Mary Jo Swaim

Mary Jo Swaim, 87, of Covington, passed away on Friday, January 13 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was retired elementary school teacher having taught at both Covington Grammar School early in her career and then Covington Elementary School prior to her retirement. A member of First Baptist Church, Covington, she was very active in her church life having taught 1st grade, GA, Vacation Bible School and participated in the WMU. She was also very active in her community having served in the Junior Auxiliary, the Garden Club and the Book Club. She lived a full life, was very giving and had a servant’s heart. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 64 years, Joe Swaim; her daughter, Alicia (John) Wytrwal of Byrdstown, TN; one son, Jason (Joanna) Swaim of Germantown; four grandchildren, Nicholas (Morgan) Wytrwal, Trevor Wytrwal, John Ross Swaim and Caroline Swaim; two sisters, Beverly (Jim) McKee of Lexington, TN and Gwen (Phillip) Farmer of Brighton; one brother-in-law, Dr. Jerol (Virginia) Swaim of Pocahontas, AR; her caregiver, Barbara Halliburton, and numerous extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Mary Sue James Blalack, Sr. and one brother, Cecil (Shirley) Blalack, Jr. Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Monday, January 16 at the First Baptist Church, Covington with interment to follow in R. H. Munford Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday and until the noon service time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund.