Marjorie Alice Stevenson Swann, 91, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2024. She was born in Iredell County, N.C., on October 29, 1932, to the late Carl Brown Stevenson and Nellie Winters Stevenson. Marjorie was a graduate of Scotts High School and Flora MacDonald College, where she earned degrees in mathematics and history. While participating in the wedding party of her sister Marie, she met her future husband, Joseph Griffith Swann. They married in 1956 and remained married until Joe’s passing in 2019.
For over thirty years, Marjorie was a teacher of mathematics in the Iredell County Schools, having taught at Cool Spring High, Scotts High and South Iredell High, before finishing her career at West Iredell High. Everywhere Marjorie taught she was a leader among the staff. During her tenure, she chaired many committees and her math department. Administrators trusted her to serve as mentor to many beginning teachers and as a cooperating teacher to student teachers from various colleges. She regularly involved herself in student life by chaperoning field trips, sponsoring clubs, and volunteering to serve gate duty or clock duty at ballgames, as well as overseeing graduation activities. Marjorie was a devoted teacher who was loved and respected by students, faculty and administration. In addition to her teaching duties, she volunteered as a district representative for the American Field Service (AFS) program, where she served as liaison for foreign exchange students and their host families.
Marjorie was a member and elder at Concord Presbyterian Church. She had much love for her church and spent many hours volunteering in roles such as Clerk of the Session, President of the Presbyterian Women, Sunday school teacher, and choir member to name a few. The Presbyterian Women honored her with the very distinguished award of Lifetime Membership.
Her lifelong commitment to the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) inspired her service on several committees and organizations for Salem Presbytery.
Along with her husband and parents, Marjorie was preceded in death by her daughter Debra Swann Francis, her granddaughter Erica Swann, and her sister Marie Hendrix. She is survived by her children Cynthia Swann McGee (Barry), David Swann, Rebecca Swann Shive (Charles), son-in-law James Francis, grandchildren Laura McGee, Kyle McGee, Alexa Swann Skelly (Colin), Monica Swann Sharpe (Darren), Andrew Shive, Corey Shive, and great grandchildren Marcella Sharpe and Wyatt Sharpe.
Marjorie is also survived by her sister Martha Ellen Jones, sister-in-law Sue Brown, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Concord Presbyterian Church in Statesville, N.C., at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 3, 2024, with the Reverend Elizabeth Troyer officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. A visitation will follow the burial in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Alzheimer’s and Dementia research or Concord Presbyterian Church.
Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.