Mary K Swinson

She was born on August 21, 1937, in St. Louis, Missouri to James Kassaros and Ourania Dallas. Both of Mary’s parents were born in Greece.

Mary’s father, James, came to the United States in the early 1900’s and arrived in Ellis Island. He volunteered to fight in World War I. James married Ourania in Athens, Greece. Their marriage was arranged by Ourania’s sister, Athena.

Mary lived with her parents in their hotel until she was 15 years old. After many years of saving they bought a house in University City, Missouri. Mary attended Washington University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Retailing. She was active in the Greek Orthodox Church where she enjoyed teaching Sunday school.

Mary met her husband, Ullman (Bill) Swinson at Washington University. Bill was attending graduate school. They met in the library where Mary was studying and Bill was taking a night school class.

In 1960 she married Bill in a large Greek wedding in St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. They moved to a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, where their first daughter, Ranya was born. They moved back to University City, Missouri where their second daughter, Stacia, was born. Their son, David was born in Florissant, Missouri just before the family moved to Dallas, Texas in 1969.

Mary dedicated her life to her family and enjoyed cooking for them. As the children grew older Mary worked for several years until she became a full-time caregiver for her parents. She not only took care of her own family but enjoyed babysitting her grandchildren. In their retirement years Mary and Bill traveled extensively to many countries. Mary enjoyed animals, especially her pets. She had several cats and a special Rottweiler named Zoe.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ullman Swinson, and her sons David James Swinson, and James Cecil Swinson (in infancy).

Mary is survived by her daughters; Ranya Fulton and her fiancé Joe Saal, and Stacia Hensley, her daughter-in-law; Andrea Swinson, and her grandchildren; Michelle Hensley and her husband Gary Summers, Christopher Fulton, Ricky Hensley, Alisha Fulton, Ryan Swinson, Delaney Swinson, and Rachel Swinson.

Per Mary's loving request, there will be no service, inviting us instead to remember her in our own special ways.