Alva Dean Goggins Swearingen, 76, of Columbia, SC passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 after a valiant battle against pulmonary fibrosis. Deana Swearingen was born in Thomaston, Georgia to the late Alvin Gerald Goggins and Mattie Gaynell Johnson on September 3, 1943.
She grew up in Barnesville, GA and attended Valdosta State University where she met her beloved Buddy. She had been affectionately called Bud by family and friends in her small town and Bud and Buddy made the most perfect union. They lived in several cities in their early marriage and Deana made an impact everywhere she lived. She was always active in church, teaching Sunday School to young people and helping with Vacation Bible School during the summers. She was a 4-H Program Coordinator and Camp Counselor in Ringgold, GA and enjoyed working with the youth. After moving to Columbia, she taught adult students as they learned English as a 2nd language and taught non-reading adults how to read. Her home was always open to those in need and a place for bible teaching as she led numerous bible studies through the years. Her long career as a Senior Recruiter in the personnel business, first at Dunhill of Columbia and later at Career Connections, reflected her spirit of making connections with people and doing all she could to help them in their careers and in life. She didn’t just coach people to find a job, she mentored and developed relationships with each client and applicant she ever met.
She enjoyed spending time at home and in her garden, but most of all, she cherished and loved her family. Deana was adored by her family and her friends and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her husband of 57 years, James Herbert Swearingen, Jr., of Columbia, SC, her three children, Michael Gerald Swearingen of Columbia, SC, Melissa Swearingen Starkey (Darryl) of Chapin, SC and Mark Bradley Swearingen of Columbia, SC; 5 grandchildren Cole and Olivia Swearingen and Susannah, Jack and Garrett Starkey; her sister, Edith Nell Goggins of Barnesville, GA; her brother, Gary Johnson Goggins of Covington, GA; her brothers and sisters in love, Harvey Swearingen (Patty), Mickie Merritt, Dean Jordan (Jim) and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held for Mrs. Swearingen at St. Andrews Baptist Church Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 prior to the service at the church.
Memorials may be made to The American Lung Association
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