Janelle Swearingen's Obituary
Janelle grew up in Wagoner, Oklahoma, the daughter of A. M. and Elsie (Worsham) Callaway.
She attended Oklahoma A & M for one year before marrying Bruce Swearingen in 1955. They moved to Tulsa in 1956, Coffeyville, Kansas in 1964, Cranston, Rhode Island in 1966, and returned to Tulsa in 1969.
She returned to school and graduated from the University of Tulsa in 1973. She dedicated 21 years to Owasso High School, beginning her tenure as an English teacher. Upon earning her master's degree from Oklahoma State University, she transitioned to the role of counselor and later served as a computer science teacher, ultimately retiring in 1995.
She served as Past President of the Gillies, the Gilcrease Museum's volunteer group, volunteering there for 23 years, as well as with the Tuesday Book Club and the Tulsa Branch of the English Speaking Union.
She enjoyed many summer vacations hiking and backpacking in Wyoming and Colorado. Her favorite travel destination was England, having made four trips there. She was an avid genealogist.
She was a member of All Souls Unitarian Church.
Janelle was preceded in death by her parents and brother Marshall Callaway. She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Bruce, her son and daughter-in-law Kent and Kat, and daughter Becky. She is also survived by her nieces, Cathy (Phil) Busey and Carol (Joe) Temple and their families.
Memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, February 23, at All Souls Unitarian Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
What’s your fondest memory of Janelle?
What’s a lesson you learned from Janelle?
Share a story where Janelle's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Janelle you’ll never forget.
How did Janelle make you smile?