Swain Funeral Home

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Baxley: (912) 367-2242
Hazlehurst: (912) 699-2242

Genevieve Gonzales De Vazquez

Genevieve Gonzales De Vazquez, age 47, of Hazlehurst, passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Memorial Hospital in Savannah.

Mrs. Vazquez was born March 30, 1979, in San Antonio, Texas and was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her father, the late Juan Gonzales.

Survivors include her husband, Demetrio Vazquez; daughters, Stephanie Olveda, Anna Gonzales, Jasmine Ortiz, and Hanna O’Steen; son, Alvaro Garcia; stepdaughter, Rosa Vazquez; stepson, Jose Vazquez; mother, Guadalupe Pena; sister, Christina Rodriguez Vasquez; brothers, Carlos Rodriguez, Juan Gonzales, and Manuel Gonzales; grandchildren, Tatianna O’Steen, Aden Ortiz, Adrien Ortiz, and Leo Garcia.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Swain Funeral Home in Hazlehurst with Rev. Dimior Rodriguez officiating. Interment will follow in Hazlehurst Memorial Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Israel Vasquez, Isai Vasquez, Esau Vasquez, Alvaro Garcia, Spencer Smith, Kaden Carlton, Cristian Torres, and Estevan Rodriguez.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Swain Funeral Home.

Genevieve Gonzales De Vázquez, de 47 años de edad, de Hazlehurst, falleció el domingo 7 de junio de 2026 en el Hospital Memorial de Savannah.

La Sra. Vázquez nació el 30 de marzo de 1979 en San Antonio, Texas, y era ama de casa. Fue precedida en la muerte por su padre, el fallecido Juan Gonzales.

Le sobreviven su esposo, Demetrio Vázquez; sus hijas, Stephanie Olveda, Anna Gonzales, Jasmine Ortiz y Hanna O’Steen; su hijo, Álvaro García; su hijastra, Rosa Vázquez; su hijastro, José Vázquez; su madre, Guadalupe Peña; su hermana, Christina Rodríguez Vázquez; sus hermanos, Carlos Rodríguez, Juan Gonzales y Manuel Gonzales; y sus nietos, Tatianna O’Steen, Aden Ortiz, Adrien Ortiz y Leo García.

Se llevará a cabo un servicio fúnebre el domingo 21 de junio de 2026 a las 3:00 p. m. en la Capilla de Swain Funeral Home en Hazlehurst, con el Reverendo Dimior Rodríguez oficiando. La sepultura se realizará posteriormente en el Cementerio Memorial de Hazlehurst.

Los portadores activos del féretro serán Israel Vázquez, Isaí Vázquez, Esaú Vázquez, Álvaro García, Spencer Smith, Kaden Carlton, Cristian Torres y Estevan Rodríguez.

La visita de condolencias se llevará a cabo una hora antes del servicio.

Los arreglos funerarios han sido confiados a Swain Funeral Home.

Genevieve Gonzales De Vazquez Obituary June 7, 2026 - Swain Funeral Home View Genevieve Gonzales De Vazquez's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Edward Thomas Wincek

Edward Thomas Wincek, 78, of Baxley passed away Saturday, June 13, 2026 at Meadows Memorial in Vidalia after an extended illness.

Ed was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts to June & Joe Wincek and lived there until moving to Florida as a young child.

Ed served in the Army National Guard for 6 years, proudly ending his service as a Sergeant. Soon thereafter he began his 19-year career as a Police Officer. He held many positions throughout his career within the department including EMS and Senior Scuba Diver Search and Rescue. His proudest position was serving as a motorcycle police officer until his retirement from the West Springfield Massachusetts Police Department.

When Ed retired, he and his wife Judy moved to Baxley where they have lived since 1990. Ed was a very talented man, but his true passion was music. He played the drums and sang every chance he could, nationwide.

Ed leaves his wife of 39 years, Judith Wincek; two sons, Robert Wincek of Pittsfield, MA, Jason Wincek of Halifa, VT; daughter, Michelle Holn of Greenfield, MA; niece, Melanie Moyse; great niece, Danielle Morton as well as very special friends & neighbors, Tanya & Jim Lawrence.

In honoring Ed’s wishes there will not be a service.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests donations to Tunnels to Towers (www.t2t.org) in memory of Edward T. Wincek.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

Edward Thomas Wincek Obituary June 13, 2026 - Swain Funeral Home View Edward Thomas Wincek's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Laverne Lamb Courson

Laverne Lamb Courson, age 87, of Baxley passed away Monday, June 8, 2026 at Memorial Health Satilla in Waycross.

Mrs. Courson was born November 15, 1938 in Appling County to the late Oci W. Lamb and the late Alma Bishop Lamb. She was a member of Zion Missionary Baptist Church. She loved her Sunday School class, singing in the choir, fishing and spending time with family and friends. She was a seamstress for 41 years and served as the curator of the Appling County Heritage Center for 13 years.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Courson was preceded in death by her husbands, Willis Eugene Courson and Jimmy Alton Courson; brothers, Frankie Lamb, Walter Lamb, and Paul Lamb; sisters, Annie Fay Faircloth, Lucille Campbell, Eunice Swinson, Hazel Salter, Betty Davis and Rosemary Proctor.

Survivors include her daughters, Pamela (Paul) Pitman of Homerville and Selena & Tony Rowell of Baxley; sons, Kenneth (Lynn) DeLoach of Warner Robins and Lonnie DeLoach of Baxley; seven grandchildren, Matthew Hall, Kevin Walton, Kristen Walton, Randy DeLoach, Caleb DeLoach Zeigler, Andrew DeLoach and Michael Newsome; and six great grandchildren, Grayson McMillian, Ethan Walton, Waylon DeLoach, Owen DeLoach, Chandler Kate DeLoach, and Abryanna Walton. A host of nieces and nephews, brother-in-law, Roscoe Davis and several step grandchildren, and step great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at Zion Baptist Church with Rev. Wayne Williamson, Rev. Charles Davis, and Rev. James Minick officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Caleb DeLoach Zeigler, Andrew DeLoach, Michael Newsome, Kevin Walton, Matthew Hall, Randy DeLoach and Tollie Rowell.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of Zion Missionary Baptist Church, the staff of Comfort Care Hospice, Dr. Orly & staff, Nell Bullard, Rhoda Roberson Faye Griffin, Eleanor Strickland, Freda Jones, Linda Pauloo, Clayton Harper

A visitation will be held Tuesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Swain Funeral Home.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

Laverne Lamb Courson Obituary June 8, 2026 - Swain Funeral Home View Laverne Lamb Courson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Carolyn Beecher Branch

Carolyn Beecher Branch, age 91, of Baxley went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at her residence under the care of Coastal Hospice.

Mrs. Carolyn was born October 9, 1934 in Appling County to the late Collis “Bay” Beecher and the late Alma Carter Beecher. She was a member of Spring Branch Baptist Church where she served her Lord and was active in her Sunday School Class. Mrs. Carolyn was co-owner of Grady Branch Heating and Cooling and the Tastee Freez for many years.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Grady Branch; and sisters, Zula Branch, Merle Mason, and Estelle McLain.

Survivors include her daughters, Brenda Branch and Dana (Eddie) Rentz of Baxley; sister, Patsy (Buck) Buchannan of Baxley; brother, Russell Beecher of Baxley; and grandchildren, Patrick (Madison) Rentz, Caroline Rentz (Luke Hutchinson); and a great grandchild, Anderson Grady Rentz and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Spring Branch Baptist Church with Rev. Tommy Daniels, Rev. Ryan Lamb, and Rev. Rick Brown officiating. Interment will follow in Omega Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Luke Hutchinson, Eduardo Zavala, Will Smith, Adam Smith, Lincoln Mann and Knox Mann.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, June 9, 2026 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Spring Branch Baptist Church.

The family expresses profound gratitude for the visits from friends and family and acknowledges the exceptional kindness and care extended to Caroline Carter and staff, Coastal Hospice, special caretakers, Cotillious Miller, Angie Taylor and Kim McDaniel.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

Carolyn Beecher Branch Obituary June 7, 2026 - Swain Funeral Home View Carolyn Beecher Branch's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Raymond L. Hodges, Jr.

Raymond L. Hodges, Jr., age 71, of Baxley passed away Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Memorial Health Meadows in Vidalia.

Randy was born on March 24, 1955, in Dublin, Georgia, to the late Raymond Luther Hodges and the late Betty Warren Hodges. He was a member of the Baxley Church of God and retired from Southern Company at Plant Hatch.

Randy was a former pitching coach for the Appling County Pirates. In 1977, he was drafted out of Georgia Southern University as a pitcher by the Atlanta Braves organization. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching the Georgia Bulldogs, coaching baseball, and spending time with family and friends, whom he cherished deeply.

One of Randy’s greatest passions was the game of baseball. He loved not only the sport itself, but also the opportunity it gave him to pour into the lives of young players in his community. Randy was more than a coach — he was a mentor who taught grit, perseverance, discipline, and character both on and off the field. Through his guidance, encouragement, and love for the game, he left a lasting impact on countless players and families who will forever carry his lessons with them. Also known as “Bo”, Randy was the proud father of two children, Matt Hodges and Anna Hodges, and the loving grandfather of Ivy and Jack, who brought him endless joy. He was married to the love of his life Pam Hodges for 43 years and they shared a beautiful life. He was also a cherished uncle, cousin, brother, father-in-law, and friend to many. No matter the role he held, Randy made everyone around him feel loved, valued, and cared for.

To know Randy was to know someone who would go out of his way for anyone. He was dependable, generous, and always present for the people he loved. His family was his greatest pride, and he supported them in every stage of life.

Survivors include his wife, Pamela Kay Hodges of Baxley; daughter, Anna H. Lovett (Adam) of Metter; son, Matthew Randall Hodges (Luke) of Baxley; sister, Denise Hodges Straughan of Milledgeville; and two grandchildren, Ivy Katherine Hodges and Jack Raymond Lovett. Several nieces, nephews, and other special family members also survive.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at the Baxley Church of God with Pastor Lamar Lee officiating. Interment will follow in the Barlow Family Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Jerry Hallman, Keith Dyal, Landry Tillman, Jim Ammons, Jeremy Smith and Jeff Herrington.

Honorary pallbearers will be his fellow Plant Hatch employees, former Appling County Pirate Baseball players coached by Randy, and the staff of Appling Medical Group.

A visitation will be held Thursday from 1:30 until the funeral hour at the Baxley Church of God.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

Raymond L. Hodges, Jr. Obituary June 6, 2026 - Swain Funeral Home View Raymond L. Hodges, Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Margie Carter Leigh

Margie Carter Leigh, age 97, of Baxley passed away Friday, June 5, 2026 at her residence under the care of Comfort Care Hospice.

Mrs. Leigh was born January 29, 1929 in Appling County to the late Bud Chapman Carter and the late Cora Cunup Carter. She was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and a devoted homemaker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Newell Ferrell Leigh, Sr., and sons, Newell Leigh, Jr. and Richard Leigh, and grandson, Timmy Nail.

Survivors include her daughters, Mary Baxley (H. M. Herndon) of Baxley and Janice (Peedy) White of Jesup; grandchildren, Ben White, Somer (Rick) Chambless, Staci Smith (Dewayne Crapps), and Kaci Quinn; great grandchildren, Gage Nail, Ree Smith, Kamdyn Quinn, Tuff Tyre, Peedy Caroline Tyre, and Jed Chambless; a special niece, Jeanette (Gary) Jones; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

A graveside service will be held Monday, June 8, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in Ten Mile Creek Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Justin McLellan officiating.

Active pallbearers will be Dewayne Crapps, Gage Nail, Ree Smith, Tuff Tyre, Ben White, and Jed Chambless.

The family expresses their sincere gratitude to the nurses and staff of Comfort Care Hospice, Dr. Orlando Fernando, and Appling Medical Group for their love and dedicated care.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

Margie Carter Leigh Obituary June 5, 2026 - Swain Funeral Home View Margie Carter Leigh's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

LaKenna Jean Thompson

Lakenna Thompson, age 67, of Baxley passed away Thursday, June 4, 2026 in Jesup under the care of Hospice of South Georgia.

Mrs. Thompson was born on December 30, 1958, in Jesup. She attended Red Oak Baptist Church and was employed with the Baxley Housing Authority. In addition, she served as a bus driver for more than 20 years, touching the lives of countless students and families throughout her career.

Mrs. Thompson never met a stranger. She loved people and was loved by many for her magnetic personality, warm smile, and cheerful spirit. She enjoyed sewing, spending time with family, and especially watching her grandchildren play sports. Her kindness, dedication, and love for others will be remembered by all who knew her. Mrs. Thompson was preceded in death by her mother, Marvine Hughes Head, stepmother, Sheryl Williams Head, and a brother, Mike Head.

Survivors include her husband, Lamar Thompson of Baxley; children, Kevin (Katlyn) Thompson of Baxley and Tony Thompson of Las Vegas, NV; Natalie (Richie) Goodson of Crawford; father, Gene (Geri) Head of Baxley; sisters, LaDonna (Charles) Caldwell of Baxley, Sherry Tillman of Alma and Patty (Tommy) Carter of Baxley; and six grandchildren, Kixton Thompson, Kaden Thompson, Drake Marlow, Katie Marlow, Anna (Austin) Griggs and Jessie Thompson also survive.

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 8, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Red Oak Baptist Church with Rev. Cole Griffin, Rev. Josh Gardner and Rev. Robbie Gill officiating. Interment will follow in Omega Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Eric Carter, Jason Carter, Drake Marlow, James Griffin, Maxwell Beaver and Cole Griffin. Junior pallbearers will be Kixton Thompson and Cooper Gardner.

Honorary pallbearers will be her co-workers of Baxley Housing Authority.

A visitation will be held Sunday, June 7, 2026 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Red Oak Baptist Church.

Funeral arrangements are the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

LaKenna Jean Thompson Obituary June 4, 2026 - Swain Funeral Home View LaKenna Jean Thompson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

James Earl Buffkin

James Earl Buffkin, age 81, of Baxley passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at Memorial Hospital in Savannah.

Mr. Buffkin was born February 1, 1945 in Appling County to the late Alvin Buffkin and the late Juanita Craven Buffkin. He was a member of Ten Mile Creek Baptist Church. Mr. Buffkin was a retired Iron Worker for Local 709 and loved hunting, fishing and spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sons, Jimmy Buffkin and Shane Buffkin, and his siblings, Rembert Buffkin, George Buffkin, A. J. Buffkin, Bernice Breach, and Elizabeth Mann.

Survivors include his granddaughters, Lacey (Colby) Griffin, Kacey Buffkin, Whysper (Kelan) Keane and Summer Sellers; daughter-in-love, Tammy Sellers; sister, Eloise Owens; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Swain Funeral Home.

Arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

James Earl Buffkin Obituary June 3, 2026 - Swain Funeral Home View James Earl Buffkin's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Lela Hunter Williams

Lela Hunter Williams, age 73, of Brunswick passed away peacefully surrounded by family Sunday, May 31, 2026 at Southeast Georgia Health System.

Lela was born January 8, 1953 in Bacon County to the late William Henry “Doc” Hunter and the late Inez Carter Hunter. She was a lifetime member of Midway Baptist Church. Lela was a talented singer and pianist as well as a gourmet cook. She enjoyed her recipe books and had quite a collection. She especially enjoyed coastal living and cuisine.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Megan Renee Lee Woodard, sister, Carrie Geiger, and brother, Bill Hunter.

Survivors include her husband, Steven Gary Williams of Brunswick; daughter, Mandy Milette Dixon of Tucker; sons, Isreal Hunter Dixon of Lyons, Noah Grayson Dixon (Kristy), of Stockbridge, and Luke Randall Dixon of Brunswick; sister, Peggy (Winston) Mincey of Baxley and Fodia Geiger of Hilliard, FL; brother, Floyd (Claudine) Hunter of Baxley; eleven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Midway Baptist Church with Rev. Wayne Williamson and Rev. Brannon Pate officiating.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be McCall Dixon, Jacob Dixon, Hunter Dixon, Joe Stiles, Grayson Dixon and Bryson Williams.

Honorary pallbearers will be all family and friends in attendance.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Swain Funeral Home.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

Lela Hunter Williams Obituary May 31, 2026 - Swain Funeral Home View Lela Hunter Williams's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.