Rose Marie Swarn

  Rose Marie Brown Swarn was born December 11, 1925 in Cecil, Pennsylvania. She was the first of two children who were blessed to Mr. and Mrs. Rufus and Sallie Brown. Rose received God at an early age. She graduated from Cecil High School. She met the love of her life, Herbert S. Swarn while corresponding to soldiers in WWII. They were united in holy matrimony on July 3, 1944 in Baltimore, Maryland and were married for 59 years.  After living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for a few years, they moved to Plainfield, Indiana. To their union, six children were born. Rose was a loving and devoted mother. She stayed home for many years, raising their children and providing a loving and God centered home.  When the youngest child started school, Rose commenced a career as an Instructional Assistant in the Plainfield School Corporation. She was employed by Plainfield Schools for twenty years working with children in kindergarten through the third grade. She was also an avid Mary Kay Consultant.  Rose, a civic and social activist was devoted to youth. She was a member of the National Council of Negro Women where she conducted classes for the Youth Department, served as Secretary and Hospitality Chairperson, and was on the Youth Outreach committee for Black History. She was a Girl Scout Leader and Day Camp Director. She served on the Advisory Board of the Hoosier Capital Girl Scouts. She served as Secretary of the Plainfield High School P.T.O.  Rose was also active in the Homecraft Cooperative Extension Club of Plainfield where she served as President, Secretary, Treasurer and Lesson Leader. She was a member of the League of Women Voters, International Girls Aid League Society (IGALS) and served as its President and Secretary.  A longtime member of Bethel A.M.E. Church, she was active in the Dorcas Missionary Society, and the Lay Organization where she held the offices of President, Secretary and Chaplain in both organizations. She was also a Class Leader. Rose was a Sunday School Teacher and Area Vacation Bible School Day Camp Director. She avidly participated in Bible Study and organized several National Day of Prayer events. One of her many favorite Bible verses is Psalms 37:24 “Though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand.” Her love of singing never ceased and she was a vibrant member of the Chantaires Chorus of Bethel. Her favorite song was “Precious Memories.”  On March 2, 2019, our Heavenly Father called Rose home. She is now in that place of supreme happiness.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Spencer Swarn in 2003 and their son, Stephen in 2000; her parents, Rufus and Sallie Brown and sister Marian Hughley.  Her legacy will continue forever through her children: Richard Spencer (Mary Cecilia) Swarn of Washington, IN; Norman Allen (Kiomi) Swarn of Hokkaido, Japan; Rev. David Wayne Swarn of Indianapolis, IN; William Herbert Swarn of Douglasville, GA; and Rosalind Jean (David) Cox of Troy, MI. She will be held in loving memory by 9 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.  Visitation will be Friday, March 8, 2019 in Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home from 5:00 to 8:00 pm.  Funeral services will be Saturday, March 9, at 12:00 (noon) in the funeral home.  Burial will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery.   Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel A.M.E. Church (302 N. Vine Street, Plainfield, IN 46168) or to The Gathering Together (147 N. Center Street, Plainfield, IN 46168).