Mary D Swanson

Mary Davis Swanson, age 96, died in her home surrounded with love on February 2, 2025 following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Mary was born May 31, 1928 in Pocahontas, AR to Alonzo (A.L.) Davis and Mary Ellen Dawson Davis. The family relocated to Kennett, MO and Mary grew up on a cotton farm.

Mary is survived by Clyde Swanson, Jr., her husband of 59 years, daughter Nan Swanson Hammonds, son-in-law Samuel Hammonds, and many beloved nieces and nephews. The youngest of six, Mary is preceded in death by her siblings Thurlo Davis, Tressie “Gram” Pierce, Leo Davis, Cleo Davis, and Ray Davis.

Mary was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ, a devoted advocate for animal welfare and spay/neuter of companion animals. She rehabilitated wounded and orphaned wildlife and fostered/provided hospice care for dogs and cats. Mary volunteered with Sports, Arts & Recreation of Chattanooga (SPARC) for 25 years.

A graveside service will be officiated by Mary’s nephew, Doug Davis of New Smyrna Beach, FL on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. EST at Hamilton Memorial Gardens, 5351 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343. Pallbearers will be son-in-law Samuel Hammonds and the kind women who have assisted the family in lovingly caring for Mary for several years: Tonya Henderson, Summer Kardes, Shay Careathers, Linda Henderson, and Leslie Cooper. Special thanks to nurses Janet Sledd and Christy Saunders of Hearth Hospice.

In lieu of cards and flowers, the family requests that Mary be honored by donations to Camp Wildernest Wildlife Center, Inc. at campwildernest.com or mail gift to: Camp Wildernest, 9122 Hundley Road, Chattanooga, TN 37416.