Obituaries

Maizie Swearingen

Photo of Maizie Swearingen
Maizie Maxine Baker Coe Swearingen, age 94, of Rogers, died at her home on Dec. 21, 2013. She was born in Larue, Ark., on June 15, 1919, to Marline Henry Baker and Eunice Irene Sanders Baker. Her father owned the general store in Larue, and was also the postmaster, so Maizie grew up learning the jobs associated with small business. She attended Rocky Branch School through 8th grade, then boarded in town in Rogers for her first two years of high school, until her parents moved into Rogers in 1936. In 1938, Maizie graduated from Rogers High School, where she was a member of Glee Club, Girls Quartet, the Blue Demons pep club, and participated in other social groups. She attended Draughn's Business School in Tulsa following graduation, then worked for her father at his grocery store in downtown Rogers until she married Jim Coe in 1940. They moved to Fort Smith for a short time; then, while he served in the Army Air Force during WWII, Maizie returned home and worked at Kroger's Grocery store. After the war, she and Jim partnered in a number of business ventures, most notable the Coe Hatchery and Feed Store, and later a Holiday Rambler RV business, both in Rogers. She enjoyed being involved in civic and social activities, including PEO, Beta Sigma Phi, the Elks Club, and was a lifelong Methodist and current member of First United Methodist Church. Maizie lived a long, full and rich life, enjoying travel, her friends, and social outings. She will be remembered by those who loved her and knew her well for her wonderful sense of humor and attentive servant spirit. She added years to our lives, and life to our years! Maizie was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Jim Coe; and a niece, Micki McWhorter. She is survived by her husband John Swearingen (her former high school sweetheart whom she married in 2007); sister Laney Higgins of Bixby, Okla.; niece Tonya (Bill) Ford; great-nephews Jason (Angie) Ford, Dexter Ford, Clay (Julie) McWhorter and son Colin, and Mark (Jennifer) McWhorter and daughter Annalynn; and her Swearingen family: stepsons David (Marilyn), Jim (Nancy), and Tom (Teri) Swearingen; grandchildren Rachel (Alan) Harris and sons Grant and Taylor; Rob Swearingen; Becca (J.Michael) Hazelwood; Russ (Lara) Swearingen; Scott (Susie) Swearingen and daughter Abbie; Will Swearingen (fiance Melissa Bolanos). Visitation (9:30 a.m.) and the funeral service (10:30 a.m.) will be held on Monday, Dec. 23 at First United Methodist Church in Rogers, with Rev. Sandi Wanasek officiating. Burial will follow in Benton County Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are by Rollins Funeral Home of Rogers. www.rollinsfuneral.com.

Published December 22, 2013

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