Bernice F. (Davis) Swaim, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away on October 19, 2023 at Landmark Hospital in Columbia. Bernice had just celebrated her 94th birthday.
A Mass of Christian burial was held on Monday, October 23, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Martinsburg with Father Derek Hooper officiating. Burial followed at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be grandsons Dwayne Isgrig, David Isgrig, Jim Swaim, Tom Swaim, Jason Wilson, Seth Swaim and Ryan Wieberg. Honorary Pallbearers are Paul Swaim, Chris Swaim and Adam Swaim.
Visitation was held on Sunday, October 22, at the Church with Rosary. Arnold Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
Bernice was born to Robert Davis and Amelia (Haideuk) Davis in rural Martinsburg. She married Walter L. Swaim May 29, 1948, at the United Methodist Church in Mexico. The couple resided together with their children on their farm in Martinsburg. Bernice and Walter were married 54 years before his death in 2002. Bernice continued to live on the farm until just two weeks prior to her passing.
Bernice had a long beautiful life story whose strength lives in her family. She was a devout Catholic and prayed daily for her family. Bernice enjoyed spending time with family, gardening to feed her family, sewing which included making clothes, quilting, embroidery and crocheting. She enjoyed reading, doing jigsaw puzzles and word find books. Bernice liked to stay current on local and world events, reading the newspaper regularly and watching the daily news.
Bernice always looked forward to a family gathering at Swaim’s Park. She made the best homemade buns and Texas Sheet Cake. Bernice and Walter enjoyed wintering in Donna, Texas during retirement, along with family Paul, Lola, Leo and Marie Swaim.
Bernice is survived by six of her seven children, Donna and Dale Isgrig of Martinsburg, Kenny and Vickie Swaim of Martinsburg, Mary Ann and Steve Wilson of Moberly, Steve and Linda Swaim of Fulton, John and Penny Swaim of Martinsburg, Becky Wieberg of Mexico; 22 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Charlie Swaim and sister-in-law, Diane Swaim and several nieces and nephews.
Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Bob; brother, Walter Davis, mother-in-law, Lola (Metts) Swaim; father-in-law, Paul Swaim; sister-in-laws, Flow Davis, Marie Swaim, Donna Swaim; brother-in-laws, Willard (Shorty) Swaim and Leo Swaim.
Mama Woodbutcher signing off with a 10-20 to heaven.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph School Endowment or Swaim Park in care of Bank of Missouri.
Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com
