Sylvia "Sookey" Dell Swearingen

Sylvia “Sookey” Kelley Swearingen, 91, of Dresden died Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at VanAyer Nursing and Rehab in Martin. Funeral services will be Friday, July 16 at 12:00 noon at Dresden First Baptist Church with Dr. Don McCulley and Alex Robinson officiating.

Sylvia was born in the Fancy community of Weakley County on August 23 1929 to James O. And Mae Tuck Kelley who predeceased her. The family located to Alamo TN in 1942 for her father to work with the U Tote Em Grocery chain. Sylvia and brother, Paul , quickly adjusted to their new home and surroundings. Sylvia loved Alamo High School and her many new friends. She played basketball four years and graduated in 1947. Her parents had moved back to Dresden the previous Christmas so Sookey returned also and began employment at Kellwood where she was an excellent seamstress and supervisor. In 1949 she met the love of her life, Charles Swearingen of Sharon. They married April 15, 1950 in Corinth MS. and made their home in Dresden. In 1953 Sylvia and husband Charles joined her mom and dad as partners in K and S Grocery where she remained until the business burned in 1992. Sylvia became a member of First Baptist Church in 1954 and remained active until her health declined earlier this year. She was a member of the Vota Vita Sunday School class, taught Sunday School ,directed Training Union ,served on various committees and served on the building committee when the Family Life Center was built in 1997. Her love for her Savior was the most precious thing in her life followed by her love for her family. She is survived by her children , Kelley (Sheila) Swearingen and Stephanie (Brad) Robinson, grandchildren Shelley Swearingen and Alex (Jeni) Robinson and great granddaughter, Rowan Robinson , brother Paul (Martha) Kelley and a host of special cousins, nieces and nephews. Any contributions may be made to Dresden First Baptist Church building fund