Mother Susanna James Swaringer was chosen and called by God from labor to reward at 7:15 a.m., Monday, June 6, 2011, at her residence in Florence, South Carolina. Born in Florence County on August 18, 1934, she was a daughter of the Nathan and Isla Dewitt James.
Reared and educated in Mullins, South Carolina, she was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and filled with the Holy Ghost at the New Covenant Church of Christ. It was there that she met and married the love of her life, the late Bishop Lloyd E. Swaringer, Sr., on May 15, 1951. To their loving union, eight children were born. The two of them were a powerful team that the Lord used mightily. On the first Sunday in March of 1954, she became the co-founder of the Greater Gethsemane Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ.
Mother Swaringer was blessed with many gifts and talents. She was an asset to the ministry in many capacities including: church pianist and organist, former Elect Lady of Greater Gethsemane Apostolic Church for over 46 years, Mother of the Church (GGAC), National Mother of The Apostolic Churches of Jesus Christ, Inc., Youth President, Founder of Youth Day, Apostolic Young Peoples’ Union (AYPU), the Apostolic Church Choir, the Jubilee Choir, the Pastor’s Choir, Sunshine Choir, Greater Gethsemane Senior Choir, The L.E. Swaringer Memorial Mass Choir, Missionary Department, Minister’s Wives Association, and former Sunday School teacher. She was that “ram in the bush” for team eight (GGAC). Mother Swaringer hosted an annual women’s workshop. She was the birthday and anniversary announcer. Out of all these things, Mother Swaringer was anointed to serve in each capacity. She led many to Christ through her ministry in the church. A life lived as Mother Susanna Swaringer’s cannot die, but will live on in our hearts and memories forever.
Mother Swaringer was a modern day stay at home mom for many years who loved her children and cherished her grandchildren. She was that virtuous women and wife spoken of in Proverbs 31. Later, she became co-owner of S & H Florist in Florence, South Carolina. With this business, she also became a wedding planner and director of weddings. In her spare time, she was active in the James Family Secret Pals Club. Her hobbies included being a seamstress by hand and shopping.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a son, Lloyd Edward Swaringer, Jr.; brothers: Nathan James, Jr., Arthur W. James, Houston James, Sr., Dayton James; sisters: Easter M. Cribb, Viola Crosland, Lois Harrison, Eunice Campbell, and Isla M. Gowans.
She left to cherish precious and blessed memories, three sons: Dennis Swaringer of Greeleyville, SC, Michael Swaringer and Bishop Kenneth J. Swaringer of Florence, SC; four daughters: Linda Wallace of Irmo, SC, Sharon Brockington, Isla Smith and Iris Smith of Florence, SC; three daughters-in-law: Sadrina Swaringer of Greeleyville, Dorcil Swaringer and Brenda B. Swaringer both of Florence, and a host of relatives, friends, and the Greater Gethsemane Apostolic Church Family.
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
I Thessalonians 4:16, 17