Dee Swearinger

MORTON – Dee Swearinger, born September 3, 1939, in San Francisco, California, was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Isabella Haines, and her husband, William Swearinger. She is survived by her three daughters and their families, Dara (Chris) Jendrey, Jill Swearinger, and Johl (Bill) Comstock; her grandchildren, Zoe (David) Greenhalgh, Paul Flores Comstock and Noah (Megan) Jendrey. She was welcomed to her Heavenly Home on January 6, 2026.
Our mom, "Dee Swearinger," lit the corners of a room with her smile, her laugh, and her genuineness. She was whom every child deserves to have; a courageous mama bear when needed, a silent shadow in the background when letting her three daughters explore and shine, a keeper and story teller of family tales long past, a yardstick by whom we measure our own learning and successes in life, the cheerleader and encourager whom every child needs behind them, a homemaker with heart and a shining career professional, a confidant of our secret aspirations, a curb to keep us on the right path and a guide by our sides, the glue that bound our extended family and friends together who kept us coming home, and our nurturing and loving them.
All of us would gather with Mom, of course, returning home for birthdays, holidays, and celebrations, always eager to be together with her. She knew each of us better than we knew ourselves, crafting each intentional detail with such care behind the scenes, and leaving us with true anticipation and excitement for our next gathering.
Mom, along with Dad, opened our hearts and our home to the world when they became coordinators for an exchange student organization. She not only nourished the countless young people who graced our home with their unique cultures and global perspectives sharing incredible family meals, but she fostered relationships that stood the test of time while giving us a new set of eyes to view our world.
Her professional life was always in service to others, leading her to a position of many years as the executive and personal secretary of the head decision making Sister of the leading trauma center hospital in Peoria, Illinois, followed by a Healthcare Plans position under yet another life impacting administrator. She worked tirelessly to help those in need through Habitat for Humanity home projects, and Christmas in April programs, and again changing lives with her care, love, humor, dedication, and hope in the future.
Gardening was her passion, and Master Gardener was the title earned, yet her blooms and harvests were a beautiful and humble compliment to God's Creation. She loved to "play in the dirt," yet as her mama before, she breathed life into every seed and blossom, every leaf and stem, creating artistic palettes of color and texture for all to enjoy.
Her appreciation of life extended into her loved pups' lives over the years, and generally you could find a furry friend frolicking not very far from her call.
Our mom, Dee Swearinger, was introspective and reflective, always putting herself behind the needs of others. Genuinely independent, she never wished for a fuss to be made over her and always had time and wisdom to share. She loved deeply, and gave generously, lessons we are privileged to pass forward.
Rest in peace, Mom. Oh, how you are loved.
Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements. To leave an online condolence for the family visit www.knappjohnson.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dee Swearinger, please visit our floral store.