Metcalf Funeral Directors
http://www.metcalffuneraldirectors.com
Bernice Swank, age 106 and 8 months, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loving family on September 21, 2024. We take great comfort in knowing that she is at peace and in Heaven rejoined with her Savior, family, and friends. Her response to being frequently asked the secret to her longevity was Faith, Family and Friends. Waiting for her upon her arrival were her loving parents as well as her sister and brother, her beloved husband of 60 years, Raymon Swank, son John Eric Swank, son-in-law Hal Harris, great grandson Eric Borges and her sisters and brothers-in-law.
Those of us left behind grieve our loss, but treasure the many years that each of us had with her. Her children: Nancy S. Harris of Montgomery, TX and Philip Swank and wife Linda of Texas City, TX. Her grandchildren: Brooks T. Harris and wife Lauren of Conroe, TX, Stacy Swank Ruth and husband Tim of Clear Lake, TX, Lindsay Swank Cast and husband Matt of Anderson, IN, Ericka Swank Borges and husband Steve of Seminole, FL, Yara Swank Golden and husband Chris of Pearland, TX, Veronica Swank Starr and husband Patrick of Falls Church, VA, and daughter-in-law Annie Swank of Pearland, TX. She has 15 great grandchildren who called her Grandma Great or Gigi. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were wonderful in her sight and she was proud of them, giving each one her unconditional love.
She was born on January 20, 1918 in Peru, IN and grew up on her family's farm. She graduated high school as class Salutatorian and went to college at Indiana Central with the egg money her mother had saved. She ultimately received her M.A. in Education degree from Ball State University in Muncie, IN. Teaching was her passion and she joyfully taught and positively touched the loves of many students in the Anderson, Indiana Community Schools for 42 years.
While still teaching, family vacations and holidays ere held at their home on North Hutchinson Island, FL. After retirement, she and her husband travelled abroad to Israel and The Holy Lands with church groups toured England, France, German, Switzerland and Austria. She and her husband made two trips to The Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany.
Her spiritual life revolved around the Methodist Church in the towns where she lived. For many years, she was an active member of First Methodist Conroe. Also dear to her heart was her membership in P.E.O. Chapter FT sisterhood for 32 years. At age 80 she began volunteering in the Gift Shop at the Conroe Medical Center, now HCA Conroe, and continued for 15 years. She enjoyed her many friends that she met while volunteering.
Bernice was a special woman, full of joy and kindness and God's spirit. She was blessed with 106 wonderful years. Her book of life will not be closed, only turned to a brighter page. As difficult as it is for her family and friends who loved her and are left to carry on, she would want us to honor her memory by living each day to the fullest in joyous respect for the values that guided her life.
In respecting her wishes, there will be no funeral service. Her remains will be placed next to her husband in Anderson Memorial Park. Family and Friends will gather at a future date to celebrate her life by sharing our most cherished memories.
As Paul said to Timothy, 2 Timothy 4:7, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
The family wishes to acknowledge and profusely thank Enhabit Home Health and Hospice or their compassionate end-of-life care and support.
Our family would be honored if you would consider making a memorial donation in Bernice's name to either FMC Methodist Day School at 4308 W. Davis St., Conroe, TX 77304 or to P.E.O. Chapter FT at 200 Hermitage Dr., Montgomery, TX 77356
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