Karen Swindol

Tupelo- Karen Delane Johnson Swindol, having just celebrated her 70th birthday, realized the promise of her faith in Jesus and, having received by grace eternal life, departed her earthly pilgrimage on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 from NMMC-Tupelo. Karen had been in declining health for some time. Born in Tupelo on Dec. 3, 1955, she was one of 4 children born to the late Hollis Johnson and Nelva Lee Carroll Johnson. She grew up in Tupelo, attended the public schools and graduated from Tupelo High School in l973. She later attended the University of Mississippi where she received a BA in Elementary Education. On June 29, 1975, she married the love of her life, Bobby Terriel "Terry" Swindol at Tupelo Free Will Baptist Church. They celebrated 50 years together this year. To this union was born one son, Thomas Britton Swindol. Karen, like all her siblings, worked at the legendary Johnnie's Drive In on East Main in her early working days. She later became a Teacher's Aide in the Tupelo Public School District where she served many years. After her retirement, she worked at the Day Care Center at East Heights Baptist Church, a job she dearly loved. A doting sister, mother and grandmother, she always had a passion for children as well as all her family. A lady with an optimistic outlook and a broad smile, she was always encouraging others with kind words and deeds. She loved flea markets, was a voracious reader, loved attending film festivals and having conversation with literally anyone. She was a longtime active member of Tupelo Free Will Baptist Church, now Connect Church where her spiritual depth and affirmation of her faith was a blessing to everyone.
A service celebrating her life will be held at 1 PM Thursday, Dec.18, 2025 in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo with her son, Pastor Tommy Swindol officiating assisted by her Pastor, Terry Pierce of Connect Church. The family will receive friends beginning at 11 AM on Thursday, until service time. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/Live-streaming at 1 PM Thursday.
Karen is survived by her husband, Terry Swindol of Tupelo; her son, Tommy Swindol and wife, Jessica of Nashville, Tn. and Grandma Karen's pride and joy, Anna Claire and Emily Swindol both of Nashville; her siblings, Randy Johnson of Fulton, Janice Miller (Willis) of the Evergreen Community and Amy Kingsley (Wesley, deceased) of Mooreville; her nieces and nephews, Callie Spivey (Kyle), Steven Miller (Megan), Holly Seeley (Jason), Andrew Miller (Whitney), Evan Kingsley and Alex Kingsley (Elaina) and all their families; a special friend and caregiver, Tong Stanford of Tupelo; a sister in law, Vicki Glosson of Georgia. She was preceded in death by her mom and dad, Hollis and Nelva Johnson.
Memorials in Karen's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, Tn 38105 or to LeBonher Hospital Foundation, P. O. Box 41817, Memphis, Tn. 39174.
Holland Funeral Directors is honored to be serving their friends. (662 840 5000)