and organizations. After High School, he attended Troy State University and later transferred to Georgia Southern College. He graduated from Georgia Southern with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education. While there, he played the sousaphone in the Southern Pride Marching Band for four years. He was also a member of the Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity.

After graduating, he moved to Dawson and was employed by the Terrell County Middle School as their Band Director. He was later employed by the Terrell County Correctional Institute as a Chief Counselor where he worked for several years. His real passion, however, was music and playing his bass guitar. He has played with a number of bands through the years in the Albany area. Everett was a big part of the music scene as a performer and a supporter of local talent. If there was ever a jam session, he would be there to take part. He made many close friends while doing the thing he loved the most.

Everett is survived his sister, Vicki M. Hodges of Statesboro and his nephew, Robert J. Hodges (Isabel) of Watkinsville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and JoAnn and his brother-in-law, Rory T. Hodges.

Those desiring to make memorials in lieu of floral arrangements please contribute to the Georgia Southern University Southern Pride Marching Band using this link: https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/71420/donations/new

View Charles Everett "Mac" McDaniel, Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/22/2025

Dorothy Marie Washington

Ms. Dorothy Marie Washington was born April 15, 1969, to Bernice Smith Washington and the late Joseph Samuel Washington of Philadelphia, PA. Dorothy departed this life on October 13, 2025, at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center in Augusta.

Dorothy was educated in the public schools of Emanuel County and Atlanta. She graduated from Carver High School in Atlanta. She was a graduate of Walden University where she received her bachelor’s and master’s degree in leadership. Dorothy loved listening to music and writing poems and she loved animals.

She leaves to cherish her memories, son, Niko Gates of Swainsboro; mother, Bernice Smith Washington of Swainsboro; sisters, Brenda Washington, Sharetha Washington, Chanee Washington; brother, Joseph Washington (Rita) of Riverdale; great-nephew, Tushae of Swainsboro; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

A private homegoing celebration will be held at a later date.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Ms. Dorothy Marie Washington, 56, of Swainsboro.

View Dorothy Marie Washington's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/22/2025

Annie Ruth Underwood

Mrs. Annie Ruth Underwood, 95, of Swainsboro passed away Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Emanuel County Nursing Home in Swainsboro. She was born November 4, 1929, in Twin City to the late William Jackson White and Mattie Bell Collins White. Mrs. Annie enjoyed gardening and growing her flowers. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with all her heart. Mrs. Annie was a resident of Emanuel County Nursing Home for around 7 years where she was known for her sweet loving smiles and always a greeting for all. We would like to express our gratitude to all the staff there who treated her like family. Mrs. Annie always called Emanuel County Nursing Home her home. We also want to express our gratitude to Pruitt Hospice who were always there to comfort us in our time of need. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Underwood, Sr.; parents; great-granddaughter, Kaibri Freeman; and several brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her son, Joe Underwood (Diane) of Twin City; daughter, Mary Ann Godbee (Mike) of Garfield; grandchildren, Jody Underwood (Lane), Jennifer Wheeler, both of Twin City; great-grandchildren, Kelsey Williamson, Judson Underwood, Ava Underwood, Gatlin Freeman; sister, Linda Rountree of Swainsboro; several nieces, nephews and many friends.

Graveside Service will be 4:30 p.m., Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Old Canoochee Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Butch Taylor officiating.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Chapman Funeral Home.

The Pallbearers are Jody Underwood, Judson Underwood, Jacob Shields, Jack White, Tommy Gene White and Gary Cavannah.

In lieu of flowers, the family strongly encourage donations be made to Emanuel County Nursing Home, 117 Kite Road, Swainsboro, GA 30401.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Annie Ruth Underwood, 95, of Swainsboro.

View Annie Ruth Underwood's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/20/2025

David Allen Jones

David Allen Jones, 56, of Swainsboro, passed away on October 17, 2025. He was born on April 2, 1969, in Miami, Florida to the late Carl Williams Jones and Sarah Ann Jones.

David was a remarkable man whose quiet strength and kind heart touched everyone who knew him. He had a passion for woodworking and could turn the simplest piece of wood into something beautiful. He loved the sound of a motorcycle and the peace that came from being on the open road.

A proud United States Navy veteran, David served his country with honor and carried that same sense of pride and discipline throughout his life. A devoted Florida Gators and Atlanta Braves fan, he always kept up with his teams and enjoyed talking about the games, win or lose. He also loved to travel and see new places, finding joy in the little adventures along the way.

More than anything, David loved his daughters. Spending time with them was his greatest joy, whether it was sharing a laugh, giving advice, or simply being together. He was steady, caring, and genuine, the kind of man who led by example and gave his best to the people he loved.

David’s hands built many things, but his greatest legacy will always be the love and memories he left behind.

Mr. Jones in survived by his daughters, Jamielyn Georgia Jones and Allison LeeAnn Jones; brothers, Edward Jones, Lee Bunch, William Davis; mother of his children, Dawn Lynn Jones; several nieces, nephews, and many friends

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, in the chapel of Chapman Funeral Home at 6:00 P.M. with Reverend Mark Hardin officiating.

Chapman Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. David Allen Jones, 56, of Swainsboro.

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10/20/2025

Colon Eugene Henry

Mr. Colon Eugene Henry, 82, passed away at his home in Swainsboro, Ga on October 18, 2025 surrounded by family and friends. Colon was born on February 10, 1943 in Swainsboro to the late Robert Eugene Henry and Marie Hadden Henry.

Colon was a concrete finisher by trade. Outside the concrete profession, he built many houses as well as numerous handmade crafts. Colon was ordained as deacon at Mt. Shady Church in 1975.

Colon’s hobbies included spending time with his family, riding his tractors, gardening, and fishing, especially with his great grandsons.

Colon poured his heart into his family, sharing from his garden, and watching his grandchildren grow.

Colon was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter Rhonda Melissa; brother, Grady Henry; sisters, Marcile Sapp and Mildred Wilson.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jean Akridge Henry of Swainsboro; daughter, Teresa Henry Dixon (Andy) of Swainsboro; bonus son, Lynn Edenfield (Diane) of Swainsboro; grandson, Chesley Dixon (Bridget) of Swainsboro; bonus granddaughter, Kristy Wimberly (Alf) of Swainsboro; great grandchildren, Cooper Riner, Paxton Dixon, Cannon Dixon, and Brooks Dixon of Swainsboro; bonus great grandchildren, AnnaKade Clemens and Allison Durden (Ryan) of Swainsboro; very special niece, Sandy Cato (Dairen) of Louisville; special care giver, Topekia Carswell of Swainsboro; brother, Robert Henry Jr. of Swainsboro; sisters, Lucille Edenfield of Swainsboro and Ann Akridge (Garland) of Twin City; many special nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Mt. Shady Baptist Church with Reverend Rusty Moore officiating.

The family will receive friends Monay, October 20, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Chapman Funeral Home.

Interment will follow in Mt. Shady Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Chesley Dixon, Cooper Riner, Paxton Dixon, Cannon Dixon, Brooks Dixon, Lynn Edenfield, Alf Wimberly, and Mike Beasley.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Colon Eugene Henry, 82, of Swainsboro.

View Colon Eugene Henry's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.