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BORN
1963
DIED
2016
Amy Swann Obituary
- AUGUSTA - Amy Swann defied easy description. She was passionate, funny, difficult, smart, proud, kind. If you needed help, she was a fierce advocate. If you were a bully, she was your worst enemy. Amy loved cats and children and those who had been dealt an injustice. She also loved you if you showed an independent and curious mind, a sharp wit, or a loyal heart, all qualities that she possessed in spades and valued in others.
An award-winning reporter and writer, Amy, 53, hailed from the small southeast Georgia town of Claxton, where the family lived with Minnie Kicklighter, Amy's strong-willed, indomitable grandmother, who could cook like nobody's business. After earning her degree in Communications from Georgia Southern College, Amy began her career at the Claxton Enterprise. She quickly became a beloved and respected reporter and columnist for the Augusta Chronicle and the Savannah Morning News. Among her many accomplishments, she was most proud of her Associated Press awards, which included first place for Deadline Reporting in 1987. In the newsroom, she was an editor, teacher and mentor, in fearless pursuit of the truth always and at all costs. She spoke like an angel, except when she was speaking like the devil, and she wrote with a clear and impassioned vision that inspired countless others.
Amy's greatest attribute-and her biggest challenge-was her heart. It was as big as all outdoors, but it failed her in the end, from a congenital disease that took her daddy, John Swann, when he was 47. She never stopped missing him. On the other hand, her mother, Annette Kicklighter Swann, lived to a great age. In Miss Annette's last years, Amy was a faithful and loving caretaker who never left her mother's side and met her every need.
Amy gave so much to so many. She is survived by four cats, an extended family, and more friends than most people make in ten lifetimes. She fought to the end to live life on her own terms, and she pretty much succeeded. Rest in peace, our Amy. We love you. We will miss you.
A celebration of Amy's life will be held in the large pavilion at Pendleton King Park, 1600 Troupe Street (also located on Google Maps at 1600 Kissingbower Road across from the intersection of Woodland Avenue and Kissingbower Road) in Augusta, Saturday, December 31, at 11:00 AM.
Savannah Morning News
December 29, 2016
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Memories and Condolences
for Amy Swann
Shannon Scott
August 7, 2025
I wasn't aware of Amy's passing until today so it shows how it all flies by. I first encountered her bright, electric personality in Savannah in 1989-1990 around downtown Savannah when there was more of a Brat Pack scene. She took in & processed a lot about you in a short amount of time but took you in for sure and as her obituary claimed, you were either friend or possibly, foe. In some sense we found some fame together in 1992 while she worked at Savannah Morning News, an article which in part I prompted and was quoted in, regarding a former art student avenging a bitter parting with an art college, began spraypainting up historic monuments, buildings, and damaging decades of hard work, caught the attention of one Mr. Paul Harvey. Mr. Harvey took it upon himself to call out the tragedy on his nationally syndicated show and it placed an important spotlight on it all that otherwise would not have happened had Amy not taken in the scope of the issue as we discussed it on on a particularly sunny day on Broughton St. I'm thankful she'd "taken me in" and the recognition of our mutual passion for justice. Eventually the culprit was caught and Amy and me, our bond sealed. Oddly, we mostly saw each other at parties, or art nights at The Starland Gallery on E.41st St., bars or other functions, never really becoming greater friends, but friends none-the-less. The funniest thing she ever said to me, "I'd let you read me bedtime stories," per my craft of storytelling. It sounded extra funny coming from her out loud and unapologetic on a front porch at a party which from what I've read here tonight, was very much Amy. Years got by and yet through mutual friends, we'd hear the other had asked of us like some distant life check-in, but yes, that faded and now here I sit. Amy sounded like such a dear to all, her mother, her cats, really all who understood her or got her for her, were truly blessed. God's speed Amy Swann and thank you for letting me be part of your story, each other's life one. Just very cool. I've no doubt you're part of so many more in whatever world you've found yourself in and making headlines happen.
Charlie Turnipseed
January 15, 2025
It's been more than 8 years since we lost the joy you brought our lives. I hope you somehow know how much you are missed. You left a glorious wake that's never filled.
Bill Norton
January 1, 2017
Amy was unique. An uninhibited child of the South with a zest for life, a great sense of humor and a commitment to the craft of journalism. I worked alongside her on the Metro Desk at the Chronicle. We sometimes disagreed, but always with respect for each other. She will be missed.
Clyde Wells
December 31, 2016
Amy could always make a dull day a little brighter at the Chronicle.
Rosemary Forrest
December 30, 2016
Amy shared my home for several months and I got to know her well. Her infectious smile often hid a seldom seen sadness. She worked hard. She loved well. She carried on. She fought a good fight and now she is at peace. She always knew she would die sooner rather than later and she accepted this, and I think, as a result, lived out loud.
Mark K
December 30, 2016
Amy gave me a hand and listened to me when I needed her.
December 29, 2016
Too many years have passed...
I see you now, sitting in the front row seat in my class at GSC--taking notes, asking questions--too serious, I used to think. Then you'd say something wild and crazy and the whole class would crack up into pieces.
All those courses: NewsWriting; Feature Writing, Editing...Always in the top of the class...
Always knew a bright career in journalism awaited you...But the day it really clicked was the time I invited Julian Miller, then with the Augusta Chronicle, to come to our class for a talk. I took Amy to lunch with us. He said--and I never got it out of my mind--"Amy's going places...She's got the kind of stuff Journalism is made of...If she comes to Augusta, I'll give her a job."
After graduation, she did go to Augusta, and she did get a job with the Chronicle.
That's when I lost track of her--even after I moved to Augusta with my family. Always wanted to call her down at the Chronicle, catch up. But never did...
Amy, if you're listening out there/up there, just know Anne and I will never forget you. Just wish there was more like you going into journalism these days.
Your old professor (and friend),
E. Randall Floyd
Charlotte Hobbs
December 29, 2016
Going to miss you! I will always remember the times we had together and with your mom! I love you! Fly high my sweet friend!
December 29, 2016
My condolences to the family. I know the greif right now is heavy may find encouragement from God. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Ray Howard
December 29, 2016
Wow! I always wondered where Amy went in life. I knew her from District and State 4-H gatherings and see she was the same spitfire as I remember! She had a warm and genuine appeal and knew no strangers. I pray for rest and peace for my friend of days gone by and her family.
Suzanne Donovan
December 29, 2016
This is a beautifully written tribute to Ms. Swann; I'm sorry I did not have the pleasure of knowing or working with her.
Stephen Kirkland
December 28, 2016
My cousin you will be missed I always love you sometimes we know when we get mad or something like that but you was always a kind and gentle person we miss you my beloved woman and the angels be dancing around with you stephen
Cindy Strickland
December 28, 2016
I only met her once.. when Susan had the big family get together at Tybee Island. We spent a day together on the beach. I just last week sent her a fb asking her how the world are you? She is one of those people that I regret not knowing better. She was so passionate about politics and it was refreshing to hear her views as I agreed with her on most everything.
Greg Rickabaugh
December 28, 2016
Amy was a great friend, boss, and later, a writer for my newspaper, The Jail Report, where she contributed stories for the last seven years.
She had such a big heart for people and children, and she treated my children like royalty when she saw them.
If you remember the song, "I hope you dance," she always chose dance over sitting it out. Here is a picture of me dancing with her at my wedding. She was a blast. And she will be missed.
Dennis Folker
December 28, 2016
Yes,I already miss her, the amazing Amy Swann!
Grace Harden
December 28, 2016
Knew Amy as a little girl. She had a lot of ambition and was a loving daughter. Rest in peace, you fought a good fight, Amy.
Mark Cothern
December 28, 2016
What an amazing obituary - it captured Amy perfectly. She definitely kept things lively during our time at Georgia Southern. She will be missed.
Cynthia Brown
December 28, 2016
Prayers and condolences!
Valerie Sawyer
December 28, 2016
Amy took me under her wing when we were neighbors on Central Avenue. I immediately became part of her Family with Annette & with her extended Augusta Chronicle Family. I'm proud to call her my friend & will cherish all of the wonderful times that we had together. The next time it thunders, it probably means Amy is setting someone straight.
Doris Johnson
December 28, 2016
I've met Amy only a few times- but she struck me as a very kind-hearted and intelligent woman. I wish I had known her better. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.
Lonnie Strickland
December 28, 2016
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the family and friends.
Sincerely,
Lonnie Strickland
December 28, 2016
Amy we had so many funny crazy sweet wonderful times with you!! This picture is one you finally let me fix u up to take a pictures so much fun!! Your were an angel to my family. Fly high sweet angel until we meet again!!
Tena Bell
December 28, 2016
Lovely tribute to Amy! She was a one of a kind. Fly high my friend!
trip to FL Keys Amy, Annette, Susan
Susan Summers
December 28, 2016
She was my best friend, my college roommate, and family. We had so many good times and a couple of rip-roaring fights. She was always my advocate and took me and my infant son into her one bedroom apartment when we needed her help. Even when she barely had money to feed herself, she carried canned goods in her trunk to hand out to homeless. Oh, she wasn't a saint, don't get the wrong idea! She was completely human and as flawed as the rest of us. She lived large and definitely on her own terms. She had her father's gentle and defective heart and her mother's fierce eyes and strong will. She suffered long. May her spirit find peace.
Dottie Hull
December 28, 2016
Blessings to all of Amy's friends and family. Amy was a rare jem, as I remember her from school. Rest peacefully Amy.
Lalah Kennedy
December 28, 2016
Great Obituary! It must have been written by some one who knew her well. I had lost touch with Amy except through Facebook and knew she was having a lot of episodes with her heart. I am so sorry to learn of her death. I am proud to claim her as a native of Claxton. I send my sympathy .
Kathy Kirkland
December 28, 2016
Thank you for the beautiful words for my cousin . I will miss her so.
Lenora Mesibov
December 28, 2016
Amy. Your wit and wisdom was a joy to share as college roommates. You were loved by many. You will be greatly missed my friend.
December 28, 2016
Wonderful obit. And the writer didn't bury the lede. Amy's kindness, big heart, intelligence and fury were way up top. We'll miss you, Amy.
Karen Blocker
December 28, 2016
I will miss you my sweet cousin, love you so much it will not be the same without you.
December 28, 2016
I didn't know this lady but she sounded like someone I should have met. Sympathy to the family and friends.
American Gothic
Katie Davis
December 28, 2016
This is a beautiful tribute to my friend Amy who left us too soon. Despite her struggles she had a great sense of humor.
Marilyn Dasher Carter
December 28, 2016
May God bring the joy of peace and comfort to all who were touched by Amy's loving heart.
PCA Class of 1979
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