Cecelia McMurray Swindell Goetz, born May 6, 1935, went peacefully home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday evening. She was born in Hamilton County, OH, to the late William Carl & Shirley Gardner McMurray. Her firm belief in God and her devotion to her family gave her peace in her final days.
Cecelia was an educator at heart. She was kind, soft-spoken, and always had time to answer a question or solve a problem, no matter how small. She loved teaching, and she loved and adored all her students. She was a principal at Southern Christian Academy, where she also taught Bible, Art, and Music. She later worked at the NC Parole Commission as a case analyst. In all of her pursuits, Cecelia has made life-long friends.
Her two grandsons were the absolute delight of her life. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, & member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Youngsville. She was preceded in death by her second husband, Robert Allan Goetz, and her siblings, Terrence McMurray, Dale McMurray, and Joyce Abner.
Cecelia is survived by her children, Thomas Alexander Swindell, Marian Swindell-Lewis, grandchildren, Nicholas Alexander & Michael Anthony Lewis, her first husband, Franklin L. Swindell, siblings, Donna Smith of Arlington, TX, Myrna Beechler Miracle (John) of Georgetown, OH, Cheryl Gardner Day (Jim) of New Richmond, OH and Wayne Forest Gardner of KY and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to Read and Feed, 171 Suite 10, Highhouse Rd., Cary, NC, 27511, the Zebulon Boys & Girls Club, or Transitions Lifecare.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, 10:30 am – 12, Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel, 211 W. Third. St., Wendell. Memorial graveside service for family and church members will follow at 1 pm, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Youngsville. Full obituary at www.stricklandfuneral.com
13 Comments
Our thoughts and prayers to Cecelia’s family Cecelia was so good, thoughtful and caring to my sister, Betty Rogers. Betty was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church . Cecelia and Betty has a very special bond. Our family are so thankful and grateful for all Cecelia did for Betty during her declining health and death 5 years ago.
Cecelia was a Beautiful lady that shared her love with everyone that she came in contact with.I only got to know her for a short time,but was a Blessing to know her that short time! My Thoughts and Prayers are with the family!
We first met Ms. Cecelia when we joined BBC several years ago….she taught our granddaughter on Wed night and of course to know Ms. Cecelia was to love her. She was a very loving person always willing to help. She will be sorely missed. May God grant her entire family comfort and peace. Ed, Joan, Robin and Katie
I had the opportunity to meet this delightful lady during my career path with the Parole Commission. She made every day bright and was always so positive. My condolences to the family of this lovely woman!
My husband and I send our condolences and prayers to Mrs. Cecelia’s family. I knew Mrs. Cecelia long ago when she was an active volunteer at several elections. She had a sweet and a precious soul and we shared many special times together. We loved her and know she is loved by many. I thank the Lord that He allowed me to spend time with her and enjoy our conversations. She was precious and I am thankful that she is home with Jesus now.
Thom, we are most sorry to learn of your loss. Please accept our sincere condolences to you and your family.
My deepest condolences to you Sir. I pray that your faith offer you and your family some comfort and healing.
Both Anna and myself send our thoughts to the family.
Our sympathy and warmest thoughts are with you now in the loss of you mother.
Dennis & Beth Mitchell
Denn
Thom, so sorry to read about your mother. Hope you are well.
Cecelia was a very kind and sweet neighbor. She will be missed by Nancy and I. Our prayers and love for peace and comfort to all the family.
Thom, My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to you and your entire family at this time.
We are so sorry to hear this.She was a good christen lady.Did not know she was sick.She tought LouAnn and my son Mike at SouthChristen .We all loved her very much.She was always a loving and caring person.
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