Mary Ann Swafford

Mary Ann Jones Swafford, 72, died February 25, 2022 surrounded by her family. She was born on May 30th, 1949 in Oak Ridge, TN. She graduated from Karns High School and earned a certificate from Knoxville Business College. She was a stay at home mom while her children were young, but also held various positions – most recently as a bookkeeper at Claxton Elementary and also as a preschool director at LaPetite Academy and Grace Baptist Church.

As a young adult, Mary Ann was a phenomenal athlete, excelling in softball and basketball. She was a life-long sports fan and especially loved the Lady Vols. She was an avid reader and traveler. Her life adventures included, but were not limited to: “being gored by a bull”, playing softball in Holland, and being blessed by the Pope in Rome. Mary Ann’s brightest lights were her grandsons, Christian and Spencer. She baked many potatoes, sold candy bars, and delivered lots of fruit to support their band programs and fund their trips. She attended as many of their performances and competitions as humanly possible. Mary Ann loved to joke and laugh and was known to break out in song with zero encouragement or warning. Her smile and laughter will be remembered and missed.

Mary Ann is survived by her former spouse and best friend, Steve; sister, Nancy; sister in law, Teri; brothers in law, Jim and Chuck; children, Kristi “Journey”, and Kevin (Kari); grandsons Christian (Dakota) and Spencer; great grandchildren Nicholas, Margo, and Henry; many nieces and nephews; and special friends Covalyn, Brenda, John, Donna and Michael.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, John Russell and Martha; mother in law, Helen; brothers, JR (Faye), Joe (Rachel), and Sam; sister in law, Kay; daughter in law, Lena; niece, Karen; and nephew, Ray.

The family wishes to thank all the medical professionals that worked tirelessly over the past 6 years to keep Mary Ann in this world - Dr. Shelly Durbin (Knoxville GP), Dr. Pamela Allen (Emory), Dr. Susan Newman (Knoxville Oncology), and the staff of River Grove Heath and Rehabilitation (especially niece Janie and Brandy, Jess, Joy, Dave, Amanda, Deb W, Wanda, Deb C, Cat and Holly).

A celebration of life will be held at Weaver Funeral Home from 5-7 with a brief service to follow on Tuesday, March 8th with Rev. Milly Morrow of Asheville officiating. Please wear a mask when attending.

Mary Ann liked flowers but loved dogs, kids and books, and music. In lieu of flowers please make donations in her name to SARG Animal Rescue in Oak Ridge, TN; RRCNA (the Reading Recovery Council of North America); or the Powell High School Band program.