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Bethany Joy Swift

About

Metro Christian Academy

FUNERAL HOME

Freeman Harris Funeral Homes - Tulsa

3333 East 41st Street

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Bethany Swift Obituary

SWIFT -- Bethany Joy, 18, was born on December 30, 1987. She lived a life that made her the "Joy" of her parents, her family, her friends and many others that she encountered. She was a young woman of beauty, courage, conviction, and she expressed her love easily through encouragement, laughter and friendship. She was gifted musically, yet it was her heart abandoned to the worship of her Savior, Jesus Christ, that set her apart in her music. Bethany served those she knew and even those she did not know, taking pleasure in meeting other's needs. Her friendships and love had no boundaries of prejudice or presumption. She loved across generations, races, appearances and social differences. She simply loved. On Sunday, November 12, 2006, Bethany left this life to be eternally with the Savior she had worshipped for years and joined her brother, Andrew who preceded her. She is remembered with great "Joy" by her parents, Steve and Judy Swift of Tulsa, her sisters and brother-in-laws, Jessica Rice and Curtis (and her niece, Lydia Rose) of Tulsa and Rebekah Sullivant and Luke of Kansas City. Bethany will also be remembered greatly by life-long friends and her classmates at Metro Christian Academy, her youth group friends, her new classmates at Oklahoma Baptist University, her neighbors and everyone she touched with her life. She honored and loved Jesus. A Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, November 14, at First United Methodist Church in Tulsa. The family asks that in lieu of flowers memorials in Bethany's name be made to Metro Christian Academy Worship Team in Tulsa, 6363 S. Trenton, Tulsa, OK 74136. Freeman Harris Funeral Home is incharge of arrangements, 749-3333.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tulsa World on Nov. 14, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Bethany Swift

32 Entries

Andrea Cerar

December 5, 2006

Dear Swift Family -
I was only in high school with Bethany one year. I was barely involved with her through working with a group of chaplains that organized and carried out the monthly days of prayer. I just want you to know how sorry I am for your loss. I didn't really know Bethany, but I love her even now. She was such a wonderful influence to those around her, especially as she was leading chapel at Metro, and such a Christlike presence to everyone she came into contact with. She lit up the room when she entered it, and her unconditional love for others and her Lord were inspiring and challenge me now to have the same devotion towards my friends and family and Jesus Christ. I admire you for your strength and your enduring faith. I rejoice in Bethany's return Home, and I can only look forward to the day when I meet her there and together we can dance at the feet of our Lord.
My sincerest condolences and my most hopeful expectations of eternity with Bethany.

Charels Angel

November 30, 2006

Steve, Judy, Jessica and Rebekah; It has been years since I have seen or spoken to any of you. The four of you may not have realized it but you played a very large part in my life for several critical years. I did not know Bethany, but from all I read she was exactly like the rest of her family. You are a very special family and I hurt for all of you.

Cyndy Holter

November 25, 2006

Swifts, Michael & I are grieved at the loss of your precious Bethany. What a beautiful gift from God she was and now He is enjoying her face to face.

Our hearts hurt in trying to even imagine this huge loss. Please know that we are praying for you and for the Lord to bring comfort and hope to each of you as you grieve.

We love you and will always appreciate the love and support your gave to our Ashley & Beth during their young adult years here at Sojourn. Bethany and the others were all a part of that and we are grateful for that season of blessing for our family.

Our deepest felt sorrow and love, Cyndy and Michael Holter

Jim Vanderpool

November 23, 2006

Swift Family,
I wanted you all to know that my family has been and is praying for your family. I won’t pretend to know how you feel or how much you hurt but I do want you to know (Steve, Judy, Jessica , and Rebekah) that I love each of you just as much as I ever have ( like it was yesterday in Ft. Smith) and I am saddened beyond words at the loss of Bethany. God be glorified - JRV

Karen Harrington

November 20, 2006

Steve and Judy,
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Bethany's accident and death. Since I heard from Rhonda, not only have you been on my mind, but the many lessons and time Bethany and I spent together have also been on my mind. She was one of the most musical students I've had. One piece she played so beautifully was "By the Sea" by George Posca. You might remember that she won second place for her performance at Philbrook. I hadn't given that piece to another student until this fall. While teaching it I mentioned often how Bethany would play the phrases so beautifully trying to capture the same spirit in the student.
Bethany was at my house the morning of 911. She and I mentioned several times that she was here when the first plane hit.
Bethany was always a joy to have in my studio. We may have spent some moments trying to memorize or struggling with a piece, but that's part of learning and she was always willing. She was loving, beautiful and my life was blessed having known her. She was always delightful and a pleasure to have here. Please know how I have prayed for all of you and how much Bethany will always be a special part of my memory and thoughts.
With love,
Karen Harrington

Jody Olivas

November 16, 2006

I knew Bethany through Deluge at OBF. I attended the funeral on tuesday, and was surprised to see just how many people she impacted her life upon. She sang so beautifully it would put me to sleep during worship.

my deepest sarrows are expressed for your loss. I miss my friend.

Terri Ross

November 15, 2006

My son Nathan was a classmate of Bethany's at both Metro and OBU. He thought very highly of her and considered her a good friend. He is going to miss her dearly. I will pray for your comfort at this time of such great loss.

Gigi Cribbs

November 15, 2006

My son Jake is a freshman at OBU and he told us of your loss. Our hearts ache for you. Although we did not know your daughter Bethany we just wanted to let you know we are lifting you up to the Lord in prayer. May you continually look to the Lord during this difficult time. In Christ, The Cribbs Family, Larry, Gigi, Jake, Brent, Adam and Heath

November 15, 2006

Steve and Judy,

Please know you are all in our prayers and we love you.
Ann, Jennifer, John Charles

Krystlal Dillon

November 15, 2006

Dear Swift Family,

I am a friend of Jessica's, but got the privilege of meeting your family when I visited your home in Arkansas with my friend Rebekah. I know you are a very close knit family who greatly loves and honors the Lord in everything you do! I will be praying that the Lord will be with you and comfort you during this time like only He knows how. I am so sorry for your loss.

Krystal Isom Dillon

kyle meador

November 15, 2006

Swift family,

I substitute at Metro. While I have no memory of meeting Bethany, I was present with the students and faculty Monday throughout the day. Your daughter was deeply loved and admired and her memory is inspiring students and adults alike.

Her loss has come too soon. May God give you the peace that only He can offer in moments like this.

Donna Butler

November 15, 2006

Steve and Judy,
I am so sorry for your loss- I know that no words I can say will take away your loss, but I pray that the Lord will comfort your hearts and give you the strength to walk through the coming days and months. (I knew you for a short time from OBF young adults group.)

Beth (Holter) Shaw

November 14, 2006

Swift family,
We are praying for you! May the Lord wrap His comfort and presence around you. The service was beautiful - so honoring to God and such a wonderful example Bethany was to the world!

Allison Stephens

November 14, 2006

Dear Swift family,
I am a friend of Liz Hughes, and I was told of your horrible loss and I have been praying for you, you have been on my heart. Please know that God will comfort you in this time. And when you don't have the words to pray, there will be people out there with the words lifting you up daily.

Mi-Ling Stone Poole

November 14, 2006

Dear Swift Family: My son, Eddie was one of Bethany's friends from OSU.

My heart breaks for your family. I pray that God will lift you up, and wrap his arms around your entire family. God's love will carry you through.

Mi-Ling Stone Poole

November 14, 2006

Dear Swift Family: My son, Eddie was one of Bethany's friends from OSU.

I pray that God will lift you up, and wrap his arms around your entire family. My heart breaks for you, and all of her friends and family.

Jill G

November 14, 2006

I'm so sorry for your loss. I pray that the Lord will comfort you during your time of loss.

Ann Morse Smith

November 14, 2006

Steve, so sorry to hear about your loss. My love and prayers go out to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Ann Morse Smith

Danny and Carrie Kittinger

November 14, 2006

Steve and Judy,

Our prayers are with you. We are grieving with you today but also rejoicing that Bethany is full of joy as she is face to face with her Savior.

Lovingly,
Danny and Carrie Kittinger

Linda Marshman

November 14, 2006

To the Family of Bethany Joy,
My daughter Whitney Earnheart called and asked me to pray for you all. Jason and Whitney are close friends of Jessica and Curtis. I cannot imagine what you are feeling, but I do know when I prayed last night the Lord gave me such a sense of peace for all of you. I didn't know Bethany ,but I knew she was with the Lord. Such a strong sense of peace came over me. After I read about Bethany I can see why. The Lord is good and His mercy endures forever. Whitney said your family gives each other wonderful support. Thank the Lord for His comfort to supernaturally minister to you during this very sad time. With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Linda Marshman

Katie Arnold

November 14, 2006

Bethany and I went to Metro together. I graduated in 05 but had known Bethany throughout highschool. We typically went swing dancing together. She always made me smile and was such a joy to have in Metro Chapels, she was such a joy to have in my life.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope you know that you raised a phenominal daughter who influenced me to be a better person. Thank you for that. May the Lord bless you and keep you.

Jody & Wayne Harvey

November 14, 2006

We are heartbroken for your family at the loss of your beautiful daughter, Bethany. We did not have the privilege of knowing Bethany personally, but we know Jessica and know how close and loving your family circle is. We are Curtis's aunt and uncle. Please know that we deeply care and will continue to pray for your family.

David King

November 14, 2006

May the Lord be with you during this time and be of comfort to you. We did not know Bethany but know several people who did (our sons are Metro students) and she certainly was a blessing to many on this earth. She now rejoices in Heaven where, one day, you will be reunited with her.

David and Donna King

Robert Goodwill

November 14, 2006

Carol and I grieve for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Glenda Longacre

November 14, 2006

Please know that a prayer has been sent up on your behalf. My heart breaks for your loss. My son attends OBU and knew your daughter. She is a beautiful young lady.

Glenda Longacre

November 14, 2006

My son goes to OBU and knew your daughter. My heart hurts so badly for you and your loss. Please know a prayer has been sent up on your behalf. She was a beautiful young lady.

Anita Presley

November 14, 2006

So sad to see such a young woman die. I know God will be welcoming her home to be with Him!

Love to you, Anita

Tiffany

November 14, 2006

I went to school with Bethany but didn't know her well. I feel deep sorrow for you loss. I will pray for your family.

Lance Stumbaugh

November 14, 2006

Our deepest sympathy goes out to you. Our hearts are mourning your earthly loss, but we know that Bethany is rejoicing in Heaven with her Father! Peace and comfort to you. Our prayers are with your family.

Terry & Phyllis Edwards

November 14, 2006

We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our hearts and prayers.

Elaine Milliken

November 14, 2006

You're in our thoughts and prayers! Bill & Elaine Milliken

Rena Williams

November 14, 2006

Please accept our deepest sympathies. Our hearts and prayers go out to you at this time. Love in Christ, Archie, Rena, Zach. Adam, Amy, & Luke Williams

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