A Celebration of Life for Dorothy Beatrice Stevenson Swoope, 81, of Decatur, will be 1 p.m. Saturday, May 21, 2016, at King’s Memorial United Methodist Church with Dr. G. Lynn Herring officiating and inhumation to follow in Sterrs Cemetery. The body will lie in repose one hour prior to the funeral. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church. Public viewing will be today from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the funeral home. Professional services entrusted to Reynolds Funeral Home.
Dorothy Beatrice Stevenson Swoope affectionately known as “Muh” was born Sept. 16, 1934, in Landersville. She was the only daughter born to the late Claude Craften Stevenson and Lassie Beatrice Davis Stevenson. Early Sunday morning, May 15, 2016, she transitioned peacefully at her daughter’s home in Powder Springs, Georgia.
Dorothy enjoyed her school years in the Lawrence County School system. Known for her beauty, laughter and speed, she set two track records at Courtland High School that remain unbroken. She accepted Christ as her Savior early in life. After moving to Decatur, she joined St. Paul Spiritual Church, under the leadership of the late Elder Bertha Lyle and continued to serve under the leadership of the late Bishop Napoleon Priest. She sang in the choir, sometimes leading, and was always supportive of the church while serving in various capacities.
She had no formal culinary training, but loved to cook and enjoyed having family and friends over for meals. She worked at several restaurants as a cook and was later hired by Dunlop Tire and Rubber Company, Madison. She was later employed for a brief period at Ti-Ann Enterprise. Dorothy permanently retired to sit on the porch where she greeted friends, neighbors and loved ones with a smile.
Lovingly known also as Dot, she never met a stranger. Everyone was drawn by her smile, enthusiastic love of life and laughter. She will be remembered for many things: her uncanny humor, quick wit, enjoyment of food, generous spirit, open heart, the love that she exhibited to all, and her amazing courage.
She was preceded in death by her oldest brother, Joseph Craften Stevenson, Chattanooga, Tennessee, and great-grandchild, Kaylan Atori Baugh, Decatur.
Dorothy was devoted to her family. Muh’s memories will forever be cherished by her six children, Claude (Paula) Stevenson and Dwight Gilchrist, both of Decatur, David Swoope, Jr., Columbus, Ohio, Zenia (Danny) Griffith, McDonough, Georgia, LaWana Hartman, Decatur and one very special daughter and caregiver, Tiffany Swoope, Powder Springs, Georgia; 12 precious grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; two beloved big brothers, Clyde Leroy (Lucille) Stevenson, Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Collis Hansel Stevenson of Decatur; she is also survived by one very special goddaughter, Jannifer Woods; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and the “porch” family.
Flower bearers will be granddaughters and nieces. Pallbearers will be sons and grandsons.
