Dr. Mary Frances (Bethea) Swann

Dr. Mary Frances Bethea Swann, 85, Rockingham, passed Friday, February 19, 2021. Funeral will be Thursday, February 26, 2021 at 12pm in the Chapel at Nelson Funeral Home, 1021 E. Washington Street, Rockingham, NC with a 2:30pm Interment at Fairmont Cemetery, State Road Hwy 130- East, Fairmont, NC 28340.

Dr. Mary Frances Bethea Swann, our dear Mother was called to her eternal rest on Saturday February 19, 2021.  Her life began on May 3, 1935 with Mrs. Ester Mae Bethea Jones and Mr. Lester Jones as her parents.  Both preceded her in death.  Mary was the oldest of her siblings and she often spoke with pride of how she loved them and had a hand in their growing up.   She was raised and educated in Robeson County graduating with the class of 1954 from Rosenwald High School in Fairmont.  She was an exceptional student.

Dr. Swann was a lady of many talents.  She was a loving mother and a dedicated grandmother, sister, aunt, whose legacy with her family will be to love and support one another; celebrate family and be the best at however you choose to spend your life.  Make a difference with the talents you have.  

 Mary’s love for serving extended over into her duty as parenting, being a military Mom, their home whether in the United States or abroad was the gathering place for the neighborhood kids because her kids had the latest popular games. Mary welcomed the neighbor’s kids with love, opened arms and great snacks.  Until the very end she was reaching out to others offering assistance in many ways, from advise on a tummy ache to paying college tuition.

Dr. Swann earned several Degrees through the education systems during her travels.  She was a licensed Cosmetologist and owned and operated her own beauty shop for years; She was a Teacher in the public schools in Robeson, Cumberland and Scotland County’s and influenced the lives of many students as well as some of their parent’s lives. Her ability to bond with kids was exceptional which made her work easier.  She was certified in interior decorating and made some beautiful creations. She loved collecting antiques and growing flowers as well.   A perfect weekend or holiday for Dr. Swann would be to pack up her car and head to her “Place at the Beach”.  She loved to cook and enjoyed making full meals and having family come to dine with her.  She was a fun-loving and caring person with outstanding qualities and character.  She had an infectious trademark smile. 

She was committed to serving in the community through her church and other civic duties. Knowing this day would surely come; she accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age and never turned back.  She practiced the teachings and precepts of Jesus Christ and taught her household to do the same. At the time of her death she was a dedicated active church member of the Holly Grove Missionary    Baptist Church in Rockingham where she held many positions. She served as Deaconess chairperson ; Christian Education Chairperson; Served as President of Missionary  Department where she gave birth to the “Prayer Breakfast”;  State Memorial Chairperson; Member of the Executive Board; Corresponding Secretary; and at the time of her death she was the Deaconess Fellowship Chairperson.  Member of Palestine Chapter of Order of Eastern Star;  Former president of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Pee Dee Association; served as President and Dean of Congress of Christian Education; She logged many miles while representing the church in the General Baptist State Convention, adorned in her beautiful hats and outfits”.  She was also entrusted with the highly esteemed position of the Chairperson of the Democratic Women of Richmond County.  

Dr. Swann was very independent and was an excellent provider for her family.  She encouraged her children, grandchildren and other family to follow her example by attending college and getting an education. She purchased several homes during her lifetime and always had a nice automobile.  She enjoyed a successful life and loved making a statement while adorned in the latest fashions.  

Dr. Swann was preceded in death by her parents, and two sisters Carolyn Thomas and Yvonne Jones. 

She remains in the hearts of those who loved her most: her three sons; Kenneth Pittman of the home, Bruno Pittman of Fayetteville, NC and Dale (Rhonda) Pittman of Texas. Three daughters: Ramona (Raymond) Burns of Hamlet; Wanda  Pittman of Fayetteville, NC  and Shelia (Johnny) Coleman of Texas;  14 Grandchildren, 22 Great Grandchildren, and 1 Gt.- Gt. Grandchild.   Her sisters: Lou Taylor of Dillon SC,   Lisa (Butch) Lewis of Columbia, SC, Lester (Sheryl) Jones of Columbia, SC, Christopher (Sophie) Jones of Dothan, Alabama. Three sisters-in-law: Dorothy Pittman of Norfolk, VA, Neevada Pittman of Norfolk, VA and Viola Pittman of Fair Bluff, NC.   a special niece and nephew Vann and Johnny and a host of other nieces, nephews, as well as other relatives and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Mary Frances (Bethea) Swann, please visit our floral store.

Services

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Mary Frances (Bethea) Swann, please visit our floral store.