Mary Elizabeth Rodgers Swatley

Mary Elizabeth Rodgers Swatley, age 92, of Cordova TN, passed away on July 19, 2023, from natural causes.  She was born on January 22, 1931, in New Albany MS to James Thomas Rodgers and Mary Ozella Bagwell Rodgers.

The family invites you to attend visitation at The Pentecostal Church of Blue Mountain on Saturday, July 22, at 10:00 am with the funeral service at 11:00 am.  Rev. Stacy Starks will be officiating.  Burial will be in the Church cemetery.

A homemaker, mother of 7 children, 12 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren, Mary found the greatest joy from spending time with family and friends.  As a Christian, she developed spiritual wisdom and found great peace studying the Bible and talking to the Lord in prayer.  Mary’s faith and trust in God were evident in her words and actions. Her hands were always busy at work, making the world around her more beautiful.  She enjoyed gardening, sewing, and crafting.

An avid reader and crossword puzzle worker, Mary was a lifelong learner. She valued education and encouraged her children to do the same. She fostered a love for reading, as well as a strong work ethic and desire to always do your best. At the age of 46, she fulfilled her wish to finish school by attending night classes to earn her high school diploma.

Mary’s endearing sense of humor and generous spirit touched the lives of many.  She will be missed by all who knew her, but we take refuge in knowing she is in the presence of Our King!

Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Loyd Clinton Swatley, by her parents, James and Ozella Rodgers, by her brothers James and Dwayne Rodgers and her sister Judye Spencer, by her sons Jerry, Tommy and Ricky Joe Swatley, and by her daughter Brenda Kennedy.

Mary is survived by her daughter Teresa Glaser of Collierville TN, and sons Danny Swatley of Arlington TN, and Terry Swatley of Collierville TN.  She has 12 grandchildren: Christy Swatley, Andy Swatley, Julie Brown, Lisa Owens, Rikki Glaser, Adam Glaser, Brian Swatley, Gary Swatley, Beth Bringhurst, Mary Simon, Matt Swatley and Jake Swatley.  She has 15 great grandchildren: Jacob Brown, Caleb Brown, Isaac Brown, Zachary Owens, Joshua Owens, Daniel Swatley, Elizabeth Glaser, Mallory Glaser, Madi Simon, Eli Simon, Olivia Simon, Eleanor Grace Swatley, and Addison Kate Swatley. Mary is also survived by her sister Maxine Stark, and brothers Eugene Rodgers, and Virgil Rodgers of New Albany MS.

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