Martha E. Swindell

Martha E. Swindell CARY - Martha Easterling Swindell, 87, of Cypress Glen Retirement Home in Greenville, formerly of Cary, peacefully left her earthly home to greet her Heavenly Father on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009. A celebration of her life will be held today at 11 a.m. in Cary at First United Methodist Church. Visitation will follow the service at the church. A private family burial will be held at Raleigh Memorial Park. She was born in Bennettsville, S.C., July 20, 1921, to Henry Charles and Estelle Easterling. Her husband of 57 years, Russell, four brothers and two sisters preceded her in death. She is survived by daughters, Sue Martin and husband, Arthur of Fayetteville, Ark., Mary-Anne Brannon and husband, Bobby G., of Greenville; and son A.B. and wife, Diane, of Nashville; her sister Sallie Mann and husband, T.J., of Belhaven and formerly of Engelhard; sisters in-law, Janie Swindell of Swan Quarter and Mary-Louise McGee of Greenville; grandchildren, Chip Martin and wife Mary, Alex Martin and wife, Charlotte, Paige Everett and husband, L.L., Marty Bullock and husband, Darren, Craig Brannon and wife, Jennifer, Walt Smith and Will Smith, Russ Swindell and wife, Meredith; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Colton, Trenton, Grace and Leah Martin, Tanner and Taylor Russell Everett, Reagan and Wade Bullock, Noah and Quincy Swindell, and Sam Brannon. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews including her beloved name sake, Martha Faulkner and husband, Ron, of Engelhard. Mrs. Swindell retired from North Carolina State service, having worked with N.C. Dept. of Agriculture and the N.C. General Assembly. She was a dedicated member of First United Methodist Church, Cary, for over fifty years where she was an active member in UMW, Bible study and Philathea Sunday School Class. She was a member of Order of the Eastern Star and White Shrine of Jerusalem. At Cypress Glen she was an active member of Spiritual Life Committee and Bible study. She and her husband Russell dedicated their lives to helping others, encouraging young people and promoting education. They had a special love for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, spending many vacations traveling with them. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Russell A. Swindell Scholarship Fund, 117 S. Academy Street, Cary, NC 27511. Condolences may be made to the family at www.brownwynne.com.