Helen Faye Swift

Helen Faye Swift, 79, died peacefully on July 25, 2014 in Tranquility Hospice at Kennesaw Mountain, Marietta, GA. Helen Faye was born December 6, 1934 in Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio to Franklin Paul and Amy Pauline (Perry) Caldwell. While growing up mostly in Ohio after her father’s early death, Helen, her mother and sister lived for times on her father’s family farm near Gallipolis. Her Aunt Eva (Caldwell) Ives was very influential in Helen's upbringing. Helen also spent much time on her grandmother Viola Perry's rural farm in Carpenter, Meigs County with many other members of her family, all of whom have very fond memories of those times. They later moved to Columbus where Helen graduated from East High School and subsequently received a nursing diploma from White Cross School of Nursing in 1955. She became a head nurse at Ohio State University Hospital in Columbus. Later in England, she became a State Registered Nurse and practiced in Richmond upon Thames, Surrey where she lived for several years with her husband, Guy. Helen then resided in Cobb County for 47 years and became the assistant supervisor of the Cobb County Board of Elections in the 1980s. Subsequently she worked in food service in several Marietta churches and most recently spent much time as a dedicated docent and board member at Kennesaw University Museum of History and Holocaust Education. Helen Faye was predeceased by her sister Eva Jane (Caldwell) Kimes. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Guy Swift. They were married December 10, 1963 in Trinity Episcopal Church, Columbus, Ohio. She is also survived by her daughter Jessica Ann (Swift) Richter and son-in-law Gene of Richmond, VA; son Matthew Caldwell Swift of Houston, TX; grandchildren Hailey Katherine and Dru Richter; niece Paula Kimes and nephew Tom Kimes and two grand nieces. Additional survivors are the “Perry” cousins Willeen Smith, Marilyn Leist, Nancy Teger, Beverly Dildine and Robert Kalb also Eleanor Jean McIntyre and Elizabeth Branch of Bebington, England and their families and many others. Helen Faye was an attractive, interesting and lively person. In her home, she was a very creative cook and enjoyed hosting dinner parties. She helped found a very special Book Club and was a member of the League of Women Voters for over 40 years. Through these organizations, she met many longtime friends. She was also interested in history, especially Royal families of Europe, the Atlanta History Society, the Atlanta High Museum and the Margaret Mitchell House. Helen enjoyed many OnStage Atlanta Theater and Theater in The Square performances. She was a Bluegrass music enthusiast and was especially fond of the Carter Family. A longtime season ticket holder to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, she appreciated their fine performances. She was also a keen soccer enthusiast. A lifelong Democrat, she was a member of the East Cobb Democratic Alliance. The family wishes to thank all of her caregivers for their exceptional care in her final months. Helen Faye will be deeply missed by all of her family and friends. A Memorial Service will be held at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home, 180 Church Street, Marietta at 5pm on Saturday September 6 with Reverend Lorraine E. Leist officiating. A Reception will follow at The Stanley House, 236 Church Street. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to MUST Ministries, PO Box 1717, Marietta, GA 30061. www.mayeswarddobbins.com 770-428-1511

Helen Faye Swift

December 6, 1934 - July 25, 2014