Shafrica Nicola "Downs" Swinger

Shafrica Nicola (Downs) Swinger, lovingly known as "Boot," entered eternal rest on February 3, 2026, at the age of 41. She was born on September 19, 1984, in Greenville, South Carolina, to Ollie Dale "Penny" (Downs) Pierce and Stanley Eugene Cromer.

She was preceded in death by her father, Stanley Eugene Cromer; her grandmother, Effie Lee Downs; and her sister, Yashica Sullivan.

She leaves to continue her legacy, a doting husband, Julian Swinger; two children, Isaiah Fant Downs and Journi Faye Swinger; and two bonus children, Madison and Ashton Swinger. She also leaves to cherish her memory, her mother, Ollie Dale "Penny" (Downs) Pierce and stepfather, Chris Pierce; sisters, Tomeka Downs, Kesha Downs, and Sierra Downs; parents-in-law, Johnny and Kim Swinger; grandmother-in-law, Annie Mae Swinger; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends, all of whom she held close to her heart.

Shafrica grew up in the Oakview and Fieldcrest neighborhoods of Greenville, SC and was a graduate of J.L. Mann High School. She began her career at Publix in 2005 and worked her way to become the Manager of the Deli Department in 2014 to 2016. Boot enjoyed her work there and took pride in being able to provide for, Isaiah (her only child, at the time), as a single mother. She was a devoted member of New Life Church in Piedmont,SC.

On July 21, 2017, she married the love of her life, Julian Swinger. In 2008, Boot curved Julian's attempts to date! Julian stated, "Boot didn't like me at first, she accepted me in 2014, but I hollered at her way back in 2008. I DM'ed her on Facebook in November 2014. Our first date was at Monterey's Mexican Restaurant on December 19, 2014. I have been with her every day since!" Julian kept his eye on the prize and tried again. They blended their families and welcomed the baby of the bunch, Journi Faye, on December 16, 2018. Together they built a unit of friendship, love, respect and devotion.

Boot was a dedicated family woman. She loved her husband and children with joyful devotion and enjoyed finding creative ways to celebrate each of them. Birthdays were her favorite-hers, and especially the birthdays of her husband and children. She also loved to travel, especially with her family, and she held a special love for the Florida beaches. And on the ordinary days-when she was wasn't working, shopping, or planning the next trip- she could be found living her sweetest moments: singing with her "main man," Isaiah; dancing with her "favorite girl" Journi Faye; or curled up beside her husband, Julian, watching a Lifetime movie or "Everybody Hates Chris".

Boot loved life! She especially enjoyed going to comedy shows! She saw many greats; Mike Epps, Katt Williams, Bruce Bruce, DC Young Fly, Kountry Wayne, and John Witherspoon, just to name a few. During Boot and Julian's first year or two of dating, they went out every Friday night trying a new restaurant in Downtown Greenville! It was like an adventure bc Boot liked trying different things! Her two favorite cities were Charlotte, NC and Miami, FL. For years, they would travel to Charlotte at least three times per year. One day they drove 12 hours to Miami and Boot fell in love with the city! She loved Florida and its beaches, but Miami was her spot!

Shafrica will be remembered for being Julian's Queen and for being a fashionista! She LOVED to shop, keeping with the latest fashions, doing her makeup and getting her hair and nails done. When she show up, she showed up in style!

Though we will endure a lifetime of missing Boot, we are blessed to have known her love and being warmed by her radiant, contagious smile.

In the days ahead, may we keep her close through gentle reminders:

When you eat at California Dreaming, think of Boot.

When you hear her favorite songs, No Weapon" (Fred Hammond), Beauty" (Dru Hill), Welcome Back" (Mase), In the City" (Young Dro), So Icy" (Gucci Mane), Can You Feel It" (The Jacksons), Bodak Yellow" (Cardi B).... think of Boot.

When you watch her favorite movie, Dirty Dancing, think of Boot. When the sky turns gray and the day eases into night, think of Boot. Her presence was a gift and her memory will remain a light.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 in the Ollie Robinson Brown Memorial Chapel of Marcus D. Brown Funeral Home. Public viewing Tuesday from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.