Norma E. Swinson

Norma Estelle Kendrick Swinson, 96, of Charleston, SC, widow of Gene Swinson, entered into eternal rest January 27, 2022. Norma was born February 15, 1925 in Providence, RI, the only child of the late John Charles Kendrick and Beulah Mayola Lintlop Kendrick.

Norma and Gene met on a blind date in 1944, and it stuck for 73 amazing years. She is survived by daughters Pamela Jenkins (George) of Buna, TX and Laurie Infinger (Scott) of Ravenel, SC; grandchildren Sonja Weeks (Danny) of Buna, TX, Eric Hugdahl (Allison) of Waxahachie, TX and Brett DeCarion of Midland, MI; five great grandchildren (Sydney, Brandon, Jesse, Michaela, Nicklas) and two great-great grandchildren (Kady, Wyatt), all of whom she loved deeply and was extremely proud of. Daughter Gail DeCarion predeceased her.

Norma was an amazing woman ahead of her time. Even though she was a “fun-sized” 5’3”, she lettered in high school basketball. When WWII ended, so did her college avionics fellowship program. Not to be defeated, she changed her major to chemistry and finished her Bachelor of Arts degree from Brown University’s Pembroke Women’s College in 1945. That same year, she and Gene married as soon as he got out of the Navy after WWII. She had a sly, playful side: during their first year of marriage, for April Fool’s Day she made him a special cardboard sandwich to take for lunch, complete with mustard, mayo and relish! She and Gene moved the family from New England to Georgia in the early 1950s, when he was ready to head back south. Even though she was a born and bred Rhode Island Red, sometime in the 1970s we decided she earned honorary Southern status because she made the Best.Grits.Ever! She held many roles including Girl Scout troop leader, tent camper extraordinaire, college bookstore manager, patient teacher of life’s lessons, outstanding Navy Contract Specialist, sweetest smartest Mama and loving Meemaw. She showed her love by making unexpected surprises for others - a crocheted blanket, crosstitched picture or yummy dessert. She and Daddy loved to camp and provided us kids with many happy memories of meeting up with dear friends and family somewhere different every year for summer camping vacations. Even in her later years, she always wanted to be outside enjoying the sunshine. She will be remembered for her sweet, quiet spirit, generosity and beautiful laughter!

A Visitation will be held on February 1, 2022 at Carolina Memorial Funerals & Cremation, 7113 Rivers Ave., North Charleston, SC 29406 from 1:00 pm to 2:00pm. A Celebration of Life Service will follow from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm in the Chapel. The Burial will be at 3:00 pm at Carolina Memorial Gardens.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.carolinamemorial.com for the Swinson family.