Chapman Funeral Home

04/05/2026

Don Bishop

Mr. Don Bishop, 73, of Summertown passed away Friday, April 3, 2026. He was born on April 23, 1952, in Swainsboro. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil Bishop and Mary Smith Bishop

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Linda M. Bishop of Summertown; sons, Rex Bishop of Summertown, Chase Bishop of Savannah; grandchildren, Jade Bishop (Levi Stapleton) of Meeks, Evans Bishop of Swainsboro; great grandson, Jaxson Bishop; several other family members and friends.

Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in the chapel of Chapman Funeral Home with Reverend Mark Hardin and Reverend Jamie Johnson officiating.

Interment will follow at Eastbrook Cemetery and Mausoleum.

The family will receive friends on Monday, April 6, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Chapman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Devin Snipes, Zach Paige, Zeb Paige, Tom Phillips, Ben Way and Larry Bell.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Summertown City Clerk, Linda Kirkland; Summertown City Council, Nicky Drake, Joe Kirkland, Linda Brady, Tracy Radford, Perry Johnson; and Summertown staff member, Jason Kirkland.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com

Chapman Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements for Mr. Don Bishop, 73, of Summertown.

View Don Bishop's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/03/2026

Sandra Wilkerson Marsh

Mrs. Sandra Wilkerson Marsh, 75, of Swainsboro passed away Thursday, April 2, 2026, at her residence. She was born on September 5, 1950, in Swainsboro to the late, Quince Wilkerson and Evie Dell Hall Wilkerson. Sandra was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wayne Marsh; sister, Valerie L. Wilkerson; brothers, Larry Wilkerson, George Wilkerson, Henry Wilkerson, Stanly Wayne Wilkerson.

Survivors include her sons, Dwayne (Eryka) Marsh of Ellabell; daughters, Cindy Chance, Cissy (Daon) Bethea both of Stillmore; brothers, Charles Ronald Wilkerson of Garfield, Randy (Glenda) Wilkerson of Swainsboro; sister, Trannie (Edward) Hopkins of Swainsboro; grandchildren, Rayvan Marsh, Rashon Marsh, Tyrone Carswell, Jr., Dayla Bethea, Daon Bethea, Jr., Destinee Marsh, Khaci Marsh, Chase Johnson; great grandchildren, Hazel Marsh, Aspen Carswell, Aroya Cook, Ari Carswell, Kyro Marsh; several nieces, nephews and many friends.

Funeral Service will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, April 6, 2026, at Jesus Saves Church with Reverend Brad McKenzie officiating.

Internment will follow at Old Bethel Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 5, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Chapman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Dwayne Marsh, Rashon Marsh, Daon Bethea, Jr., Chase Johnson, Tim Wilkerson, Henry Wilkerson, Jr., Rodney Sellers, Cody Hopkins, and Chris Wilkerson.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com

Chapman Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements for Mrs. Sandra Wilkerson Marsh, 75, of Swainsboro.

View Sandra Wilkerson Marsh's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/02/2026

Join us for Easter Sunrise service Sunday morning at 7am at Eastbrook Cemetery and Mausoleum

04/02/2026

Jackson D Bareford

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jackson Durham Bareford, Sr., U.S. Army, passed away on March 28, 2026, in Swainsboro, Georgia after an extended battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He was 79 years old. A loving father and devoted husband, Jack liked nothing more than spending time with his family and beloved dogs, Pickles and Olive.

Jack was born in Richmond, Virginia to Andrew Jackson and Dorothy Landers Bareford. He grew up in Tappahannock, Virginia where he spent many happy days playing baseball and fishing and crabbing along the banks of the Rappahannock River. He attended Virginia Military Institute and graduated alongside his Brother Rats as part of the Class of 1968 (Good to Me!).

Jack proudly served his country in the United States Army Field Artillery for 26 years. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War (101st Airborne Division,1969-1970) and the Gulf War (24th Infantry Division Artillery, 1990-1991). Throughout his service, including assignments in North Carolina, South Carolina, Germany, Georgia, and Virginia, Jack was highly respected as a dedicated leader and admired for his integrity, strong work ethic, and genuine care for his troops. In the years following his retirement from the military, Jack served his community as Executive Director of the Claxton, Georgia Chamber of Commerce; Director of the Georgia Rural Economic Development Center; and most recently as President of the Swainsboro-Emanuel County Development Authority.

Jack was preceded in death by his mother and father, and his brothers Gene and Danny Bareford. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Patricia Swift Bareford; his three sons Jack Bareford, Jr. (Ashley) of Charleston, SC, Lee Bareford (Jill) of Savannah, GA, and Taylor Bareford (Robin) of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren Sam, Charlotte, and Alexandria; and nieces Mary Danielle and Lisa Marie Bareford.

Plans for a memorial service are underway and will be announced at a later date. In lieu of sending flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jack’s memory to Disabled American Veterans, P. O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Jackson D. Bareford, 79, of Swainsboro.

View Jackson D Bareford's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/01/2026

Kymberly "Kym" Cole Van Epps

Ms. Kym Cole Van Epps, 64, of Twin City passed away Tuesday, March 30, 2026, at her residence. She was born April 13, 1961in Savannah to the late Ted Cole and Peggy June Sutton. Kym was preceded in death by her parents; son, Cole Van Epps; eternal partner, John Van Epps.

To know Kym was to know how truly devoted she was to her two loves, grandchildren, Cleo Nell and Teddy Beau who adoringly dubbed her “gramum”. As a “grandmum” her favorite past times were sneaking the kids sips of coke, teaching them how to throw dirt clods and make mud pies on the dirt road.

Before Kym was blessed with grandbabies in her later years she had two children, Cole and Rachael, with her eternal partner, John Van Epps. Kym was an accomplished computer programmer who later left the corporate life to be a stay-at-home mom. She excelled at last minute projects, writing research papers about Ecuador, and making sandwiches every morning for 17 years, some would say she was a pro.

Kym had a heart of gold that sometimes outweighed her common sense and made it her goal to save as many stray animals as she could. She loved her animals fiercely. Many dogs went from the outhouse to the penthouse under her care.

She enjoyed loud classic rock music with the windows down, her daughter’s cooking, and British murder mysteries. Kym’s favorite hobby was getting on her son-in-law’s nerves. He deemed her a unicorn of a mother-in-law.

Survivors include her daughter, Rachael Van Epps (Zach Appleby) of Twin City; stepmom, Charla Cole of Louisville; sisters, Kelly Butler of Stillmore and Christy Douglas (Brian) of Louisville; sister-in-law, Vicky Taverier (Mark) of Athens; grandchildren, Cleo Appleby and Teddy Beau Appleby; aunt, Jenny Sowell; uncle, Gale Cole.

Memorial Service will be Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.in the chapel of Chapman Funeral Home with

Mr. Sonny Morgan officiating.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Ms. Kym Cole Van Epps, 64, of

Twin City.

View Kymberly "Kym" Cole Van Epps's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/30/2026

Shaun Blake Bush

Mr. Shaun “Bushwacker” Bush, 26, of Swainsboro passed away on March 27, 2026. He was born on October 27, 1999, in Statesboro to Shannon Bush and Renee Lawson Bush. Shaun lived a life full of love, laughter, and deep devotion to his family and friends. He was a beloved son, devoted husband to his wife, Megan, and proud and loving father to his son, Michael Bush, age 2, and eagerly awaiting the arrival of his second son, Jaxon Parker due in August. Shaun’s greatest joy in life was his family, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

Shaun was a graduate of Swainsboro High School and continued his education at Southeastern Technical College, where he earned an associate degree in instructional Technology and Electrical. He built a strong work ethic early in life and worked as a welder and fabricator at Jemison Metals, as well as a local sorter for UPS.

A skilled craftsman, Shaun had a passion for welding and took pride in building grills and working with his hands. In his free time, he loved fishing and playing golf, but above all, he loved being with his family. He was truly a family man in every sense of the word. Shaun will be remembered for his kind heart, his strength, and his unforgettable personality. He never met a stranger and had a rare gift for making everyone feel welcome. Whether through his humor, his conversations, or simply his presence, Shaun left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His life, though far too short, was filled with love, and his legacy will live on through his family, his children, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Shaun was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Mike Bush; paternal great-grandfather, Paul Bush; and great grandmother, Barbara Meeks.

Survivors include his wife, Megan Bush of Midville; sons, Michael Bush, Jaxon Bush, both of Midville; parents, Shannon and Renee Bush of Swainsboro; brother, Shann Bush (Kelcy Womack) of Swainsboro; paternal grandmother, Sharon Bush of Swainsboro; maternal grandparents, Kathy and Bobby Beecher of Oak Park; Elzie Akridge of Swainsboro; paternal great-grandmother, Hazel Bush of Vidalia; several aunts, uncles, cousins and other family members.

Funeral Services will be at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Swainsboro with Reverends Brad McKenzie and Chad Kennison officiating.

Interment will follow in Eastbrook Cemetery & Mausoleum.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Chapman Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Pallbearers are Neil Clay, James Clay, Mikey Douglas, Gavin Coyt, Jeffery Brown, Jr. and Gabe Moore.

Honorary pallbearers are Jemison Metal employees and UPS Local Sort employees.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Shaun “Bushwacker” Bush, 26, of Midville.

View Shaun Blake Bush's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/26/2026

Jim Lewis Clark

Mr. Jim Lewis Clark passed away at his residence in Twin City on March 25, 2026.

Jim was born to the late Willard L. Clark and Wanda Hendrix Henry. He was a skilled carpenter and could make anything he set his mind to. He enjoyed fishing and cooking and eating those fish even more. In his free time he loved to watch movies.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and a sister Elena Nicole Clark.

He is survived by his children, Elliot (Elena) Clark and Elizabeth Clark, his siblings, Russell (Gail) Thornton and Lisa (Darren) Newberry, a grandson, Xander Clark, and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday evening, April 2, 2026 at Chapman Funeral Home at 6:00pm, the family will receive friends for an hour prior to the service.

A private inurnment will follow the service.

Chapman Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements for Mr. Jim Clark, xx, of Twin City.

View Jim Lewis Clark's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/26/2026

Melissa L. Fleming

Ms. Melissa Fleming, 45, passed away on March 18, 2026, at Southland Healthcare and Rehab Center.

Melissa loved singing and traveling. In her free time, she would watch movies, color, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.

She is preceded in death by her father, Van Richard Fleming Sr.

She is survived by her mother, Teresa Fleming, brothers, Van R. (Amanda) Fleming and Christopher (Fawn) Fleming, and several aunts, uncles and many friends.

A memorial service will be held at the Carolina Memorial Gardens in North Charleston, SC on April 18 at 12:00 P.M.

Chapman Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements for Ms. Melissa Fleming.

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

03/21/2026

John "David" Carter

Mr. John “David” Carter, 66, of Swainsboro passed away, Friday, March 20, 2026, at Emanuel Medical Center in Swainsboro. He was born on June 12, 1959, in Vero Beach, Florida to the late John Henery Carter and Maggie Taylor Carter.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Joyce Jones.

Survivors include his daughters, Ashley Carter (Stephen Powell), Whitney Henry (Blake), Katrina Carter; brother, Robert Carter (Lynn Armstrong); 7 grandchildren, Brinzlei Webb, Jeffery Webb, Maggie Farrow, Eden Farrow, Lillian Henry, Callie Cossette, Cadence Cassette; 2 nieces, Stephenie Barnette, Santana Mincey; 1 nephew, Dustin Carter; and many friends.

The family will hold a memorial service at a later date. The funeral home will share service details once arrangements are finalized.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to help cover the final expenses for Mr. David Carter.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. John “David” Carter, 66, of Swainsboro.

View John "David" Carter's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/21/2026

Memorial service for Mr. Christopher Robin Samples.

03/20/2026

John Melbourne Godbee

John Melbourne Godbee joined his Lord and Savior and his loved ones in heaven on March 18, 2026, passing peacefully at home, surrounded by love. Born on September 23, 1941, to the late Joseph Henry Godbee, Sr and Mabel Oglesby Godbee in Sylvania, Georgia.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda, his four children, Lori Scott, Lisa Harper (Bill), Melinda Sutton (Russ) and John Godbee (Patti),2 grandchildren, Mary Helen Bozard (Alan) and Allison Scott Butler (Caleb), and great grandchildren, Brody Ondriezek, Berklee Bozard, Jessie Kate Butler and Carsyn Butler. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

He was pre-deceased by his parents, his first wife and mother of his children, Glenda Godbee, his brother(s), Raiford Godbee, Roy Godbee, Ralph Godbee and JH (Jiggs) Godbee, Jr , Wayne Godbee and sisters, Lena Godbee, Reba Godbee, Julia Godbee, Eunice G Coursey, Barbara G Boyd, Evelyn G Cooper, Myrtle G Sheffield, and his son-in-law, Joseph Ross Scott.

Melbourne’s relationship with Jesus Christ and his strong faith in Him, was the secure foundation of his life. As a farmer, he had a love for raising cattle, as well as, found God’s Grace and Gloryin the fertile soil of our earth. He believed that the door to Heaven was open and waiting for him, and for all who believe.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 12:00pm, at Screven Memorial Cemetery with Reverend Scott Krug officiating. The family will greet friends at the gravesite.

Pallbearers are Richard Godbee, Michael Boyd, Mack Chivers, David Cooper, Kenneth Godbee and Brody Ondriezek.

Honorary Pallbearers are Wendell Wood, Robert McBride, Von Sheffield, Mark Sheffield, Jeff Godbee, Alton Coursey, Carolyn Johnson, James Roberts, Frank Powel, Curtis Roberts, and Dr. Wayne Morris.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com

Chapman Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements for Mr. John Melbourne Godbee, 84, of Metter.

View John Melbourne Godbee's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/19/2026

Christopher Robin Samples

Mr. Christopher “Chris” Robin Samples, 68, of Swainsboro passed away unexpectantly on Friday, March 13, 2026, at his residence. He was born on September 16, 1957, in Swainsboro to the late John C. Samples and Jessie Strobridge Samples. Chris was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John C. Samples, Jr.; sisters, Linda Samples and Sophia Neal.

Christopher built with his hands, joked with his heart, and left every place better than he found it. Known for his straight lines and strong frames, he somehow made life feel a little less crooked. Christopher spent his life fixing what was broken, now everything around him is perfectly made. He could fix just about anything except how much he will be missed. Heaven just gained a carpenter, and you can be sure things are being built right up there.

Survivors include his wife, Roxanne B. Samples of Swainsboro; son, Christopher R. Samples, Jr. of Swainsboro; daughters, Demetria L. Rountree, Avia Phillips, both of Swainsboro, Christian Adams of Pennsylvania; brother, Jerome Samples; sisters, Mary Strobridge, Nancy Shimoyama, both of Swainsboro, Andrea Elliott (Steven) Loganville; stepdaughters, Davon McGruder, Iesha McGruder, both of Statesboro; eight grandchildren; and many friends.

Memorial Service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 21, 2026, in the chapel of Chapman Funeral Home.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com

Chapman Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements for Mr. Christopher “Chris” Robin Samples, 68, of Swainsboro.

View Christopher Robbins Samples's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.