Betty Swadley

(From Greenlawn Funeral Home)

Elizabeth “Betty” Susan Swadley was born in Springfield, March 4, 1929 to Rev. John Youngblood and Grace (Mizer) Youngblood. She graduated from Greenwood Laboratory School in 1946 and graduated from Southwest Baptist College which in 1970 bestowed upon her the Distinguished Life Service Award. She went to be with our Lord on October 2, 2022 at 93 years of age.

She married James Paul Swadley “Swad” on June 1, 1947. To this union were added three children: John, Mark, and Susan.

Betty joined her husband for a year in Germany during the Korean War where she served as an administrative assistant (Army Special Services) in the Palace of Justice in Nuremberg. Upon their return to Missouri, she served alongside her husband in pastoring four Missouri churches: Chestnut Ridge Baptist, First Baptist Rogersville, First Baptist Richland, and South Haven Baptist in Springfield. Following retirement, Betty and Swad did interim ministry in ten additional churches.

Betty was the author of four books and numerous other Christian publications. She spoke at conferences and served as a trustee on the International Mission Board, SBC.

The impact of her life and ministry is immeasurable. To her family, churches, friends and community, she was an example of one who lived the Christian life well. Her influence will continue forever.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 73 years, Rev. Paul Swadley; parents; and daughter Susan. She is survived by son John (Sheri), Pastor, Forest Park Baptist Church, Joplin, son Mark (Beth), Minister of Music, Lone Oak First Baptist Church, Paducah, 4 grandchildren, Kristen Bloyd (Joshua), Christina Grace (Ryan), Andrew Swadley (fiancée Rachel), and Olivia Lanier (Christopher), 3 great-grandchildren, Silas and Avery Bloyd, and Lincoln Grace, her brother-in-law Junior Swadley (Helen), and several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to a visitation at Greenlawn South Funeral Home from 3 to 6 pm on Wednesday, October 5. After a private family burial on Thursday, a celebration of Betty’s life will be hosted by South Haven Baptist Church on Saturday, October 8 at 10 am. The service will also be livestreamed at www.livestream.com/southhaven. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to South Haven Baptist Church or The Baptist Home, care of Greenlawn South.