Shirley Fagler McNeely, age 87, of Swainsboro, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, March 14, 2026, at home. Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 14, at 11 a.m. at Hawhammock Baptist Church with Rev. Jim Harrell officiating. Family received friends at the church from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Private interment followed at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
Shirley was born June 22, 1938, in Emanuel County, daughter of the late Garnell F. Fagler and Brunell Green Fagler. She was a graduate of Swainsboro High School. Shirley was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. After 33 years of service, she retired as manager from her job at the Georgia State Surplus Property Warehouse facility in Swainsboro.
Shirley grew up in a farming family where life wasn’t always easy. In her younger years, she helped on the farm where she picked cotton and cropped tobacco. Though she faced struggles and challenges throughout her life, she faced each of them with courage, determination and faith. Shirley loved and helped care for her parents throughout their lives; she loved her four sisters and only brother and each member of their families unconditionally. Since her parents were older when her youngest sister, Rita, was born, Shirley always tried to make sure she was well taken care of and looked after, treating her much like her third child.
The most important event in her life was when she came to a saving knowledge of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Her salvation changed her life forever and she lived the remainder of her life in faithful love and service to her Lord, her family, her friends and those in need that God brought into her life. Her earnest prayer was that every member of her family would come to know Jesus Chris as their Lord and Savior.
Shirley poured her life into loving, raising and providing the very best that she could for her two sons, daughters-in-law, her six grandchildren and her 15 great-grandchildren. After her retirement, she embarked on her second and most rewarding career, that of fulltime grandmother. This new career included unlimited baby-sitting, childcare, cooking and financial services for children and grandchildren. Shirley prepared evening meals for them and was never hesitant to pitch in with housekeeping chores if needed. Overnight sleepovers were a treasured tradition for the grandchildren. She single-handedly planned and conducted summertime Vacation Bible School camps for the grandchildren and other children in the family helping lay a solid Christian foundation for their lives. Shirley was a wise counselor and a lifelong encourager of her six grandchildren throughout their lives.
Shirley was a well-studied student of the Bible and a faithful prayer warrior. She didn’t just study God’s Word, she lived it by relying on the many promises it contains. She taught it to her children and grandchildren. Shirley also enjoyed regular prayer meetings with Christian friends. She and some of the friends would travel around the county, including the schools, praying for her community and students. Mrs. McNeely is preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Dorothy Autry, Betty Ann Howard and Jean Roberts; and brother, Randall Fagler.
Mrs. McNeely is survived by two sons, Craig McNeely (Sallie) and Richard McNeely (Renae); sister, Rita Fagler Battle (Tommy); brother-in-law, Jimmy Roberts; sister-in-law, Miriam Hardy (Vernon); 12 grandchildren, Matthew McNeely (Joni), Jason McNeely (Rebecca), Corey McNeely (Brittany), Rachel Gunn (Beau), Bonnie Johnson (Hudson), Rick McNeely (Sydney); 15 great-grandchildren, Charlie, Kellan and Piper McNeely, Reese, Madelyn and Macy McNeely, Nathan McNeely, John-Mitchell, Hagan, Benton and Neely Johnson, Elyce and Juliet Gunn, Murdock and Townes McNeely; and many nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to extend a special thank-you to caregivers, Willie Mae Deas and Brenda Jones. Thanks to their love and concern, Mrs. McNeely was able to remain at home where she was happiest during the final years of her life. The family also wishes to thank the entire staff of Pruitt Hospice for their tender care and professionalism during Mrs. McNeely’s final months.
Flowers will be accepted. If friends and family prefer, donations may be made to: Hawhammock Baptist Church Youth Ministry, 27 Hawhammock Church Road, Swainsboro, GA 30401.
Tomlinson Funeral Home & Crematory was in charge of arrangements.
