Gaynell Butler

Gaynell Bridges Swafford Butler, 90, formerly of Ellenboro, passed away Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at Eden Gardens Nursing Home in Rock Hill, SC. She was born August 7, 1917 in Jackson County, GA to the late Julius Bridges and Rilla Hayes Bridges. She and her late husband of 40 years, Marshall Butler, Sr., owned and operated Swafford's Grocery Store in Henrietta. Besides her duties at the store, she was a wonderful homemaker who loved to cook. She was known for her biscuits, cakes and pies. She was a long time member of Bethel Baptist Church of Ellenboro. She was also preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters.

She is survived by a daughter, Joyce Swafford Hill and husband Floyd of York, SC; two sons, Vance Swafford and wife Doris of Oakwood, GA, Sherman Swafford and wife Reba of Fallston, NC; two step-sons Avery Butler, Jr. of Winter Haven, FL and Eddie Dean Butler and wife Lori also of Winter Haven. Gaynell is also survived by six grandchildren, Ricky Swafford, Susan Rettig, Sandy Swafford, Garry Swafford, Danny Hill and Michael Hill; 12 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary Swafford of Shelby, NC, and several nieces and nephews.