1926
2017
Jean Mackley Sword, 90, of Charleston, died February 21, 2017, at CAMC General, surrounded by her family, after a short illness. She was born December 15, 1926, in Charleston, West Virginia, to Stephen and Emma Mackley, and was preceded in death by her parents and her nine siblings.
She was also preceded in death by her loving husband of sixty-seven years, Leslie Joseph “Fat” Sword, and she has joined him now in heaven.
Jean graduated from DuPont High School in 1945. She was employed by E.I DuPont and the Diamond Department Store, and she volunteered at Fair Haven Christian School when it was established in 1974.
She was a longtime faithful member of Fair Haven Baptist Church, where she previously served as a Sunday School teacher and as Sunday School Secretary. Known for her beautiful singing voice, she was a member of the Havenaires Quartet, which traveled throughout West Virginia for 32 years spreading the gospel through song. She continued to sing at her church, whether as a soloist, as part of a group, or as a member of the choir, as long as she lived.
Jean was known for her ever-present smile, her wit, and her joyful spirit. Whether tap dancing to get a laugh or sitting in her rocking chair, she was happiest when she was surrounded by her family that she so cherished. She was the matriarch of the family and the community where she lived. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her five children and their families: son David Sword, his wife, Karen, and their family (Joshua and Kelly Sword and their children, Hayden and Cohen; and Adam Sword and his companion, Brandi Hooks, and their children McKenzie, Emily and Evan Sword and Zane, Aiden and Dustin Hooks); daughter Donna Stone, her husband, Ronnie, and their family (Shawna and Dave Nelson and their daughters Bailey and Abby; and Joseph Stone); daughter Susie McClanahan, her husband, Mike, and their family (Brian and Elaine Burke; Heather and Larry Raines and their children, Laurance, Taylor and Ethan, and grandchildren L.J. and Rhett; Sarah McClanahan; and Jeremy McClanahan and daughter Kaylynn); son Tommy Sword, his wife, Pat, of Grand Island, Florida, and their family (Brandi Crass and her daughters, Ashley and Hailey; and Eric and Amanda Sword and their children, Dylan, Daniella and Gabriella); son Rick of Salem, Virginia, and his family (Faith and Jeff Cooner and their son Jaxon; and Jarod and Christina Sword and their children, Logan and Haylee.) She is also survived by her brother-in-law Everette (Velma) Sword, sisters-in-law Shelva (Gene) Wentz and Joyce Sword, and many extended family members, including special niece Sue Stone, with whom she loved spending time.
Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 25, at 11:00 a.m., at Fair Haven Baptist Church, with Pastor Tim Martin and Rev. Roy Moles officiating. Entombment will follow at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.
A visitation with family and friends will be held Friday, February 24, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Stevens & Grass Funeral Home.
March 22, 2017
Libby Toler
Tommy & Pat, I am so sorry to hear and read that Tommy's mother is gone, but thankful to know that her eternal home is in heaven with Jesus. May you find comfort for your grief in that knowledge.
February 26, 2017
Love to hear her sing, the last time at Walnut Gap's revival, last fall. Prayers for comfort. Nena (Foster) Davis
February 26, 2017
Terry Wheeler
Rest in peace, Mrs. Sword. As a child I loved coming to your house. Your smile and kindness is what I remember most. Condolences to David, Donna, Susie, Tommy and Rick.
February 26, 2017
Joyce Chapman
So sorry for your loss. I remember her coming in during Easter Egg making time at Fair Haven. She was always laughing.
February 25, 2017
Friend
William Hodges
Sorry for your loss.
February 24, 2017
William Hodges
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
February 24, 2017
Sword family sorry for your loss., Thinking of you and your entire family. Sorry I could not be there.. Always thought a lot of Emma Jean.
William Russell Hodges
February 24, 2017
We are so sorry for your loss..
Carl & Phyllis Harrison
February 24, 2017
Pam Holmes
Sending hugs and prayers for your hurting heart Tommy and family.
February 24, 2017
Wendy (Good) Tuell
Sending love and prayers to all the Sword family.
February 23, 2017
Roger Sanford
David, Donna, Susie and Tommy, sorry to learn of your loss. Thinking of you and your entire family.
February 23, 2017
Darlene Samples
My condolences to Donna, Ronnie, and family. It seems that everyone knew your mother and she was spoken of fondly during my years working at Fair Haven. She would often come over to the school. By listening to comments from those that knew her well, the Facebook picture that Joyce Hicks posted of her and Mrs Kilburn seems representative of her life and loyalty to God, family, and friends.
February 23, 2017
Shelia Weeks Martinez
So very sorry for your loss. Your Mother was a very special lady. So glad we got to visit with her recently. Julia & I enjoyed it so much. May your Faith, Hope & Love sustain you thru this difficult time. Sending love & prayers.
February 23, 2017
Shelia Weeks Martinez
So very sorry for your loss. Your Mother was a very special lady. So glad we got to visit with her recently. Julia & I enjoyed it so much. May your Faith, Hope & Love sustain you thru this difficult time. Sending love & prayers.
February 23, 2017
Connie Hicks Roberts
I will always remember that great voice of yours, and the way you were always smiling. You were such a good friend to my Dad and all the Hicks family. What a time you must be having in heaven.
February 23, 2017
Henry&Peggy Slack
We will miss your smiling face, and all the songs we heard you sing. Go rest high upon the mountain
February 23, 2017
Joetta Kirk
I love you Aunt Jean you was the best Great Aunt a girl could ask for. I will miss you and our Swinging time. I will see you again and until them I will listen to your beautiful voice on my CD's
Love you always your Niece,
Joetta
February 23, 2017
Patricia Teran
Sending love and prayers Aunt Jean, when you see Mom and Dad tell them I miss them.
February 23, 2017
Friend
Barbara Hicks
Many happy memories with Aunt Jean and her family. I remember that big smile. Love to all the family.
February 23, 2017
Barbara Hicks
February 23, 2017
Ricky Wilson
Love you Aunt Jean. You always brought light, and now you shall forever shine. Miss and love you always.
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