Barbara Swindell

Barbara Ann Swindell, age 93, of Naylor, Georgia, passed away peacefully, surrounded by comfort and love, at the Langdale Hospice House, on Sunday, November 1, 2026. She was a devoted Christian, loving mother and grandmother, and had the sweetest spirit. Ms. Swindell was born on September 26, 1933, to the late Victor Eugene and Annella Wilkes Chittenden in Lewiston, New York. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her two sons, Timothy Shane Swindell and David Kipley Swindell; son-in-law, Larry Mixson Sheffield; sisters Bonita Louise Chittenden, Phyllis Murrhee, and Joyce Powell; brother, Leon Chittenden; and the father of her three children, Paul Swindell.

Barbara is survived by her daughter Paula Sheffield of Naylor, GA; granddaughter, April Weeks (Chris) of High Springs, FL; sister, Gay Dollar of Jefferson, GA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

At the age of 21, Barbara married a career military man, beginning a life of adventure and travel that would take their family all over the world. Together, they raised three children while following his military career, making homes and memories in many different places along the way. Throughout their travels, she spent many years working in the banking industry, eventually retiring from Park Avenue Bank in Valdosta. While she was proud of her years in banking, one of her greatest personal accomplishments, next to raising her children, was earning her Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Valdosta State University in 1991.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. She knew the Lord as her personal Savior and was a devoted prayer warrior, often spending time in prayer for her family. Her children knew the comfort of being covered in their mother's prayers, and those prayers were spoken with a depth of love and sincerity that will never be forgotten. She looked forward to the day she would be in the presence of her Lord and Savior, and reunited with her loved ones who had gone before her.

She was a talented seamstress and enjoyed cross-stitching, reading, working crossword puzzles, and painting. She always enjoyed keeping her hands busy and her mind engaged, something that served her well throughout her life. Even as the years passed, her mind remained remarkably sharp, and she continued to approach life with curiosity and determination.

The family of Ms. Swindell would like to extend a very special thanks to Hospice of South Georgia for their care and attention during her final days.

Per her wishes, Ms. Swindell was cremated, and she chose not to have a formal service. Kind words of sympathy can be left for the family at www.musicfuneralservices.com. The Swindell family is being served by the professional and caring staff of Music Funeral Services of Valdosta.