Shirley Fagler McNeely of Swainsboro, Georgia

June 22, 1938 – March 14, 2026

Shirley Fagler McNeely, 87, resident of Swainsboro, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, March 14, 2026, at home.  Shirley was born in Emanuel County, daughter of the late Garnell F. Fagler and Brunell Green Fagler.  She was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She was a graduate of Swainsboro High School.  After 33 years of service, she retired as manager from her job at the Georgia State Surplus Property Warehouse facility in Swainsboro.

Mrs. McNeely is preceded in death by her parents, Garnell F. Fagler and Brunell Green Fagler; three sisters, Dorothy Autry, Betty Ann Howard, Jean Roberts, and brother Randall Fagler.

She 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; and Murdock and Townes McNeely, Many Nieces and Nephews

She 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.  She 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, she 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 Christ as their Lord and Savior.

She 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. She 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. She was a wise counselor and a lifelong encourager of her six grandchildren throughout their lives.

She 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.  She 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.

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 the Hawhammock Baptist Church Youth Ministry, 27 Hawhammock Church Road, Swainsboro, GA  30401.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 14, 2026, at Hawhammock Baptist Church with Rev. Jim Harrell officiating.

The family will receive friends at the church before the service from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

A private interment will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery.