Dessie Lewis Claxton, age 84, of Swainsboro, died Tuesday morning, April 14, 2026, at Emanuel County Nursing Home after an extended illness. Funeral services were held Friday, April 17, at 11 a.m. at Union Primitive Baptist Church with Elder Sam Bowen officiating and Elder Will Martin assisting. Mr. Claxton lay in state one hour prior to service. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Family received friends Thursday, April 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Tomlinson Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were his grandsons.
Lewis was born December 27, 1941, in Swainsboro, to the late Elder William Claxton and Nannie Lou Hudson Claxton, and was a lifelong resident of Emanuel County. He was a truck driver for over 35 years and retired from Claxton Septic Service. Lewis was a very loving daddy who instilled in his girls at an early age to always take care of each other as well as others around them. He enjoyed gardening and was very passionate about fishing. Nothing made him happier than a string of “good eatin’ size” bream. Lewis’ greatest pleasure was sharing a meal with someone. He was a member of Union Primitive Baptist Church. Mr. Claxton is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Linda Watkins Claxton; stepmother, Sarah Hudson Claxton; brother, Harold Claxton; and special friend, Catherine Kirby.
Survivors include his daughters, Lesa Edwards, Barbara Williamson, Jane Claxton and Betty (Shane) Blalock; bonus son, Roy (Linda) Smith; step-sisters, Judy (Russell) Moore, Barbara (Allen) Strickland and Jessie (Donnie) Garrett; brother-in-law, Glen (Tammy) Watkins; grandchildren, Steven (Leslie) Edwards, Matthew Edwards (Kelsi McElroy), Tyler (Holly) Williamson, Faith (Brandon) Page, Tammie (Chance) Callaway, Katelyn (John) Hooks, Bill (Nikki) Hackle, Ryan Blalock, Ashley Blalock, Kayte Blalock and Morgan Blalock; great-grandchildren, Dylan (Emilie) Edwards, Baylee Edwards, Ashton Edwards, Karson McElroy, Danni Lynn Williamson, Demi Williamson, Denver Williamson, Weston Page, Collins Page, Gannon Williford, Chandler Callaway, Karsyn Callaway, Madilyn Hooks, Tucker Hooks, Eli Hackle, Baylor Hackle, Ansley Crosby, Avery Crosby, Ava Crosby and Leah Osborne; special nieces, Karen (David) Underwood, Laura (Billy) Tompkins, Jill (Tom) Usher and Julie (Andy) Love.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Union Primitive Baptist Church, c/o Barbara Williamson, 114 Francis Ave., Swainsboro, GA 30401.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Emanuel County Nursing Home and Pruitt Health Hospice for taking such excellent care of their dad the past year.
Tomlinson Funeral Home of Swainsboro was in charge of arrangements.
