Tomlinson Funeral Home & Crematory announces the death of Mrs. Frances Wood Dryden, age 85, of Swainsboro, Georgia, on Friday, July 21, 2023, at East Georgia Regional Medical Center in Statesboro, Georgia, after a brief illness.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at 2:00 PM in the first Baptist Church of Swainsboro with Rev. Casey Shaw & Tommy Kirby officiating.

The body will lie in state at the church one hour prior to the time of service.

Interment will follow in the Swainsboro City Cemetery

The family will receive friends Monday, July 24, 2023, from 6-8 PM at Tomlinson Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Ed Daniels, Don Wilkes, Milton Gray, Richard McNeely, Craig McNeely, Jeremy Nasworthy, Wes Snellgrove, & Jeff Newsome.

Honorary Escorts are the Fidelis Sunday School Class, Sid Shephard, Pete Boatright, Jan Durden, Jed Davis, Gaston Kirby & Jeremy Williams, Jr.

Mrs. Dryden was born in Lake City, FL to the late Carl & Eula Walker Wood. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Swainsboro and a member of the Fidelis Sunday School Class. A true Southern lady, she loved gardening and particularly loved roses, hydrangeas, and day lilies. Among many other things, she loved reading, especially romance novels, and had a deep love for animals and birds.  Among her favorites were cardinals, hummingbirds, rabbits, and turtles; always providing food and water for any that visited her yard. She would frequently paint the shells of the turtles that visited her yard, enjoying this time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, providing the joy of having the same turtles coming back year after year.

Mrs. Frances was a devoted and fiercely independent Army wife, diligently standing by her husband during his career of more than 20 years. She loved fishing with her husband and eating fried fish, especially catfish. Most important to Mrs. Dryden were her faith in God and her family, starting each day with her devotional. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Marion "Louie" Dryden, brother Selvin Wood, and her beloved Yorkie, Lucy.

Survivors Include:

Daughters: Denise Dryden Neil (Bob) of Swainsboro, GA and Julie Dryden Holland of Raleigh, NC

Grandchildren: Jed Davis (Shaye) and Laci Davis Kirby (Tommy) of Swainsboro, GA; and Anna Holland of Columbia, SC.

Great-Grandchildren: Kylie Davis (Jeremy Williams, Jr.), Gaston Kirby, Lani Kirby, and Jillian Davis

Great-Great-Grandchildren: Braylee Williams, and Brooklyn Williams

Sister: Sandra Wood Tucker of Bradford, FL

Nieces, Nephews, & Extended Family

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Swainsboro & Regency Southern Care 7 Allen Dr. Suite A Statesboro, GA.

Tomlinson Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements for the services of Mrs. Frances Wood Dryden of Swainsboro.