Rev. Christy J. Bandy

Hawkinsville is with profound sorrow and yet deep gratitude that we announce the passing of the Rev. Christy Jane Bandy of the South Georgia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, who entered into the nearer presence of God on November 10, 2025.

Early Life and Family: Christy was born on August 2, 1962. She was the youngest of three children, growing up in Stockbridge, Georgia, and later moving with her family to Kissimmee, Florida in 1979. She is preceded in death by her beloved mother, Jane Bandy. She is survived by her father, Larry Bandy; her brothers, Mark Bandy and Mike Bandy; and a rich “chosen family” of clergy and lay friends throughout South Georgia who treasured her ministry and friendship.

Education and Call to Ministry: Christy’s early years included a love for music (singing and playing clarinet), sports (softball, tennis and football) and a bend toward service and faith. She pursued her undergraduate work with initial studies at Gordon College (Barnesville, GA) and the University of Georgia, before completing her BA in Philosophy with a minor in Psychology at Georgia State University in May 1989. She then answered God’s call to pastoral ministry, earning her Master of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in 1992. She was ordained a Deacon in 1993, and an Elder in full connection in 1995.

Pastoral Ministry: Christy’s ministry began in 1993 as an associate at the First United Methodist Church of Swainsboro, followed by the Wrightsville Circuit. She served at Buck Creek; she was Director of the Wesley Foundation at Savannah Colleges and Universities; then served Irwinton-Toomsboro/Salem, Millen, Marshallville, Antioch (Adel/Cook), Whigham/Springhill, Cairo First, Waycross First and beginning in 2024, the Hawkinsville First United Methodist Church in Hawkinsville, Georgia.

Throughout her years she served on numerous district and conference committees — including as Chair of the Southwest District Committee on Ordain Ministry (SW DCOM), member of the Administrative Review Committee, the Conference Outreach Committee, South Central District MissionsCommittee, South Central District Leadership Committee, South Central District Committee on Ordain Ministry and the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM). These roles reflected her deep commitment to the mission, governance, and future of the United Methodist Church.

Missions, Service & World-wide ReachChristy had a worldwide heart for missions. She helped to install a water well in a community in Nicaragua, traveled on mission trips to the Dominican Republic, Uganda, reservations in the Southwestern USA, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and many more. A favorite pass time on mission trips was to play Spades with fellow mission trip attenders.

She also poured tireless energy into her local community and her church — serving both through pastoral care and practical outreach. Her involvement in the United Women in Faith (formerly United Methodist Women) and other mission-oriented ministries was a hallmark of her service.

Faith, Character & Memories: Christy was known as a person of deep faith, joyful in service, and always genuine -- giving all to others— though “sometimes more stubborn than a mule but always sincere,” recalled her brother Mark. He remembered fondly he, Christy and Mike playing their favorite sports game of the season in their yard. Once Christy donned full football gear on their homemade front-yard field, hiked the ball a few times before being tackled by her much larger brothers. She later decided she preferred more gentle pursuits, but never gave up the love of football. “Christy Jane Bandy — a kind gentle soul that will live on in heaven as such,” he said.

In her ministry, she carried a message of love and hope. She answered God’s call. She loved deeply. She served generously

Celebration of Life: A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Hawkinsville First United Methodist Church, 44 Merritt Street, Hawkinsville, Georgia 31036.

Because Christy was ecumenical at heart and worked tirelessly with her fellow clergy in every community she served, all clergy attending her service are invited to sit in the reserved area as honorary pallbearers in her Celebration of Life. Christy believed deeply in clergy friendship, shared ministry, and Christian unity, and it is fitting that those who served alongside her be honored in this way.

Christy leaves a legacy of faithful ministry, compassionate service, and worldwide mission-mindedness. She stands as a powerful example of the Gospel lived out — one who loved God, the church, and her community with all her heart. Her life reminds us that discipleship means following Jesus into the world — to the front yard, the mission field, and the heart of our neighborhood.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Hawkinsville First United Methodist Church’s Mission Fund.

May God bless her and keep her, until we meet again..

Clark Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.