Clara L. Swofford

Sister Clara L. Swofford, 76, of the Stringtown area of Butler County died Saturday, July 9, 2011 at The Cedargate in Poplar Bluff.

Sister Clara was born Jan. 5, 1935 in Poplar Bluff. She was of the Pentecostal faith and attended Kerns Chapel in Stringtown. Sister Clara was a volunteer for Legacy Hospice, and had retired from Florsheim Shoe Company. As a Pastor she enjoyed sharing the Word of God and her faith with all she came in contact with. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, helping those in need and baking and sharing goodies with everyone.

On Aug. 25, 1951, she married Delmar M. Swofford in Piggott, Ark. He preceded her in death on Aug. 7, 2003.

Survivors include three children, Carolyn Bowman and husband Jerry of Rogersville, Tenn., Michael Swofford and wife Kim of Nixa, Mo. and David Swofford and wife Sheila of Virginia Beach, Va.; twelve grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two sisters, Brenda Olcott of Jacksonville Beach, Fla. and Judy Larue of Poplar Bluff; and a brother, Sidney Shoumake and wife Margaret of Naylor, Mo.

Her parents, Buck and Rhoda (Shoumake) Hayes, infant daughter, Cynthia Swofford, son, Donnie Swofford, sisters, Helen Wells, Mary Morgan and Virginia Phelps and brothers, Leon Shoumake and Bobby Shoumake also preceded her in death.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the funeral chapel with Rev. Jimmy Bruce officiating and Rev. Jimmy Gilbert assisting. Burial will follow at Kerns Chapel Cemetery in Stringtown.

Memorial contributions may be made to Kerns Chapel, c/o Cotrell Funeral Service, P.O. Box 548, Poplar Bluff, MO 63902.