Tiny
Ann Walker Swift, age 101, passed away Friday, August 5, 2011 in
St. Louis, MO. She was born on January 7, 1910 as the youngest of
eight children born to Rev. Willie and Minnie Jones Walker in
Kilgore, Texas.
“font-family: Verdana;”>
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>While a baby she moved to Tyler, Texas and at nine years of age she joined Calvary Baptist Church. She later moved to St. Louis, MO and joined Christ’s Southern Mission Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Herman Gore Sr. Tiny became very involved and worked in all junior departments of the church Sunday School as well as the BYPU Choir. She became one of the first Junior Ushers and served as Group One’s Finance Secretary for many years. Further, in 1982 she designed and donated buttons to the usher board for members to recognize ushers, that had passed on.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Tiny attended Sumner High School in the city of St. Louis. She was united in marriage on December 19, 1926 to Odie M. Swift. To this marriage one son was born (Jerome M. Swift).
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>During her lifetime she worked as a seamstress, aircraft riveter at Curtiss-Wright Company, elevator operator and a head cook for the St. Louis Public School system, which she retired from in the mid 1970s. As an honor to recognize her 100th birthday, January 7, 2010 was declared Tiny Ann Walker Swift Day in St. Louis County.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>She leaves to cherish her memory: son, Jerome M. Swift and Terry Powell, who also cared for her the last 10 years of her life; grandchildren, Brian M. Swift and Jamie M. Swift; former daughter-in-law, Jacqueline M. Swift; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
