Mary Elizabeth Swiggett

Obituary: Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Swiggett, age 85, formerly of Kannapolis and recently Sanford, NC, passed away on Monday, August 26, 2013 in Alexandria, VA following complications from a stroke suffered while visiting family. She was born April 26, 1928 in High Point, NC, the daughter of the late John Reitzel Lanier and Treva Irene Prim Lanier. Betty was a joy to all who knew her. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother whose strong spirit, and accepting nature was reflected in her home, family, and all those who spent time with her. Betty was an avid gardener, lover of flowers and birds, picnics any day of the year, visiting neighbors across their clotheslines, playing bridge, and attending Friday night dances at the Cabarrus Senior Center. She retired from the former Cannon Mills Company after a career as a keypunch operator and process engineer. A devoted member of Jackson Park United Methodist Church, Kannapolis, NC since 1948, Betty was involved in a multitude of activities. These included singing in the chancel choir, teaching Sunday School to toddlers, nursery attendant, recording secretary to the finance committee, and most recently Sunday School greeter (her favorite responsibility). She loved studying the Bible with her pastor and friends. Most remember her presence at the annual church barbecue and fish fry where you would find her working at the dessert table making sure you got the perfect piece of cake or pie with which to end your meal. Betty found joy spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was always at their sporting and dance events, graduations, birthdays, and weddings and especially enjoyed engaging them in a game of chess or scrabble. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, John W. Swiggett, Jr. and a brother, Phillip Clapp. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 29, 2013 at Jackson Park United Methodist Church, Kannapolis, NC officiated by Rev. Neal Brower. Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park, Kannapolis, NC. The family will receive friends at the church from 9:30 am to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Survivors include a son, Kenneth Swiggett (Joanna) of China Grove, NC; two daughters, Melinda Hunter (Walker) of Alexandria, VA; and Beverly Suitt (Stephen) of Sanford, NC; a sister, Jacqueline Parker of Denison, TX; four grandchildren, Matthew Garner (Stephanie), Keith Garner, Baillie Hunter, Eva Hunter, and several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Betty Swiggett Memorial Fund of Jackson Park United Methodist Church, 715 Mable Avenue, Kannapolis, NC 28083. On-line condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com in Kannapolis, NC who is serving the family.
Visitation: 9:30-10:45 A.M. Thursday August 29, 2013 Jackson Park United Methodist Church 715 Mable Avenue, Kannapolis,NC

Service: 11:00 A.M. Thursday August 29, 2013 Jackson Park United Methodist Church Kannapolis, NC

Interment: Carolina Memorial Park Kannapolis, North Carolina