Jean Mackley Sword, 90, of Charleston, died February 21, 2017, at CAMC General, surrounded by her family, after a short illness. She was born December 15, 1926, in Charleston, West Virginia, to Stephen and Emma Mackley, and was preceded in death by her parents and her nine siblings.
She was also preceded in death by her loving husband of sixty-seven years, Leslie Joseph “Fat” Sword, and she has joined him now in heaven.
Jean graduated from DuPont High School in 1945. She was employed by E.I DuPont and the Diamond Department Store, and she volunteered at Fair Haven Christian School when it was established in 1974.
She was a longtime faithful member of Fair Haven Baptist Church, where she previously served as a Sunday School teacher and as Sunday School Secretary. Known for her beautiful singing voice, she was a member of the Havenaires Quartet, which traveled throughout West Virginia for 32 years spreading the gospel through song. She continued to sing at her church, whether as a soloist, as part of a group, or as a member of the choir, as long as she lived.
Jean was known for her ever-present smile, her wit, and her joyful spirit. Whether tap dancing to get a laugh or sitting in her rocking chair, she was happiest when she was surrounded by her family that she so cherished. She was the matriarch of the family and the community where she lived. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her five children and their families: son David Sword, his wife, Karen, and their family (Joshua and Kelly Sword and their children, Hayden and Cohen; and Adam Sword and his companion, Brandi Hooks, and their children McKenzie, Emily and Evan Sword and Zane, Aiden and Dustin Hooks); daughter Donna Stone, her husband, Ronnie, and their family (Shawna and Dave Nelson and their daughters Bailey and Abby; and Joseph Stone); daughter Susie McClanahan, her husband, Mike, and their family (Brian and Elaine Burke; Heather and Larry Raines and their children, Laurance, Taylor and Ethan, and grandchildren L.J. and Rhett; Sarah McClanahan; and Jeremy McClanahan and daughter Kaylynn); son Tommy Sword, his wife, Pat, of Grand Island, Florida, and their family (Brandi Crass and her daughters, Ashley and Hailey; and Eric and Amanda Sword and their children, Dylan, Daniella and Gabriella); son Rick of Salem, Virginia, and his family (Faith and Jeff Cooner and their son Jaxon; and Jarod and Christina Sword and their children, Logan and Haylee.) She is also survived by her brother-in-law Everette (Velma) Sword, sisters-in-law Shelva (Gene) Wentz and Joyce Sword, and many extended family members, including special niece Sue Stone, with whom she loved spending time.
Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 25, at 11:00 a.m., at Fair Haven Baptist Church, with Pastor Tim Martin and Rev. Roy Moles officiating. Entombment will follow at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.
A visitation with family and friends will be held Friday, February 24, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the church.
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.9.5