Ora Deen Swafford

Swafford, Ora Deen, People often speak well of the recently departed and, sometimes, their words ring true. It is our immeasurable honor to have known one for whom such words are well-deserved. Ora Deen Swafford, born on October 29th, 1923 in Harrison, Arkansas, passed into the rest prepared for her on January 11th. With her husband of 60 years, Bryce (who precedes her), she raised three daughters and was blessed with seven grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Whether in 28 years as a pediatric nurse, loving devotion to family, membership in Southwest Baptist Church (since its founding in 1953), or even casual interactions with those whose lives intersected her own, she was a model of Christian service. Though never rich as the world counts wealth, she was rich toward God. And so, the world continues as it ever has; the traffic on the streets is unchanged, the flags remain at full mast, no presidential commendation is forthcoming. But in the kingdom where her treasures lie, the heavenly throng rejoices along streets of gold. The banner of Christ flies triumphantly over His long absent ambassador. The King proclaims the greatest accolade, “Well done!” and bestows the highest title, “Good and Faithful Servant”. And here, amid our grief and loss, the smallest echo of that celebration reverberates and we too take joy in the coronation of Ora Deen Swafford. Funeral services will be held at 10am on Saturday, January 19th at Southwest Baptist Church, 928 West 31st Street South, Wichita. Memorials may be directed to the church.