Tanya Willis Swails

Tanya Lachelle Willis Swails, born on November 8, 1973, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Clinta Willis Grant and the late John A. Willis, passed away on January 17th, 2025, peacefully surrounded by her loved ones.

Tanya graduated from Flour Bluff High School in 1991 and pursued her passion for public service, earning her Master's Degree in Public Administration from Texas A&M Corpus Christi. Her life was one of adventure, creativity, and unwavering faith.

Tanya loved to travel, creating cherished memories with her family. From Angel Fire ski trips-where a young Buddy Grant broke his collarbone-to countless adventures in Las Vegas, Tanya's love of family was evident. It was in Vegas, in 2002, that she married her soulmate and best friend, Dean Swails. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and countless trips traveling from coast to coast with their daughters, Huntyr and Karah.

Her early love for adventure began as a child, joining her mother and Daddy Don on trail rides starting at just nine months old. In 1991, Tanya proudly earned the title of Rodeo Queen, showcasing her passion and charm. Her creative talents shone in her beautifully detailed scrapbooks, which told the stories of her daughters growing up, and in the eclectic tumblers she crafted with care.

Tanya's professional life was just as fulfilling. She cherished her work at Adurra, where she built lifelong friendships with Gina Garcia, Lacey Dragoo, and Jamie Noble. Tanya had a gift for connecting with people-whether lifelong friends or strangers she had just met. Her infectious laugh, kind heart, and compassionate spirit left an impression on everyone she encountered.

Above all, Tanya's faith guided her life. Her love for the Lord inspired all who knew her, and her unwavering beliet could truly move mountains. She always placed others before herself, embodying kindness, selflessness, and love in every moment.

Tanya is survived by her loving husband, Dean Swails; her daughters, Huntyr Swails and Karah Swails; her mother, Clinta Willis Grant; her stepfather, Donnie Grant; her stepmother, Sheila Grant; her siblings, Cege Grant, Christina Novak (Greg Novak), Larry "Buddy" Grant, Stephen Brunette, Scottie Burnette (Tyler Burnette) Shelby Gomez (Nico Gomez); her grandparents, Donald Ott "Daddy Don" and Penny Hanna; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.

She is reunited in heaven with her father, John A. Willis; her late grandparents, John R. Willis, Florence J. Willis, Patsy J. Morris, Susan Ott, and Ray Hanna.

Tanya's legacy is one of love, laughter, and faith. She is now dancing with her father to the angel choir, but her memory will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. Gone but never forgotten, Tanya will live on in the stories we tell and the love she shared.

The family of Tanya Swails would like to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who joined us today to celebrate her life. Your presence is a testament to the love and joy Tanya brought to all who knew her. Whether you knew her as "Aunt Ton-Ton," "Sister," "Wife," "T," or by another name, her impact on our lives was profound and lasting. Tanya was a light in every room, with her infectious laugh, warm smile, and endless kindness. Thank you for your prayers, support, and love during this time. Knowing that she was loved by so many brings comfort and peace. We will carry her spirit in our hearts and honor her legacy by spreading the love and joy she shared with us all.

With love and gratitude, The Family of Tanya Swails

Visitation will begin at 1 PM on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at Memory Gardens Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will follow at 2 PM that same afternoon. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.