Marian Edwards Swinson

Marian “Pete” Weaver Edwards Swinson

March 30, 1921 – July 14, 2020

Marian “Pete” Swinson, age 99, passed away peacefully in her sleep July 14, 2010, following a period of declining health.

“Pete” was born March 30, 1921, in Forest City, NC, the third child of Joseph M. Edwards, Sr. and Annie Laura Baber Edwards.  Her father died unexpectedly, when Pete was five years old, and the family moved to Marion, NC, to live with her maternal grandparents.

Pete was educated in the Marion City Schools.  Following graduation from high school, she attended business college.  She then moved to Gaffney, SC, to work and live with her mother and stepfather, Ellis R. Wells, Sr.  It was in Gaffney that she met the love-of-her-life, Rodney Southerland Swinson, who was an engineer working in the the area.   The two were married on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1942.

Shortly after the wedding, Rodney’s US Army Reserve company was activated.   Rodney and Pete moved around the country to several different Army bases, as the Engineer Battalion trained for deployment in World War II.  When Rodney shipped out to the Pacific Theater, Pete returned to Bamberg, S.C., to live with her beloved in-laws, Eloise Swinson Hand, Joel W. Hand, Sr. and Rod’s half-brother, Joel, Jr.  She worked with the family in Hand’s Jewelry and Gifts.  She remained in Bamberg for the remainder of her life.

In Bamberg, Pete and Rodney became pillars of the community.  Pete was active in her church, Trinity United Methodist, where she taught Sunday School for 40 years and was a member of the United Methodist Women and Mozelle Smoak Circle.  She was a member of the Lions Club, American Legion and Bamberg Hospital Auxilliaries.  She delivered Meals on Wheels and volunteered at the Bamberg County Hospital and Nursing Center.  She was an avid bridge player and belonged to several clubs.  Pete was known in Bamberg for her daily two mile walks well into her 90’s and for her meticulous housekeeping.

After Pete and Rod’s daughter, Linda, was born, Pete became an enthusiastic school volunteer, Brownie Scout leader and carpool expert.  She followed Bamberg High School sports and never missed a home game.  She worked as the Deputy Clerk of Court for Bamberg Count for 28 years and later for Barnwell PCA and Hand’s Jewelry.  Upon retirement, she and Rod took up golf and travel.

Pete was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Rodney Swinson, her parents and siblings Margaret Edwards Howard Benton, Dorothy Edwards Clark, Joseph M. Edwards, Jr. and Ellis Wells, Jr.; Brother-in-law Joel Hand, Jr.; Niece Shirley Howard Elliott. 

She is survived by her daughter Dr. Linda Swinson Georges (Gregory) of Chapel Hill, NC; grandchildren Lauren Elizabeth Georges of Boise, ID; Graham Leigh Georges (Dr. Meghan Yamasaki) of Harker Heights, TX; Sister-in-law Beulah H. Hand of Bamberg, Nephew and Godson Joel W. (Joey) Hand, III (Debbie) of Chapel Hill, NC; Nephews Scott Hand (Veridee) of Liscomb, IA; Shawn Hand of Rock Hill, SC; Niece Margery Hand Whitley (Ron) of Lancaster, SC; Niece Paula Moore of Gainesville, GA; Nephews Dennis, David, Daniel and Donald Wells of Spartanburg, SC.; Nephew Bill Edwards and niece Connie Edwards; and many cherished grand nieces and nephews.

A private Graveside service will be held at Bamberg Memory Gardens.  Cooner Funeral Home of Bamberg is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Pete’s name to Trinity United Methodist Church of Bamberg or to the charity of your choice.  A joyous celebration of Pete’s life will be held, when COVID restrictions are lifted.