Ollie Swanson

Tupelo - Ollie Swanson, 79, died Monday, December 14, 2009, at Community Hospice at Darlington Oaks after an extended illness. She was born in Tennessee on March 24, 1930, to Jack and Fannie May Edwards Albritton. She was a vetenarian assistant for Dr. Stevens in Verona for many years. She enjoyed going to yard sales, gardening, and canning what she grew. Her family remembers her as a Good Samaritan who was willing to help anyone in need. She was the widow of Elmer Swanson. She was a member of Wheeler Chapel where she was involved in the ministry, and was herself a licensed minister.

Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Wheeler Chapel with Rev. Lee Sparks officiating. Burial will be in Union Cemetery south of Plantersville. W. E. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include three daughters, Pat Ferguson of Tupelo, Bertha Pettigo (Mike) of Guntown, and Hazel Houston (Tim) of Saltillo; two sons, Jack Kimbell (Joyce) of Mantachie and James Kimbell of Tupelo; one sister, Lillye Reed of the Auburn Community; nine grandchildren, Rev. Lee Sparks (Peggy), Craig Sparks (Connie), David Sparks (Tresa), Michael Pettigo (Vanessa), Trish Greene (Aron), Randell Houston, Rickey Houston, Tosha Kimbell, and Paula Leeann Kimbell; 16 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Pallbearers will be Rev. Lee Sparks, Craig Sparks, David sparks, Michael Pettigo, Randell Houston, and Rickey Houston.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Craig Sparks, Jr., Corey Sparks, Cody Sparks, David Sparks, Jr., Ethan Pettigo, Caleb Pettigo, Riley Greene, Jaydon Greene, Ricky Houston, and Jonhathan Houston, Shean Houston.

Visitation will be 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. The body will lie in state one hour at the church prior to service time Thursday