Laurie Hale Swift

Aiken – Mrs. Laurie Hale Swift, born December 20, 1948, was received into Heaven on Saturday, January 9, 2021, after suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis for several years.

She was an educator for 40 years, spending the last 20 at her beloved J.D. Lever Elementary School where she taught 5^th grade.  She would run into former students around town, and more often than not they would tell her, “Mrs. Swift, you were my absolute favorite teacher!”  One of her close friends summed up her life, “Her faith in and love of Jesus is nothing short of awesome.”

One of her favorite Bible verses was: “For her to live is Christ and to die is gain”, Philippians 1:21.  Another favorite verse was “Be kind and compassionate to one another, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32. She sought to live out this verse everyday with her many friends (and she never met a stranger).

Laurie was the daughter of Claude and Mary Louise Hale.  She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Richard, their son Matthew Swift, his children Emerson and Charlotte; their daughter Sophie Swift Kelly, her husband Chad Kelly and their two children Chase and Ashlyn; and her brother David Hale and his wife Nori of Texas.  She had many nieces, nephews, and cousins that she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by three sisters, Janet, Ellie, and Arlene; and one brother, Richard.

A special thank you to our Trinity Hospice team led by Katelyn and Jennifer (and many others) for their countless acts of love and kindness over the past three years.  Also, to our Cedar Creek Church H.O.M.E. Group – You are family, and we are better together.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Ebenezer Udyakumar, through Cedar Creek Church, for his translation projects in SW India (www.bitlit.org).

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family will not be having a service at this time and requests your understanding and privacy.

SHELLHOUSE-RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 715 E. PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC

Laurie’s online guest book may be signed at www.shellhouseriversfuneralhome.com