Anna Mae Swearingen

Anna Mae Swearingen, 90, of Brazil passed away April 15, 2012 following a brief illness.

She was born Feb. 24, 1922 in Clay County, the daughter of Ross O. Swearingen and Clara Hamm Swearingen.

She graduated from Staunton High School, Class of 1940.

As a young lady, Anna Mae worked for both Modern Cleaners and Schepplers Cleaners. She later went on to work for IBM Corp. in a clerical position for 31 years, retiring in 1987.

Anna Mae has been a lifelong member of the Peniel United Methodist Church. She has taught Sunday school for more than 70 years and has been a devoted member of the choir also. She was also a lay speaker for the church and had conducted the memorial service for the Staunton Alumni Banquet for decades.

Anna Mae has been the matriarch of the Swearingen family since the death of her parents. Her siblings and many nieces and nephews have held her in high regard all their lives. The nieces and nephews and their children have always been cherished by Anna Mae and her memories will be carried on throughout the generations.

She was well known for her flower garden, and her devotion to her church and family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers John Swearingen, Lloyd Swearingen and Robert "Beak" Swearingen; infant brother Hubert Clyde Swearingen; nephew Steve Swearingen; and sister-in-law, Wilma Icenogle.

Survivors include her two brothers and sisters-in-law, Fred and Carol Swearingen and Don and Karen Swearingen; sisters-in-law Beverly Swearingen and Wanda Swearingen; nieces and nephews Nancy, Beth, John, Mindy, Mark, Martha, Trixy, Sally, Joe, Georgianna, Bob, Tom, Jeff, Jane Ann, Todd, Tina, Jeff, Kenny, Gregg, Jill and Dean Swearingen, who was also her devoted care-giver and companion.

Anna Mae is also survived by the next generation of Swearingen great-nieces, nephews, extended family and her loving church family.

Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at Peniel United Methodist Church with Rev. Richard Pippin officiating. Burial will follow at Summit Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at Lawson-Miller Chapel, Brazil, and again Thursday one hour prior to services at the church. Donations may be made in her memory to the Peniel Church, Kitchen Fund or the Music Department. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and at the church.

Post a heart of condolence at www.lawson-millerchapel.com.