Gwen Zola Swain

Gwen Zola Swain, 86, Olustee, died Monday, October 21, 2013 at Jackson County Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, October 24, 2013 at the Olustee First Baptist Church with Max Gunn officiating. Burial will follow services at the Olustee Cemetery under the direction of Kincannon Funeral Home. Gwen Zola Simmons was born August 28, 1927 in Olustee, Oklahoma to James “Bob” Robert and Eva Lena (Combs) Simmons, the last of five children. She attended the Olustee School. Gwen married Frances Alexander Swain on November 4, 1942 in the home of Earl and Medy Swain. She was a member of the Olustee First Baptist Church, Eastern Star, and the Western Prairie Sam’s. She worked for the Jackson County Election Board during voting times in Olustee at the Community Building. Gwen loved to dance, camp, the outdoors and most of all loved her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with her faithful companion Misty, her beloved dog. Gwen worked at McClellans, cleaned houses, in the cotton fields, wheat harvest and took care of the elderly. Gwen was preceded in death by her parents Bob and Eva Simmons; husband Alex Swain; four sisters, Margaret Ashley, Audrey Talbot, Oleta Robertson and baby sister, Travis Simmons. She is survived by three sons, James “Jim” Swain and wife Nette of Shady Grove, Arkansas; Glen Swain and wife Kay of Olustee, Oklahoma; Randy Swain and wife Terri of Guymon, Oklahoma; eight grandchildren, Bobby Swain and wife Michal of Vilonia, Arkansas; Tracy Rowell of Greenbriar, Arkansas; Pat Swain and wife Jenny of Frisco, Texas; Kim Ritchie of Greenbrier, Arkansas; Tammy Davis and husband Mike of Olustee, Oklahoma; Jake Griggs of Ft. Worth, Texas; Zack Swain and wife Cherie of Greenbrier, Arkansas; Ashley Swain of Little Rock, Arkansas; ten great-grandchildren, Josh and Jordan Ritchey, Jennifer Welch, Tyler, Dillon and Ryan Davis, Kizer and Connor Swain, Jake Smith and Jamie Swain; several nieces and nephews, as well as many friends and loved ones. The Swain family will greet friends Wednesday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kincannon Funeral Home.