April "Ronia Mae" Dawn Swaim

April Dawn Swaim, 51, of Arlington, TX, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Known to many as Ronia Mae (“my joy is in the Lord”), she was as active in her church life as she was in her social life. She was the touchstone for so many people, so many families, keeping everyone she knew in her thoughts and prayers. She had a gift for organizing prayers for those in need, and her exceptional friends went above and beyond to help her attend church, appointments and make sure she never felt left out and always felt loved.

April was born February 23, 1975 to parents Gerry Swaim and Melody Markum. She graduated Arlington High School in 1993. She loved music and was a gifted singer. April spent her time creating and recording original songs. She found joy in writing lyrics that praised God and was a member of an ensemble as well as a soloist that sang at nursing homes and musical events.

April is survived by her parents, her step-father Larry Kemp, and her younger siblings Timothy and Joy. An avid animal lover and rescuer, she is also survived by her many adopted pets.

The family would like to thank her childhood friend Kristen Chote for providing company and assistance in her final years. We would like to thank Kiesha, from Omega Hospice, for her invaluable compassion and competence in April’s last moments. Our gratitude to Leslie, June, Jackie and our church family at Covenant Methodist. You were always so incredibly generous with your time and friendship, enriching her life with your love. Thank you.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to ASPCA or the North Texas Food Bank. Links listed below:

https://secure.aspca.org/donate/ps-gn-p2?

https://give.ntfb.org/site/Donation2?