Laurabelle Swift

(July 22, 1913 – June 9, 2013) Laurabelle DeFields Swift, 99, of Vancleave, MS, went to be with her Redeemer on Sunday, June 9, 2013. She was born July 22, 1913. She was a member of Vancleave United Methodist Church, where she attended regularly. She previously attended the Senior Citizens functions in Ocean Springs, MS. She was born in Coloma, MI, to the late Alvin Edward and Alma Starrett DeFields. She resided in MI until her husband, Walter Ira Swift, passed on June 6, 1970. She then relocated to Vancleave, MS to be close to her son, William A. “Bill” Swift. She was a homemaker; her heritage bestowed upon her the love of nature and the knowledge of many handcrafts. She enjoyed crocheting, embroidery, cross- stitching and sewing. From Michigan, she brought her love, joy and peacefulness found within the art of gardening to south Mississippi. The numerous flower beds were beautifully arranged and very well-tended year round. Her seasonal gardens were always well flourished. She shared many of her skills with members of the community through the kindness found within her. Her greatest joy was sharing time with family and friends. She loved sharing her passion for poetry and had composed an extensive collection of her own written works that the generations to follow will enjoy for many years. She was preceded in passing by her parents; sisters, Lillian McFadden and Alice Baushke; Brothers, Joseph “Joe” DeFields and A.J. “Jim” DeFields; Husband, Walter I. Swift and Son, Walter A. “Sonny” Swift. She is survived by her Son, William “Bill” (Christina Fletcher) Swift of Vancleave, MS.; Brother, Eugene DeFields of Coloma, MI.; Grandchildren, James A. (Julie) Swift of Houston, TX., Christopher Andrew Swift of Vancleave,MS., Deborah L. Swift of Vancleave, MS., Thomas Swift and Steven Swift of Apache Junction, AZ.; Great- Grandchildren, Jacqualine ( Matthew) Davidson, Jenna Swift, Kaitlin and Tristan Swift, Robert and Matthew Burchett; Great- Great Grandchild, Temperance Davidson and many loving nieces, nephews and other family members. Visitation will be held at Vancleave United Methodist Church in Vancleave, Mississippi, on Saturday, June 15, 2013 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A celebration of her life will follow at 1:00 p.m. Officiating will be Rev. Mary Stewart and Rev. J.A. Sharp. Interment will be at Red Hill Cemetery in Vancleave, MS. Arrangements made by Holder-Wells Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.holderwellsfuneralhome.com

Tributes

Laurabelle Swift

July 22, 1913 - June 9, 2013