Dorothy Swanson, 88, of Hayesville passed away Monday, September 17, 2018 in a Towns County, Georgia care facility. She was a native and lifetime resident of Clay County. Dorothy had worked in the dress factory for over 25 years. Her most enjoyable job followed her retirement when she was able to care for and take part in all her grandchildren’s upbringing. She was a member of New Hope Baptist Church, where she was the preschool teacher for 25 years. Dorothy was devoted to her family and loved hosting Sunday lunches.

She was the daughter of the late Joe and Lou Garrett and the wife of the late Everett Swanson, who died March 18, 2012. She was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, Mary; a sister, Hazel York; and a brother, Calvin Nichols.

Surviving are three daughters, Glenda Cheeks and husband, Herbert, and Teresa Davenport and husband, Kenny, all of Hayesville, and Gloria Swanson of Hiawassee, Georgia; a son, Marvin Swanson and wife, Christine of Locust, North Carolina; a sister, Clara Kell of Cumming, Georgia; a brother, Don Nichols and wife, Jean of Lawrenceville, Georgia; and nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 19 in New Hope Baptist Church with the Revs. Brian Davenport, Johnny Foster, and Robbie Moss officiating. The interment was in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Brian and Austin Davenport, Glen Cheeks, Stephen and Curtis Swanson, Chris and Conner Bradley, and Jerry York. Honorary pallbearers were Scotty Robinson, Randolph Cunningham, Eddie Ferguson, Carroll, Farrell, and Allen Curtis, and David Swanson.

The family received friends from 6-8 Tuesday evening at the Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville where the body remained until placed in the church at the service hour.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Dorothy Swanson to the New Hope Baptist Church, c/o Gloria Swanson, 147 Highway 180, Hiawassee, GA 30546.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements.