Mildred Swift

Mildred Lucille Dwiggins Swift, 86 of Charlotte, passed away on May 19, 2020 at Brookdale Charlotte East and Hospice and Palliative Care of Charlotte.  She entered this world on November 1, 1934 in Charlotte, NC.  She was the youngest child of Johnny and Thelma Dwiggins and the baby sister of Delores Dwiggins.  She began her education at Biddleville Elementary School in Charlotte, NC.  She attended junior high school in New York City along with her sister, Delores.  She attended high school at Palmer Memorial Institute in Sedalia, NC.  She attended Virginia State College in Petersburg, VA, graduating in 1957 with at bachelor's degree in Sociology.  She continued her education by receiving a master's degree in Social Work from Atlanta University.  Later in life, she added to her graduate studies at University of Connecticut earning a master's degree in Anthropology.

Mildred's work life centered around helping people.  She spent much of her time in social work specializing in medical and educational social work.  She was interested in learning about other cultures.  This led to her befriending some students from Tanzania while at UConn and having their conversation form the basis of her master's thesis.  She also did extensive research about the 5 civilized tribes of Oklahoma.  This research was published in a local paper in Oklahoma City, OK as a weekly series.

Upon her return to Charlotte, she continued her interest in helping people by creating a neighborhood organization for Mattoon Street.  All the children on the block knew her and loved her.  They planted flowers in the spring and had a small arts festival that allowed people to show their hidden talents.

Mildred accepted Jesus Christ as her Personal Savior at an early age.  She was baptized by Reverend Dr. J. B. Humphrey, II at the historic First Baptist Church in Third Ward Charlotte.  Her faith kept her going through difficult times and she often looked to the Lord for guidance and support. In addition to her regular Sunday morning worship services, she was a regular bible study and Sunday School student.  She also audited a Comparative Religion class at UNC-Charlotte. 

Her family was extremely important to her.  She cared for her mother as Alzheimer's Disease began to take her away.  She studied and passed the exam to become a CNA to be able to care for her better.  After her mother died, she then cared for her sister, Delores, when illness caused her return home to Charlotte.

Mildred leaves her daughter, Toni to celebrate her life and cherish the memories.  She is also mourned by Toni's husband, Dwayne Baker; and a host of cousins, friends, and other loved ones.  She leaves a legacy of love: love of her family, love of learning and love of the Lord.  We all were blessed to her in our lives.  May we rejoice that she is free from pain.

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