Bethel Davis Swanson

Bethel Davis Swanson was called home to Heaven on Thursday, January 1, 2015 where she was reunited with her beloved husband, Carl. 

Bethel was born in Aledo, Illinois to the late Clarence and Ella Agar Davis.  She married Carl J. Swanson on August 25, 1944, while he was serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II.  As well as being best friends, they had a lifelong love affair for 63 years until he preceded her in death on January 2, 2008. 

Bethel’s family has always been a special joy to her.  She is survived by a son, Brock Swanson and his wife Susan of Nashville, North Caroline and her grandchildren, Jeffrey Swanson of Chapel Hill, North Carolina and Ryan Swanson and his wife Claire.  Jeffrey is an Assistant Principle in Granville County, North Carolina and Ryan is a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army, currently serving in Afghanistan.  She is also survived by a sister, Mildred Davis Seger of Quincy, Illinois. Bethel was preceded in death by her sister, Hazel Davis Banks of Quincy, Illinois and a brother, Paul Davis of Galesburg, Illinois.

She attended schools in Burgess, Illinois and graduated from Alexis, Illinois High School.  She attended Brown’s Business College in Galesburg, Illinois, and after graduating worked in Chicago for the War Department during World War II. 

After the war they owned and operated a motel in Galesburg while Carl also worked as a district sales manager for a wholesale grocery firm.  Beginning in the mid 1960’s they were called into Christian service and served the Church of the Nazarene faithfully for many years as pastor and wife of several churches in Illinois and also in Morehead City, North Carolina.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, January 5, 2015 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel with Rev. Grant Foster officiating.  There will be no visitation.  Burial will be in East Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg, Illinois.  Online condolences may be left at www.h-p-w.com.