The town of Serenity experienced plenty of joyful moments in Sweet Magnolias Season 4 but also a few devastating ones. Through it all, Maddie Townsend ( JoAnna Garcia Swisher) remained a pillar of strength for her family, friends, and the rest of the community.

Sweet Magnolias Joanna Garcia Swisher shares why this was her favorite season for Maddie, including growth in her TV kids. Read our interview.

The news comes from Maddie's ex-mother-in-law, Bonnie Townsend ( Judith Ivey ), who contacts Maddie ( Joanna Garcia Swisher) and informs her that Bill has suffered a fatal heart attack. His sudden death (which happens off-screen) devastates his children, ex-wife and friends.