She graduated from Dekalb Attendance Center and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Miss before completing a master’s degree in English at Mississippi State University. She was a gifted writer and teacher who was beloved by her students and colleagues.
Charlotte married her high school sweetheart, Homer Clay Swearingen, on October 9, 1964, in Dekalb, MS. The two spent 60 beautiful years together building a life filled with joy, laughter, and an impressive array of matching T-shirts. Charlotte was as creative as she was sharp, with an especially deep passion for literature and poetry. She was an incredible cook and often showed affection with a Southern meal or a new dessert she saw on the Food Network. She was also a great shot and an avid deer and dove hunter. Throughout her life, Charlotte was devoted to her faith and to her church, spending her final years in service of Adaton Baptist Church.
She is survived by her husband Homer, her children, Susan Heath and Clay “Buddy” Swearingen, and her granddaughters, Courtney Heath and Camryn Lee (Triston). She is also survived by her siblings, Joe Vandevender (Debbie), Roy Vandevender (Darlene), Jim Vandevender (Pam), Mary Miller (Jay), Sara Lou Mason (John), and Jennie Evans, as well as her cousins, Jimmy and Emily Thomas. She is preceded in death by her parents, Bonnie Jean and Waldo Vandevender and Burton Speed, and her grandson, Dustin Heath.
Services will be held Monday, October 28, 2024, at Adaton Baptist Church in Adaton, MS. The visitation will begin at 10am, and the funeral will be at 11am followed by a brief graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Cross of Christ for Starkville, P. O. Box 2123, Starkville, MS 39760.
