Gayle Gregory Rainwater, 82

Gayle Gregory Rainwater, age 82, of Swainsboro, passed away Thursday, June 25, 2026, at her residence. Funeral services were held Sunday, June 28, at 3 p.m. at Southside Baptist Church with Reverend Chad Kennison and Reverend Jeff Stark officiating. Family received friends one hour prior to the service. Interment followed in Lamb Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Casey Henry, Jimmy Peebles, Cameron Kennison, Kevin Chapman, Michael Wilcher, and Baron Powell.

Gayle was born April 11, 1944, in Swainsboro, to the late Wylie D. Henry and Hattie Athine Kersey Henry. She loved to laugh and entertain others. Her grandchildren have fond memories of her dancing to Chubby Checker and making up bedtime stories about catfish who lived in old boots. Gayle was creative at heart and enjoyed writing poems and arranging flowers. Her home was in a constant state of redecorating. While people may remember her most from her years of managing various retail stores in Swainsboro, her passion project was the flower shop she owned with her sister, Athena’s Flowers & Gifts. Although her failing health led to her retirement, she continued making arrangements in her home until she was physically unable.

Gayle was a faithful member of Southside Baptist Church, where she enjoyed teaching Sunday School and Children’s Church for many years. However, her pride and joy until the end was her family, especially her three great- grandchildren. Gayle playfully referred to herself as a “foxy grandma,” and that is how she will be remembered — full of love and sass. Mrs. Rainwater is preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Bill Gregory and Don Rainwater; brother, Herb Henry; and sister, Evelyn Tillett.

Survivors include her daughter, Melinda Averett (Dennis) of Kite; grandchildren, Amanda Garnto (Nathan) of Wrightsville and Derek Averett (Alice) of Metter; great-grandchildren, Brooklyn Garnto, Brynlee Averett and Case Averett; brothers, Robert Henry (Evelyn) and Alton Henry (Bonnie), both of Swainsboro; sisters, Hazel Bush of Lyons, Eloyse Farrow and Scarlett Nelson (Buddy), both of Swainsboro; stepdaughters, Kim French (Jason) of Missouri and Becky Roberts (Carl) of Florida; several nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro was in charge of arrangements.