Ruby Jean Whitman Swygert

Ruby Jean Whitman Swygert “Mimi”, age 95, of Charleston, SC was gently called home to be with her Lord and Savior on January 13, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on September 4, 1930, in Batesburg, SC, Ruby lived a life firmly rooted in faith. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in West Ashley. She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

Ruby’s greatest and proudest accomplishment was the love she poured into her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Family meant everything to her, and she was the heart and matriarch of the family-guiding, nurturing, and holding generations together with her strength, faith, and unwavering devotion. She loved every moment she had caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. These are her most precious and cherished moments.

She took great joy in painting, drawing, and pottery. Ruby enjoyed spending time writing and making beautifully crocheted items for all who surrounded her. When you walked into her home family or not, she was Mimi to everyone. Her light and presence made others feel valued, seen, and loved.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents George and Gertye Whitman; her siblings, Lester Whitman (Dot), Vera Gleaton (Johnny), and Elmo Whitman (Betty), Loretta Price (Clyverd), Sandra Hartley (Charles); and her great-grandchildren, Caroline and Hannah Cazenave, and her children’s father, Arthur Ross Swygert Sr. She is survived by her son Arthur Ross Swygert Jr, and his wife Marilyn McCay Swygert; three daughters: Kathy Swygert Speights and her husband Paul Speights, Sr., Rebekah Swygert Lawson and her husband Preston Lawson, Jr., and Deborah Swygert Nicholson and her husband Lawrence D. Nicholson; fourteen grandchildren: Meridith Swygert, Melissa Gibbs(Sam), Paul Speights, Jr.(Abigail), Dustin Speights(Chelsea), LtCol Andrew Nicholson USMC (Brittany), Danny Nicholson(Allison), Arthur Ross Swygert, III(Kellie), Katie Mahon,(Tim) Susan Brooks(Phillip), John Preston Lawson, III, Erica Cazenave(Brad), LtCol Kevin Nicholson USMC (Kimberly), Connie Doughty(Clint), Marrisa Helm (Kyle) and 31 great grandchildren who rejoice in knowing she has heard the words:

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” - Matthew 25:21

Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at The Island House, at 2:00 pm, where family and friends will gather to give thanks to God for her life and legacy of faith. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. West Ashley Chapel.

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