Joanne Jeffrey Swafford

Joanne Jeffrey Swafford, 88, passed away August 29, 2015 in Fort Worth, Texas. She was born July 29, 1927 in Locust Grove. Ark., to William Donald and Willie Mae Jeffrey. Joanne graduated from Fort Smith High School in 1945 and in 1946 she married her husband Hugh, whom she was married for 59 years. She was very active in the Fort Smith community and volunteered her time and leadership to many civic organizations. Joanne joined the Mercy Hospital (St. Edward) Auxiliary in 1986 where she held the positions of Assistant Treasurer, Treasurer, Parliamentarian, and Board President. She was Committee Chair for the first Mercy Classic, Dinner Dance Auction, Gift Shop, and the Needlework Committee. Joanne was also Past President of Echols (Euper Lane) PTA, Girl Scouts (3 terms), Junior Civic league (2 terms), and the General Federation of Women's Clubs of America (2 years) and she served on the board for 10 years. She was also Treasurer for the Fort Smith Historical Society (15 years), was a past board member of Bost Inc., was a member of the Daughters of The American Revolution, was past Chairman of the Red Stocking Review, was a member of Mount Magazine Girl Scout Council since 1957, and she was a member of First United Methodist Church where she was active in Sunday School and Church Circle. In 1997, Joanne received the Spirit of The Frontier Award presented by the City of Fort Smith. Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.D. Jeffrey; her husband Elmer Hugh Swafford; and her brother, Billy Jeffrey. She is survived by her daughter, Sarah Garrett and her husband Jim, of Dallas, Texas; two sons, Jeffrey Swafford of Jupiter, Fla., and David Hugh Swafford and his wife Denise, of Burleson, Texas; one sister, Peggy Hinds Baker of Fort Smith. Joanne was blessed to have eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren and she is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, September 3, 2015, in Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in Roselawn Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 2, 2015, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home. Memorials may be sent to: First United Methodist Church, 200 North 15th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901, or to Bost Inc., P.O. Box 11495, Fort Smith, Ark. 72917, or to Jeffrey Boys and Girls Club, 4905 North O Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 72904. Online condolences may be sent to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.