Wanda Mayo Cooey Swartz

Wanda Mayo Cooey Swartz completed her earthly life and joined the saints in the Church Triumphant on Monday, March 20, 2023. She grew up in Florida and enlisted in the US Navy after graduating from high school. While serving in the Navy, she met a handsome dental technician named Ken, and the two were married for 67 years. Both were employed by IBM in Research Triangle Park until their retirement. 

Wanda was a caring and attentive mother who enjoyed baking and cooking. She encouraged her children to do well in school, and saw to it that they were involved in church and confirmed in the United Methodist Church. She was an avid reader, especially enjoying history, historical fiction, and mystery novels. She was a loving companion to Kenneth and they enjoyed traveling to Nova Scotia, Canada, and to other interesting destinations in the US. One of Wanda’s most memorable travels was to Israel accompanied by her Aunt Ruby. 

She was preceded in death by her brother D.P.M. “Buddy” Cooey III and by her granddaughter Ashleigh Raye Swartz. Her memory will endlessly be cherished by her devoted husband  Kenneth Ray Swartz; sisters Mary Lou Crawford, Dee Ansell, Geneva Meeks, and Judy Cooey; children Alan Ples (Jo Anne) Swartz, Cindy Sue (Claudia) Swartz, Kevin Ray (Helen) Swartz, and Janie Blocker Swartz; grandchildren John Mark (Jennifer) Swartz, Joseph Paul Swartz, Victoria Ann Swartz, Madison Alexandra Swartz, Jacob MacAulay Swartz, and Sarah “Dakota” Swartz; and one great-granddaughter Katherine Ayden Swartz. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Wanda will always be remembered as a person who cared deeply about her family and friends. She quickly “adopted” the people God placed in her life. She was willing to help others in small ways that made a big difference in their lives. She was proud of her children and grandchildren, always saying they brought joy to her. Her faith was deeply cemented in Jesus and she longed for her family and friends to experience the same relationship. 

A memorial service to celebrate Wanda Swartz’s life will be held Monday, March  27, 2023 at O’Quinn Funeral Home in Lillington, NC. 10:00-10:30 AM: Visitation followed by service 12 Noon: Burial with full military honors at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery in  Spring Lake, NC 

The family expresses their appreciation to Transitions LifeCare for their guidance, support, and expertise during this journey.  The family also offers special thanks to Janie and Tori Swartz and Dom Caprita for faithfully and lovingly caring for Wanda and Kenneth since they moved to Lillington, NC. 

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants.” (Psalm 115:16)

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