Georgia Smith

Georgia Sybil Swink Smith, 80, passed away peacefully at home on October 8, 2025. She was born to Benny Ruth Adams Swink and Lt. Col. Lloyd John Swink on December 8, 1944. Georgia grew up in Lake Park, Georgia, and spent part of her childhood in Korea.

Georgia graduated from Lowndes High School and pursued her lifelong passion for art, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Valdosta State College and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Georgia.

A gifted artist known for her portraits and landscapes, Georgia had an eye for composition. Even her doodles on scrap paper were often frame-worthy. Georgia was also a talented cook, creative decorator, and enthusiastic gardener who loved spending time outdoors in God’s creation. She had a gift for finding beauty in the ordinary and looking for good in any situation. Georgia’s kindness and compassion, motivated by her unwavering faith, touched many. This was most apparent through her devoted care for her daughter Sally, who Georgia supported through her long struggle with Friedreich’s Ataxia, alongside Sally's father, Dr. Frank Q. Smith.

Georgia was preceded in death by her mother; her father; her first husband, Harry Barnes; her sister, Becky Ruth Swink Dalzotto; and her daughter, Sarah Quillian Smith. She is survived by her daughter, Sandra Cole (Russ); stepdaughter, Susan White (Peter); stepson, Scott Smith (Kathy); four grandchildren—Anna Cate Cole, Allyson Buehrens (Thomas), Ross White (Seema), and Caroline Woodruff (David); one great-granddaughter, Maxine Buehrens; and nephew Ben Dalzotto.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance or the Advent Christian Village in Georgia’s memory.

A memorial service celebrating Georgia’s life will be held on 2pm on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Carson McLane Funeral Home in Valdosta, Georgia. The family will receive friends from 1-2pm before the service. Online condolences and memories may be shared on the obituary page at www.mclanecares.com.

Carson McLane Funeral Home