1 Upcoming Event
Celebration of Life
MAR
21
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Starts at 2:00 pm
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens
780 Timothy Road, Athens, GA 30606
Kay Allyn Giese, 75, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025, in Athens, Georgia. Born in Madison, Wisconsin, Kay was the first of three children of Earl and Doris Giese. The family soon relocated to Orlando, Florida, then to Columbus, Georgia, where Kay grew up.
An attorney, mediator, judge, and advocate for justice, Kay graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism. She wrote for the Savannah Morning News before returning to law school where she met her husband of 44 years, David Sweat. Kay practiced with Georgia Legal Services before joining David to form Sweat & Giese, P.A. Kay focused on mediation and helped many people resolve their disputes amicably.
As Judge of the Athens-Clarke County Municipal Court from 2005 until 2010, Kay presided over thousands of criminal and ordinance violations cases. Kay was dedicated to fairness and encouraged people to understand and respect our laws.
Kay served on the Board and as President of the Jeannette Rankin Foundation. She supported and served in leadership roles for numerous school and community organizations. She was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens, serving as President and Treasurer. Kay helped start the Fellowship's Choir and she sang for many years. Recently, she sang with the "Oldies But Goodies" Ukulele Band.
Kay and David were avid travelers, exploring over a dozen countries, including China, Egypt, Norway, Peru, the Galapagos, and her dream trip—a safari in South Africa. Kay negotiated the challenges of Parkinson's disease with grace, determination, and the love of wonderful friends. She brought joy and laughter with her and carried on with her life.
Kay is survived by her husband David; two children, Andrea L. Giese-Sweat and Kevin G. Sweat; daughter-in-law Dr. Meghan Barnes and grandchildren, Milledge ("Mills") and Elizabeth ("Bizzy") Barnes Sweat; as well as siblings Jill and David Giese.
A memorial service will be held on March 21, 2026, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens. Details regarding this celebration of life are forthcoming. A Celebration of Life will be held on March 21, 2026, at 02:00 PM at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens 780 Timothy Road
An attorney, mediator, judge, and advocate for justice, Kay graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism. She wrote for the Savannah Morning News before returning to law school where she met her husband of 44 years, David Sweat. Kay practiced with Georgia Legal Services before joining David to form Sweat & Giese, P.A. Kay focused on mediation and helped many people resolve their disputes amicably.
As Judge of the Athens-Clarke County Municipal Court from 2005 until 2010, Kay presided over thousands of criminal and ordinance violations cases. Kay was dedicated to fairness and encouraged people to understand and respect our laws.
Kay served on the Board and as President of the Jeannette Rankin Foundation. She supported and served in leadership roles for numerous school and community organizations. She was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens, serving as President and Treasurer. Kay helped start the Fellowship's Choir and she sang for many years. Recently, she sang with the "Oldies But Goodies" Ukulele Band.
Kay and David were avid travelers, exploring over a dozen countries, including China, Egypt, Norway, Peru, the Galapagos, and her dream trip—a safari in South Africa. Kay negotiated the challenges of Parkinson's disease with grace, determination, and the love of wonderful friends. She brought joy and laughter with her and carried on with her life.
Kay is survived by her husband David; two children, Andrea L. Giese-Sweat and Kevin G. Sweat; daughter-in-law Dr. Meghan Barnes and grandchildren, Milledge ("Mills") and Elizabeth ("Bizzy") Barnes Sweat; as well as siblings Jill and David Giese.
A memorial service will be held on March 21, 2026, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens. Details regarding this celebration of life are forthcoming. A Celebration of Life will be held on March 21, 2026, at 02:00 PM at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens 780 Timothy Road
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kay Giese, please visit our flower store.
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