Alma Shaw Swinson

DURHAM Alma Shaw Swinson, 93, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 7, 2014 while surrounded by her children. She was born Alma Eliza Shaw on June 23, 1921 in Elizabethtown, N.C. to Pearl and Heaman Shaw.Alma met the love of her life, Rev. John Thomas Swinson, in Fayetteville, N.C. in 1948. After they married, she and Tommy served together in ministry for more than 40 years. As a pastor’s wife, Alma used her musical talents as church pianist and children’s choir director. After retirement from full-time ministry, she and Tommy stayed active in nursing home ministry for several years.Following Tommy’s death in 1990, Alma remained active in the nursing home ministry, van ministry and Senior Choir at Greystone Church in Durham. She loved her Sunday School class taught by Mrs. Jan Smith. While living at JFK Towers, Alma was the social chairperson who arranged for Christian music and ministry programs for the residents at JFK. She will be remembered for her love of God and all those around her, as well as for her sense of humor. Alma is preceded in death by her parents, Pearl and Heaman Shaw, sisters Rosalie Campen, Ethel Gooden, and Beulah Gooden, husband John Thomas Swinson, step-daughter Joyce Swinson Smith, and grandson Gary Swinson.
She is survived by sister Edna Duncan of Atlanta, Ga., brother David Shaw of Elizabethtown, NC., daughter Jan Swinson Hallenborg and husband John of Durham, N.C., son Stan Swinson and wife Ann of Raleigh, NC, step-son Walter Armond Swinson of Haw River, N.C., grandchildren Erin Hallenborg Solomon and husband Curt of Raleigh, Jonathan Hallenborg and wife Amber of Raleigh, Kelly Swinson Pendleton and husband Earl of Wake Forest, Jeremy Swinson and wife Beth of Charlotte, Gail Swinson Sharpe of Gibsonville, Karen Swinson Thompson and husband Tim of Burlington, Phil Swinson and wife Jan of Smith Mountain Lake, Steve Smith and wife Linda of Mebane, and Kevin Smith and wife Barbara of Elon. She was also blessed with 23 great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank the caring staffs of Unihealth Post-Acute Care of Durham and Hock Family Pavilion (Duke Hospice), as well as her loving caregiver, Barbara Norwood of Durham.
Alma’s family will receive friends at Greystone Church, 2601 Hillsborough Road, Durham, NC 27705, on Monday evening, July 14 at 6:30-7:30 PM, followed by a celebration and worship service in the church sanctuary at 7:30 PM. Arrangements by Hudson Funeral Home of Durham, NC. Online condolences may be sent to www.hudsonfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in her name to the Greystone Church Seniors’ Ministry or to the Hock Family Pavilion with Duke Hospice, 4023 N. Roxboro Street, Durham, NC 27704.