Shirley Swaggard

S HIRLEY S. S WAGGARD was born on August 15, 1943 in Brandon, Mississippi to Ophelia Davis and Richard Scott. Shirley was raised in Tallulah, Louisiana. She is one of 11 children that her mother had. Shirley is preceded in death by her parents and brothers John and Clarence. She is survived by her brothers/sisters: Mary, Will, Andy, Joyce, Cill, Titus, Joseph, James; and aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews whom she loved dearly. She obtained her bachelor's degree from Jackson State University and then her master’s degree from St. Xavier University. Shirley was a Master Teacher who believed in mentoring other teachers. As an educator, she took pride in teaching her students how to be proud of who they are and to have self-respect. She was dedicated to her faith and was a member of Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church for 34 years. Just like her faith, she was dedicated to her career as an educator for over 38 years with one year in Helena-West, Arkansas, and the rest in Rock Island, Illinois (Quad Cities). In retirement, she was dedicated to mentoring new and veteran teachers. A fun fact about her is that in retirement she took guitar and piano lessons. She was an avid sports fan, paying extra attention to tennis, basketball, and football. In addition, she was a foster parent and served as a court-appointed advocate for children along with visiting the elderly in hospitals, just to name a few things. Her involvement in the community will always be remembered as selfless. Shirley played basketball in college and bowled on a team for decades in the Quad Cities where her teammates became family to her. There was not a place that she would go where no one would not know her name. Although private, she made a friend who would turn family everywhere she went. The intentionality of her conversations touched every relationship that she had. She cherished her family and went as far as spending 8 months out of the year in Texas to be closer to her family. She loved her only child Eric Swaggard deeply and there was nothing that she would not do to show him that. Her time spent with her granddaughter, Lohgan, reflecting on life lessons at random times of the day and going to church meant a lot to her. Eventually, she became a great-grandmother in 2010 to Adison “Malik”. She played a pivotal role as she brought out all of her teaching skills, reading and playing with him daily. In 2017, she was blessed with a grandson of whom she loved dearly. Attending his birthday parties and reading books was a true highlight of her day. Shirley loved to spend time with her siblings, catching up on life and reading bible study plans. Reminiscing on different stories as well as uniting in prayer over life's challenges. Without question, Shirley lived a life full of love, adventure, faith, and intentionality. She was one person who made sure that her impact traveled through generations. “How lucky “blessed” I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” - Winnie The Pooh

Saturday, October 28, 2023 |3:00 PM G OLDEN G ATE F UNERAL H OME 4155 S. R. L. Thornton Frwy. — Dallas, TX 75224

Please Stand Soft Music

Minister Minister Read in Silence Limit of 2 Minutes Golden Gate Directors “For Your Glory” - Tasha Cobbs

A V IRTUOUS W OMAN : Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. She girth her loins with strength and strengthen her arms. Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openth her mouth with wisdom; and her tongue is the law of kindness. Favor is deceitful and beauty is vain; but a woman that earth the Lord, shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. T HE L ORD ’ S P RAYER : Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

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U NTIL W E M EET The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalms 23:1-6 NIV And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:3-4 T O M Y G RANDMA S HIRL Thank you for being the best grandmother that anyone could ask for. We explored life together and encouraged each other to grow physically and spiritually. You modeled for me how to keep God first and I thank you for the mountains you climbed for me, those seen and unseen. I will always admire how you balanced your life so well, you served those around you so gracefully. Years ago, I asked you why you were so loving to me and you simply said that you wanted to be the grandmother that you wish you had. You have set the bar high and I promise to continue making you proud. Thank you for saving my life in so many ways and showing me unconditional love from the beginning to the end. Though my grief may never end, I understand that to grieve deeply means that I have loved deeply and for that type of love, I will gladly walk through my everlasting grief for you, my greatest love. -Your Favorite Granddaughter, Lohgan

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