Nancy Hembree Swilley

Nancy Hembree Swilley, age 82, departed this life on Sunday, March 9, 2026, at her home in Woodstock, Georgia, surrounded by family and holding her husband’s hand. The only child of Howard and Rubye Hembree, Nan was known for her keen intelligence, lively and sometimes bawdy sense of humor, endlessly kind heart, and generous spirit. She shared these gifts in abundance with her loving husband of 63 years, Monroe, her children, grandchildren, many friends, and the clients, students, and colleagues whose lives she touched.

A graduate of South Georgia College as valedictorian, Nancy brought a sharp mind and quick wit to everything she did. As a caseworker and trainer for Georgia’s Department of Family and Children’s Services, she traveled the state teaching new caseworkers with both wisdom and a sense of fun, earning the affectionate nickname “The Cookie Lady” for never arriving empty-handed. An avid reader who especially loved romance novels from Jane Austen to Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, she was also a gifted actress who performed in college and community theater productions including Bye Bye Birdie, The Music Man, The Diary of Anne Frank, and Show Boat. A talented alto, she sang in church and community choirs, embracing music that ranged from Ella Fitzgerald to Neil Sedaka, Neil Diamond, Simon and Garfunkel, and a wide array of Broadway musicals.

Above all, Nancy found her greatest joy in later years as “Nana” to her grandchildren. Sharing her love of Disney with them and creating cherished memories together brought her deep happiness. With Monroe, she showed her family and everyone around her what deep, true love looks like, a legacy that continues in all who knew her. Kind, strong, forgiving, and supportive, Nan had a special gift for making people feel comfortable, loved, and accepted. She instinctively welcomed her children’s and grandchildren’s friends into the family as her own.

She is survived by her husband, Monroe Swilley of Woodstock; daughters and sons-in-law, Lee Swilley and Dan Leatham of Woodstock and Kelley Swilley and Matt Ceccato of Woodstock; and grandchildren, Bryce Monroe and Alison Waters of Marietta and Ava Elizabeth Waters of Troutman, North Carolina. Other family members also survive.