Sybil Swofford

Mrs. Sybil Hutchins Swofford, 92, of Sun City Center, FL, passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2018. Sybil was born in Winston-Salem on September 4, 1925, to the late Peter Cicero Hutchins and Bessie Frith Hutchins. She grew up in southern Winston-Salem, attending Southside Baptist Church. After graduating from Gray High School at the age of 16, Sybil enrolled at Appalachian State Teachers' College where she met Paul Swofford, a young man from Spruce Pine, NC. She didn't become a teacher, but Sybil did become Paul's wife. They were married for 75 years, until Paul's death two years ago. Their only child, Stephen, was killed in an automobile accident in 1963, after completing his freshman year at UNC Chapel Hill. Sybil lived the life of a military wife. Captain Paul Swofford was a 21-year-old bomber pilot in World War II. She waited, as other wives did, to learn whether her husband had returned from the 34 bombing runs over Germany, or would recover from the wounds that were inflicted during the raids. After the war, the much-decorated young pilot decided to make the military his career. Paul's career was Sybil's too as they traveled from post to post. Sybil made each stop a home for Paul and their young son. After a distinguished career in the Air Force, Lt. Colonel Swofford and Sybil retired to Ft. Myers, FL before returning to Spruce Pine, NC. There they worshiped at Grassy Creek Baptist Church, remaining close to the church even after returning to Florida. In Florida, Sybil enjoyed golf, the beaches on the Gulf, and her church. One of the thrills of her life was a trip to the Holy Land. Her bible study classes drew people from churches throughout central Florida. She proved to be a commanding speaker and teacher after all. In addition to her parents, husband, and son, Sybil was preceded in death by her siblings, Richard Durwood Hutchins, Bessie Hutchins Apple, and Joseph Ramsey Hutchins. She is survived by her brother, John E. Hutchins (Brenda) of Winston-Salem; nieces, Peggy Hutchins Krobath (Jim) of Myrtle Beach, SC, Stephanie Hutchins Autry (George) of Wake Forest, NC, and Beth Hutchins of Durham, NC; nephews, John Phillip Apple (Theresa) of Sydney, Australia and Steven Ramsey Hutchins (Jamie) of Winston-Salem, NC; sister-in-law, Lorna Hutchins of Myrtle Beach, SC; twelve great-nieces and nephews; and long-time friends, Paul and Marsha Powers. Paul and Marsha Powers have kept Sybil close since her husband's death. All of Sybil's family loves them because of the love they showed to Sybil. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, at Forsyth Memorial Park with Dr. Paul Mullen officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the charity of your choice in memory of Sybil. Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is assisting the family of Mrs. Swofford.

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