Lorelei Scherer Swearengin

Lorelei was born on April 18, 1948, to George and Jesmon Scherer. She grew up in Hueytown, Alabama, where she graduated from Hueytown High School in 1966. During her school years, she was a cheerleader, served as Student Council treasurer, and was recognized in Who’s Who Among American High School Students. Even as a young woman, she demonstrated the joy, leadership, and kindness that would become hallmarks of her life.

Following high school, Lorelei married the love of her life, Phillip “Phil” Swearengin, and together they began building a family rooted in faith and love. After the birth of their son, Lance, they moved to St. Louis, Missouri. While living there, Lorelei shared her lifelong love of music by singing with the Joy Trio.

The family later moved to Batesville, Mississippi, before eventually returning to the St. Louis area. During that season, Lorelei served at Warrenton Christian School, where she helped in the library, with cheerleading, and in many other roles. Wherever she found herself, Lorelei had a way of finding a place to serve and people to encourage.

Phil and Lorelei eventually moved to Auburn, Alabama, where they made their home together until Phil’s passing in 2014.

Throughout her life, Lorelei’s Christian faith remained at the center of who she was. She dedicated countless hours to Bible study, children’s ministry, and encouraging and mentoring young women in their faith. Music was also an important expression of her love for God. She loved singing in church choirs and welcomed opportunities to sing solos and special music. Her faith was not simply something she believed; it shaped the way she lived, served, loved, and cared for others.

More than anything, Lorelei treasured her family. She was a strong and supportive wife, a loving mother, and a proud grandmother. She found great happiness in encouraging those she loved and took particular joy in being a grandmother to Tyler and Megan.

Lorelei was also wonderfully creative. Over the years, she enjoyed sewing, cross-stitch, macramé, embroidery, ceramics, and other crafts. Her creativity, like so much of her life, became another way of giving something of herself to the people around her.

During her later years in Auburn, Lorelei continued to find great joy in her faith, friendships, and the community she called home. She enjoyed worshiping at both Church of the Highlands in Opelika and Lakeview Baptist Church, where her lifelong love for worship and the church remained an important part of her life. She was also a devoted Auburn fan who loved attending sporting events and gathering with friends for watch parties. Whether worshiping with a congregation, cheering on the Tigers, or simply spending time with people she loved, Lorelei treasured the joy of being together.

In her final season of life, Lorelei returned to the mountains of Colorado to be near her family. There she continued to enjoy the simple things that had always brought her happiness—beautiful mountain views, time with those she loved, and music. She especially enjoyed attending concerts at Red Rocks, surrounded by the beauty of the Colorado mountains. It was a peaceful final chapter of a life filled with faith, family, music, friendship, and joy.

Those who knew Lorelei will remember her radiant joy, infectious smile, and gentle spirit. She possessed a unique ability to make people feel welcomed, valued, and at ease. Her quiet strength, gracious heart, and steadfast faith left an enduring impression on those privileged to know her.

Lorelei’s legacy is one of faith lived authentically, love given generously, and joy shared freely. She loved God, she loved her family, and she loved people. Throughout her life, she found countless ways to express that love through music, ministry, friendship, creativity, encouragement, and service.

Lorelei was preceded in death by her parents, George and Jesmon Scherer, and her beloved husband, Phillip Swearengin.

She is survived by her brother, George (Lisa) Scherer; her son and daughter-in-law, Lance and Melanie Swearengin; her cherished grandchildren, Tyler and Megan Swearengin; along with extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

A Celebration of Life honoring Lorelei will be held at the Church of the Highlands in Opelika, Alabama, on December 14 at 11am. Family and friends are invited to gather together to remember and celebrate a life characterized by faith, family, music, service, friendship, and joy.

Lorelei will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Phil, at Mt. Lindo Cemetery in Colorado. She always loved seeing the illuminated cross on Mt. Lindo lighting her way home as she entered the canyon on the drive to Conifer.

Now that familiar cross provides a particularly fitting image for the conclusion of her earthly journey: the mountains she loved, the husband with whom she shared her life, and the faith that pointed her home.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your master.”

— Matthew 25:23