Susan Wise Swafford

July 10, 1959 - February 1, 2018

Susan “Swaff” Wise Swafford, 58, of Charlotte, died along with her husband, Dennis Swafford, on February 1, 2018, from injuries sustained in a house fire. Susan Lee Wise was born in Charlotte on July 10, 1959, the daughter of Eugene and Rosemary Lee Hartsell Wise. She grew up in Charlotte and attended Garinger High School, where she was very active in the ROTC program and had even given serious consideration to becoming an Army Ranger. On June 20, 1981, as their wedding invitation read “On this day I marry my best friend”, she married Dennis Swafford. Their reception followed at the home of Dennis’ parents. In life, Susan and Dennis enjoyed many things. They enjoyed fishing, skiing, tubing, camping at Lake Baden, bowling, and their boat. One thing all who knew Susan and Dennis will remember is how much they loved Christmas! Starting on Thanksgiving, the decorations would come out. Every room and much of the outdoors was decorated for the festive season. Not content with what they had the year before, every year brought all of the old plus the addition of something new. Over the years, their house even made the the news for all their decorations. During her career, she worked as a data processor for several companies including Crosland Builders, Conbraco, and most recently at BB&T’s Lock Box Facility as a check processor. Her work with Crosland Builders, which developed her neighborhood, allowed her to get the house they owned on Wingfield Lane. She also worked for a time at Matthews Pottery where she was in charge of the ribbon department tasked with making specialty bows for weddings, flower arrangements, and other events. Gifted with floral arranging, she even made all the floral arrangements for the first marriage of her sister, Sharon. Susan was very gifted creatively. She enjoyed multiple crafts such as embroidery, ceramics and writing. Many beautiful things were created from her talents. And when she wanted to simply be still, she enjoyed reading and was known to be an avid reader of romance novels. But most of all, Susan was a bright beautiful spirit that loved people. With her quick wit and perfect one-liners at the ready, she was easy to talk to and be around. Many a moment was enjoyed simply reminiscing about younger days and the silly things that she had gotten into. Later in life, Dennis developed a debilitating illness and required additional care at home. Susan attended Central Piedmont College with the intent of eventually going into medical coding which would allow her to work from home where she could also care for the love of her life. As his condition worsened, however, she chose to continue to support and care for her soul mate. Her wit, candor, talents and love were clearly shared with all, and she will be sadly missed by those blessed to know her. Susan is surivived by her siblings: Sharon (husband Charles “Barry”) Farmer of Lyman, SC; her brother, Ernest (wife Stephanie) Heinen of Kannapolis, NC; a brother, Kirk (wife Kim) Heinen of Midland, NC; and a brother, Blaine Heinen of Myrtle Beach, SC. In addition, she is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents. As they celebrated life together, Susan and Dennis’ families will hold a joint Celebration of Life Service. Their families have given Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home the privilege of serving them and the gathering of friends and family will begin at 2 PM on Sunday, February 18, 2018, at the funeral home, 4715 Margaret Wallace Road, Matthews. At 3 PM, all present will gather in the funeral home chapel for a service led by Mr. Michael Neddo. All services will conclude that afternoon.