Gladys S. (Swearingen) Pafford

Our mother, Gladys Swearingen Pafford, passed from this life to her Heavenly home on January 25, 2019 at the age of 90. Mama was born May 3, 1928 to Sevilla Shaw Swearingen and Norwood Jackson Swearingen, and grew up in Fargo, Ga., the second of seven children.

She graduated from Homerville High School and married our Daddy on April 16, 1949. They made their home in Jacksonville. Mama worked for many years in ladies clothing at Robert Hall on Main Street, J.C. Penney in Gateway mall and retired from French Novelty after many years of service.

Mama was saved at East 44th St. Baptist Church, and has been a member of First Coast Christian Center (formerly Northside Assembly) for more than 35 years.

Our Mama was predeceased by a baby sister, her parents, two sisters, Lura Nell Webb and Loma Booth, and her husband of 53 years, Clifford Leroy Pafford.

Our mother worked hard to take care of her family. She was devoted, strong and made sure we knew if she disapproved. She tried to instill respect, manners and discipline in us. She cooked thousands of wonderful meals – some that we will never duplicate. We remember every sacrifice and honor you as our loving Mother, Granny and Nonie.

She is survived by her three children, Clifford L. “Butch” Pafford, Jr., (Gloria), Jacki Pafford Davis (Dr. Glenn), and David W. Pafford (Melissa), two sisters, Nellie Hutson and Vernell Swearingen, brother, N.J. Swearingen, Jr., seven granSdchildren, Misty Pafford Shavatt (Paul), Robby Davis (Dana), Joshua Davis (Lesley), Clifford Davis (Heidi), Jeremy Pafford (Amanda), Davey Pafford and Amanda Pafford, who was her devoted caregiver this past year. Mama had 12 great grandchildren, Michael Hall (Danielle), Mitchell Hall, Jack and Luke Davis, Addison and Macy Davis, Dixie, Jacquelyn and Clifford Davis, Jr., Makenzie Love and Brooklyn and Brennah Macabitas, and two great-great grandchildren, Karter and Michael Hall. She is also survived by her niece, Sophia Carmon, who was also her caregiver for several years, her daughter-in-law Paula Pafford and dear friend, Sue Bowen, who walked the journey with Mama and our family. Mama was special to many, so she also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 30th at First Coast Christian Center at 2724 New Berlin Rd., with services to follow at 2 p.m. Pastor Perry Fruscella will officiate. Pallbearers will be her beloved grandsons and two of her great grandsons.

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