Florence Swearingen

Florence J. Swearingen (nee Mannion) died peacefully at her home away from home, West Meade Place in Nashville, TN on Jan 1, 2015. Known as “Honey Girl” to her family, she was born in St. Louis, MO on May 25, 1918 to John Patrick and Florence Swain Mannion of Philadelphia, PA, who preceded her in death. Her one and only love, husband James Maynie Swearingen of DeKalb, MS, her dear brother, Edward Swain Mannion (“Sonny Boy”) and dear sister-in-law, Virginia Lash Mannion of St. Louis, MO also preceded.

She is survived and will be deeply missed by niece Judy Mannion Welhoelter (Art), Edward James Mannion (Lucetta), John Oliver Mannion (Nancy), great-niece Amy Welhoelter Stevens (Richard), and great-nephew Robert Joseph Welhoelter (Cristina). In addition Florence is survived by great-great-nieces Gabriella Coyle Welhoelter and Serafina Florence Welhoelter, as well as great-great-nephews Wyatt Hardy Welhoelter, Noah Chappell Stevens, John Mannion and Kevin Mannion (Amita).

Florence always looked forward to the visits (and shopping sprees!) planned by Jim’s nephew Junius Clark (Barbara) and niece Jacquelyn Mohle of MS. Additional survivors in Florence’s “Mississippi” family include great-nieces Erin Clark Mason (James), Allison Clark Schmitz (Jeff), Michelle Mohle Lifer, and Heather Mohle Noel and great-great nephews Luke and Noah Mason, and Stefan Schmitz.

Special friends who survive include Lue Stephenson, Pat Maberry, Mason Maberry, Anne Brothers, Bob and Barbara Woolf, and Lynn Meyer.

Flo’s family extends deep gratitude for the loving hands, ready smiles and tender care she received from all of the staff at West Meade Place. Flo was a resident there for over 26 years, and it was indeed her second home, where she was treated with dignity and good humor by everyone. She had occasion to come into contact with just about everybody who worked at West Meade, and we are deeply grateful for the compassionate way she was treated by all. Special thanks to her physician Dr. Richard Garman and West Meade Director James Wright, Florence’s very own Elvis impersonator. Also thanks to Guardian Hospice for their care over the last few months.

St. George’s Episcopal Church held a special place in Florence’s heart. The Church has been bringing her communion at West Meade Place for many years, beginning with Monica Carlson and ending with Brian and Linda Moore, who have been faithful stewards of the church and dear friends to Florence. Frequently after Communion at the rail, the Lay Eucharist boxes are distributed to various individuals with the words, “In the name of this congregation, I send you forth bearing these holy gifts that those to whom you go may share with us in the communion of Christ’s body and blood. We who are many are one body because we share one bread and one cup.” This message of hope and community was a powerful force in Florence’s spiritual life.

In lieu of flowers, Florence’s wish was for donations to fund the purchase of a Lay Eucharist Box to expand St. George’s Lay Eucharist program. Gifts may be sent to: St. George’s Episcopal Church (ATTN Lay Eucharist Visitors Program), Harding Road, Nashville, TN 37205. Please note that the gift is in honor of Florence Swearingen.

Visitation will be from 4-6 pm on Monday, January 5, at Marshall-Donnelly-Combs Funeral Home (201 25th Ave North, Nashville, 37203). Burial will be in Liberty Baptist Cemetery, DeKalb, MS on Tuesday, January 6 at 2 pm.