Charlene Swofford

Charlene Swofford, age 70, passed away Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at home after a long illness. She was born in a one room log cabin, January 20, 1953, in Reeds Spring, MO, daughter of the late William and Ona (Dunn) Carr. 

 On May 12, 1973, she married the love of her life, Bob Swofford. Charlene loved everything about building houses, was an avid mushroom hunter, enjoyed fishing and playing UNO with the grandchildren.

Charlene had shared about her life:

“I was born in Kimberling City and went to Reeds Spring School. My dad logged walnut trees and my mom worked at a sewing machine factory. Later they started raising tomatoes. It was nothing for my dad to put out 20-25 acres and the kids done all the work and it really was hard too! When we grew up my dad told us girls whatever you do, do not marry across the bridge, so we girls took it all to heart and all of us married across the bridge. Bob and I were married and had 2 sons. We worked as much as we could. Bob fixed copy machines, and I worked at Glick sewing in Berryville. One day a friend of ours ask us and Bobs uncle to buy the lumber yard in Green Forest, so we did. We then started building homes for us and other people. Later we started a clothing store and had it until the boys were out of school. Over the years we built and moved and sold around 43-45 homes.  Later we bought 30 acres, built a log home in the town of Carr. We enjoy our grandchildren and that’s what makes life the way it is supposed to be. We raise cattle and garden and enjoy life itself.”

Charlene is survived by her husband Bob Swofford of the home, two sons, Bobby Swofford Jr. (Lori) of Bergman, Darren Swofford (Heather) of Alpena, grandchildren, Ridge Swofford, Kingslee Keidel and Ryder Swofford, sisters, Loretta Parton of Oak Grove and Lagatha Carr of Kimberling City and many nieces and nephews. She was very fond of her in-laws Jim, Gerry, Teresa, Jack, Tammy, Tracy and Kelly. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, George and Elmer Carr, and twin sister Arelene Strailey.

Celebration of Life will be 2:00 PM, Monday, February 13, 2023, at Smith Family Funeral Home in Green Forest with Kevin Robertson officiating. Interment will follow at Hale Cemetery. Visitation will be 1:00-2:00 PM before the service. Online condolences may be left a www.smithfamilyfuneralhome.net.

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