Caroline Lee Spears Swann

April 18, 1932- March 12, 2023

Caroline Spears Swann died on March 12, 2023. Born in Fort Worth, TX on April 18, 1932, she lived a long life. She married John Thomas Bell, DDS and had 4 children. After they divorced, she went back to school and earned several degrees, including a Ph.D., and 7 educational certifications. She loved teaching science and serving as a guidance counselor at Lake Highlands Junior High School for over 35 years. After hours, she taught English learners at Richland Community College and Eastfield Community College. After she retired, she collected data in schools for Texas Reading First and graded college entrance exams.

She was an accomplished artist, painting china that won prizes at the Texas State Fair, and oil paintings. Using her sense of color, she designed and completed complicated, unique quilts, to keep her family and friends warm. After moving to Austin, she attended All Saints’ Church, and enjoyed participating in St. Monica’s Guild, where she made sundresses for children in Africa, lap quilts to warm cancer patients during chemotherapy, and over 1700 face masks when the pandemic hit.

She believed in community service, leading two Girl Scout troops and serving as an American Red Cross instructor. She loved the SMU Mustangs, and annually hosted a luncheon for alumni from Highland Park High School. When she married Robert Swann, she became a ham radio operator (W5NYL), talking with people in countries around the world. Her family genealogy research led her to become a member of the Thankful Hubbard Daughters of the American Revolution chapter and William B. Travis chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.

Finally, and most importantly, she was a mother to four children who endlessly tested her patience and benefited from her love: Pamela Bell, Jim Bell, Jack Bell, and Patricia Bell. She leaves 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, who will miss her sorely.

Please join us to celebrate her life at the Gables at Central Park apartments, 800 W. 38th, Austin, on Saturday from 1:30 – 3:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Girl Scouts, USA.