Barbara Susan Garrett Swinney, 89, passed peacefully into her dear Savior’s arms at her daughter’s home in Prosper, Texas on March 22, 2023. Barbara was born on September 15, 1933, in Santa Anna, TX to Clarence Merlin and Gladys Naomi Wagnon Garrett.
Barbara lived in Cross Plains, TX until she left for Texas Women’s University at 17 years old. At TWU she pursued a degree in special education and speech therapy. While working a summer job at a hospital in Brownwood, TX, she met Jesse Edward Swinney. They were married December 23,1953. Jess left for duty with the Army while Barbara began her teaching career. When Jess returned from Korea, they began a life that had them moving all over Texas and a stint in Oklahoma. They had two daughters and a son.
In the early 1980’s they finally began their dream of retiring to Cross Plains to live on the ranch land they had accumulated during their marriage. Barbara lost her husband in 1987 and continued to live on their cattle ranch with her beloved collies. She also expanded her love of evangelism by becoming more involved in the mission field- both foreign and locally through her ongoing service with First Baptist Church of Cross Plains. Her last mission trip to Guatemala was at 82 years old! As a devoted servant of Christ, Barbara was always involved in her church and taught Sunday school classes and Bible studies for all ages. Her passion was always to serve and pour herself into others while sharing her faith and her great love for her Savior. Barbara was a mighty prayer warrior. She had many journals full of the prayers she earnestly and continually lifted up for others. Her prayers made a difference in many lives around the world.
Barbara was predeceased by her husband Jesse Edward Swinney, her parents, and her brother Harold Garrett. Barbara was a devoted mother and grandmother. She is survived by her children: Susan Lauchner and husband Anthony, of Vinita, OK; Nancy Foster and husband David, of Prosper, TX; and Russell Swinney and wife J’Neena, of Plano, TX. “Granny” will be immensely missed by her eight adoring grandchildren and their families: Adam Lauchner and wife Rebecca of Friendswood, TX; Brian Lauchner and wife Chelsea of Castle Rock, CO; Craig Lauchner and wife Meredith of Austin, TX; Dana Lauchner of Brooklyn, NY; Gregory Foster and wife Keely of Frisco, TX; Meredith Turnquist and husband T Cody of Medina, MN; Garrett Swinney and wife Maddie of Denton, TX; and Jessica Swinney of Plano, TX. She will also be missed by her nine great-grandchildren, her sister-in-law, Joyce Lemma, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews whom she loved.
Visitation will be at 12:30 pm at First Baptist Church in Cross Plains, Tx on Thursday, March 30, 2023.
Funeral services will be at 1:30 pm Thursday, March 30, 2023, at First Baptist Church of Cross Plains and immediately followed by interment at Cross Plains Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to either of the following:
FBC Cross Plains Mission Fund
Heart of Texas Camp
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17
https://www.higginbothamfuneralhomecrossplains.com/
Higginbotham Funeral Home of Cross Plains, 309 N E 4th Street. 254-725-6153 is in charge of arrangements.