Willodean Thorpe Swensen, 85, died peacefully at her home June 24, 2018. Mrs. Willodean was a vibrant, happy and healthy lady who left joyfully, when God released her from the struggles of this world. She had lost her husband of 63 years August 20, 2017. She still struggled with that loss. In spite of her grief, Mrs. Willodean valiantly marched forward with her ever present smile.
Mrs. Willodean was born in Dale County, Alabama but moved with her family to Columbus, Georgia at age 12. She lived in Columbus for 73 years, with her parents and siblings, and then with her husband and children.
Mrs. Swensen was an intelligent lady with Associate and Bachelor’s Degrees in Business, and a Master’s degree in Human Resources. As Human Resources Manager of First National Bank she spent 30 years resolving issues and living through the many changes that occur in most banking systems. Even after retirement she used her skills to make people feel welcome and very valuable.
As a member of both The Battle Forest Baptist Church in Columbus and Old Center United Methodist Church in Newville, AL Ms. Willodean had no trouble teaching Bible truths to her Sunday School Classes throughout the years. In keeping with her highly conscientious personality, she studied her Bible fervently and with great enthusiasm. Her deep love of God allowed her to spread God’s light in this world while she was alive, and even now, in death. She was a beautiful “Child of God.”
She is survived by her children, Gus Swensen and Patricia Brown (Raul); her grandchildren Angela Justice (John) and Joe Brown (Carol); her great grandchildren Mathew, Logan and Madison; her sister Julia Gantt (Bobby); and her sister-in-law Nell Swensen. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Edward Swensen, her sister Georgia Thorpe, her sister-in-law Grace Robinson, and her nieces Pam Watson and Cathy Stanley. She leaves behind many close friends and other relatives.
Services will be held at Striffler-Hamby Funeral Home, Macon Road on Thursday, June 28, 2018. Visitation will be from 10-11 AM with the funeral following at 11 o’clock AM in the Chapel. A light reception will follow the service in The Mill Room at Striffler-Hamby.
Online condolences may be offered at www.shcolumbus.com
