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Ms. Frances M. Swain

11/15/1938 - 4/19/2026

Text:

Obituary For Ms. Frances M. Swain

Ms. Frances M. Swain, 87, Beckley, WV, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 19, 2026, after a short illness.

Ms. Frances was born November 15, 1938, in Stone Mountain, (Bedford Co.) VA, she was the daughter of the late Fleta B. Swain.

Ms. Frances moved to Beckley, WV, at the age of seven years old, where she attended East Park Elementary School. In 1956, she graduated from Stratton High School with honors and continued her education at Bluefield State College, where she majored in Business Education and Secretarial Sciences. She had a wealth of knowledge and experience in the business field and has served as a Legal Secretary at the Hugo Payne Law Firm, Appointment Clerk and Secretary at the Ebony & Ivory Beauty Shoppe, and retired from the Raleigh County Commission on Aging, where she was the receptionist.

Ms. Frances loved Jesus and was a member of Welcome Baptist Church for over seventy-seven years. Her pastor is Gloria J. Allen. She served her church in different capacities, ranging from church clerk to financial secretary. For over eighteen years, she had been faithful to the Women United in Christ Ministry. Sister Swain enjoyed working “behind the scenes,” especially with the Patron’s list for the Women United in Christ. Whenever she saw a need, she would fill it.

Ms. Frances was preceded in death by her mother, Fleta B. Swain and uncles, Jocephus and Birdie Swain.

Ms. Frances leaves to cherish precious memories Lionel A. Robinson (Hiedi) of Tampa, FL, Johnnie A. Gavin of Dunbar, WV, Renee M.D. Swain of Raleigh, NC, and Kay Frances Swain of Knightdale, NC; three grandchildren, Anthony Gavin (Cassandra) of Frankfort, KY, Jayden Mitchell of Knightdale, NC, and MaKaylla N. Leonard of Charleston, WV; two great-grandchildren, Zy’Aire M. Wilkerson and Gianna I. Gavin and a host of dear friends.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Welcome Baptist Church 206 Eighth St. Beckley. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley.

Friends may view and visit with the family one-hour prior.

The family request family and friends, planning to attend the service, please wear her favorite color purple.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

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Tributes

  • Peace & Serenity Dishgarden

    Shirley A. WATTS sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for Ms. Frances M. Swain - 05/02/2026

    Pastor Shirley, Elder Early and The Praize Prayer Partners will continue to keep you in our hearts. We know God can strengthen us at our most weakest moments.

Condolences

  • 05/05/2026

    Pam Payne, Beckley Newspapers

    To the family and her friends, please accept my condolences. I had the honor of hearing from here quite often. She would call the newspaper and always ask for me to get her church notices in the paper on Saturday. She'd always ask about my kids and grandchildren. A sweet sweet lady and we'd always say "I love you" to each other. I know she is happy in heaven now. RIP Frances

  • 05/03/2026

    Beverly Cook Ayers

    Ms. Frances was a pillar of the East Park community. On Sunday morning, you could see her walking proudly to Welcome Baptist to serve the Lord and her church Family. RIP ..for a job well done. We offer condolences to her children and grandchildren and other loved ones. --from The Cook family

  • 05/02/2026

    Dr. Shirley Watts

    We will keep you in our prayers. Praise Prayer Partners in Gainesville, Florida. Pastor Shirley Watts

  • 05/01/2026

    Shelley White

    Kay, Renee, Jayden, and family sending my love to you all during this time and praying you find peace knowing Miss Frances rests with our Lord now and that you will see her again one day.

  • 04/29/2026

    Katrina Dunn

    My deepest condolences to Renee, Kay and Johnnie during this difficult time. I am sending hugs and prayers. Katrina Dunn

  • 04/29/2026

    Karen Lockley

    Kay and Renee my prayers and thoughts are with you Although I never met Ms. Frances, I heard many stories from Kay ... she was such a precious jewel... rest peacefully. —- Karen Lockley

  • 04/28/2026

    Millie Cox

    To the Family of Mrs Frances Swain you have our deepest condolences in the lost of your mother Food for Body and Soul we will miss her

  • 04/28/2026

    Michael Bandy

    To Renee, Kay, Johnnie, Lionel. You have my deepest sympathy and prayers during this difficult time. Ms. Frances and Mama were the best of friends. Miss them both! Mike Bandy

  • 04/27/2026

    Delores Robinson

    Sending condolences to the family of my 1956 Stratton High School Classmate and to the best church clerk I have ever seen.,Rest Well Frances....Green And Gold Forever💚💛💚💛

  • 04/26/2026

    Kay F Swain

    Mommie...You fought a good fight now take your rest...Love you forever...Your daughter Kay Frances

  • 04/25/2026

    John Belcher

    To Charlene, Rita and the rest of the Swain Family. Sorry for the loss of your Mother. Thanking God for allowing our families time together. May God Bless, Keep and Strengthen you. John Belcher

  • 04/21/2026

    Eileen and Clifford

    To the Swain family. You have our deepest condolences and prayers during this difficult time. Sincerely Clifford and Eileen Washington

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