Martha Ellen Black Swartz, Jonesborough - After 68 years of visiting this earth, Martha Ellen Black Swartz, said a momentary goodbye to us on June 1, 2018. She left from Franklin Woods Medical Center to begin her journey back to her spiritual home. Those assisting our Heavenly Father in welcoming her home, include her father and mother, James William and Frances Marie (Edwards) Black, and her long-missed and dearly beloved husband of 42 years, Kenneth Ray Swartz.
Those that are not yet ready to take the journey with her include her devoted daughter Sherri Lynne Swartz, and her most cherished grandson, “little man”, Raymond James Swartz, (known to some as Luisinho James Meza Swartz) as well as all of her dearly loved family and close friends.
She was a lifelong resident of Washington County, Tennessee where she could view the mountains she so greatly adored. She graduated early from Sulphur Springs School, and later attended ETSU, where she graduated with honors. She was a teacher with the Johnson City School System serving at different schools through the years, ultimately ending up at Indian Trail Middle School.
She was a deeply dedicated servant of our Lord her entire life and was a current member of Goldswept Ministries Church in Unicoi, Tennessee.
She was a beautiful reflection of the Love of our Lord and an exceptional example of how we should think about and treat our fellow brothers and sisters.
You are invited to celebrate her life with family and friends Thursday, June 7, 2018 from 2:00-4:00 pm at Dillow Taylor Funeral Home, with a service to follow at 4:00 pm with Pastors William & Marge Campbell officiating. Graveside will follow at Sulphur Springs Cemetery.
Honorary Pall bearers will be William Campbell, William Cook and Raymond Edwards.
With the spirit of a warrior, she fought a long battle with cancer. All she wanted was to live long enough to see her grandson grow up. Should friends desire, a donation can be made to help defray her extensive medical costs or make a memorial donation in her name to the cancer research organization of your choice, to help make sure no other Nana is taken from her grandchild too soon.
Mom was a special lady, as was her mother Frances.
I don't know how I will get through the days ahead
without her, but I know I have her strength and
that of the Lord's. She wasn't just my mother, she
was my best friend, my confidant, my "partner in
crime". Those like her, are fewer and fewer in this
old world. Godspeed Mama. You've earned your rest
and reward. I hope you are painting the heavens!
06/16/2018
Ron Satterfield
Martha's passing really saddens me. I miss our long
talks. She was a great inspiration in 1994 and
helped me with my special education class at
Milligan College. Martha had a great love for the
children she served. Danny, at the Johnson City
Mall, is always asking about her since he was one
of her students. Martha, I will never forget you
and your kindnesses.
Martha was so special. She will be missed
Martha was kind to all! She was committed to her students
and friends. She loved her family! She will be missed!
06/06/2018
Beverly Chandler
I worked with Martha when she was at Liberty Bell. Martha cared
deeply for her family. She always spoke lovingly of her Daughter,
and then in later years, how her eyes would sparkle when she
spoke of her precious Grandson! I am so very sorry for your lost.
Thinking of your family.
That is a beautiful picture and tribute to Martha.
She was just a GOOD and Godly person with a great
sense of humor. She was a very dear friend and I
am sorry for the loss. I know she loved James
more than life itself. May her memory be a comfort
to you and may you find strength and peace through
your faith.
Mrs. Swartz you will be deeply missed.
LOVE ALWAYS!
06/04/2018
Beverly Campbell
Martha was a loving and caring teacher to all the young people
she served at Liberty Bell Middle school. I remember her with
fondness. Beverly Campbell
