Mary Swindell

Proverbs 31:10

Who can find a virtuous woman. For her price is far above rubies.

On September 14, 1934, Mary Lou Hall was the fourth child of 10 born to the parents of Alice and Charlie Hall in Reagan, Texas (Falls County). Her father relocated his family to Midland in 1949, where she completed her education and was a proud graduate of Carver High School.

She joined Alexander Temple Church Of God In Christ and gave her life to Christ at an early age. She was a devout Christian who truly loved the Lord and could often be found working at the church. She was a COGIC woman who believed in living a life of holiness. Her love for God and her church was a huge part of her life. She was an active member of several auxiliaries; as a young girl, Purity Class, and Young People Willing Worker (YPWW), and as a young woman and mother she joined the Young Women Cristian Council (YWCC), Usher Board and finally matriculating to the Mother's Board. She was a loyal and devoted member of Alexander Temple where she worshipped from the time her family moved to Midland until her transition.

Mary met the love of her life, Willie Lee Swindell, at church, and they were married in the same church in August 1958. To this union four beautiful children were born, Kristy, Laurie, Randall and Jeffery. Mary was an adoring mother and dutiful wife who held her family close in love and understanding, always providing as much care as possible. Her care and love did not stop with her immediate family, but extended to her nieces and nephews, whom she cared for as much as her own children.

While caring for her family, she also worked at the Midland Community Theater Costume Shop, where she was commended for the manner in which she performed her duties and the care with which she provided her customers. Later in her life, our mother worked for many years at Midland Senior Services as a senior companion, providing comfort and care for the elderly. Just as she handled her life, her family and her assigned duties, she took pride in her clients and always wanted to serve them well.

She enjoyed cooking delicious meals and baking savory desserts and was notably one of the church's favorite "chefs". Coming from a large family, she believed in cooking in sizable quantities to make sure everyone was fed and full. Our mother was always the most gracious hostess; she welcomed visitors into her home and created

an environment that they never wanted to leave. She was very generous and would always share whatever she had, providing the warmest hospitality.

She was also a fashionista! She loved all things fashion; suits, hats, purses, jewelry, etc.! Even in her last days when sitting around the house, it made her happy to wear all of her jewelry.

One of her great joys in life was becoming a grandmother. She was affectionately called "Memama" by all of her grandchildren. The love she had for her children, spilled over into the lives of her grandbabies and the pride and joy she felt for them was revealed through every smile and hug she provided.

Mary officially answered God's call to come home on Friday, April 19, 2024. She will be missed immensely by everyone, but her selflessness, generosity, loving smile and words of wisdom will never be forgotten.

We envision her father, mother, and sisters Helen, Josie Mae, Lenora, Alice O'Ceal, and Rosie; and her brothers Charlie, JC, and Eddie, greeting her upon her heavenly arrival.

Our Mother's memories are entrusted to her husband, Willie Lee; her children: Kristy White (Gary); Laurie Bryson; Randall Swindell (Tina); Jeffery Swindell (Camillia) and her brother Bobbie Hall (Roberta). Also carrying on a lifetime of memories are her grandchildren: Shamera Bryson, Sheramie Tekle, Devin Swindell, Chevar Bryson, Whitney Warren, Arielle Swindell, William Swindell, Jordan White and McKenzie Fields; and seven Great Grandchildren.