Fayma Edith Verlene (Zirschky) Swearengin, 87, was born Sept. 25, 1931, to Frank and Edith (Baker) Zirschky in Huggins, Mo. She passed away Oct. 8, 2018, at Houston House, Houston, Mo.
She grew up in the Upton area and graduated from Houston High School in 1949. She attended Southwest Missouri State University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education in 1969.
She married Erven Swearengin on June 27, 1952. Verlene taught in several one-room school houses for 19 years, then taught at Ava for the 68-69 school year and finished her teaching career at Houston Elementary School from 1969 until 1991. She taught for a total of 40 years.
Verlene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Erven; two step-children, Leonard Swearengin and Jean Swearengin; two sisters, Leora Hayes and Jessie Williamson; a daughter-in-law, Eva Swearengin; a half-brother, Darrell Zirschky; two brothers-in-law, Harry Hayes and Doyle Williamson; and a sister-in-law, Frances Zirschky.
She is survived by her children, Scott Swearengin and wife, Emma, and Kent Swearengin; a step-daughter, Joyce and husband, David Volk; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; and her brother, Clay Zirschky.
She attended Houston First Baptist Church. Verlene loved gardening and was a member of the Houston Garden Club for 20 years. She volunteered at Houston elementary after retiring. Verlene loved her students and helped to mold and shape them into the people they are today. She will be missed by her family and friends.
The family is hosting a celebration of life at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, at Houston First Baptist Church. Visitation is 2 p.m. until service time. Speakers will be Gary Swearengin and Jim McNiell. Per her wishes, her body was donated to science. Arrangements were under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the Verlene Swearengin Education Scholarship c/o Kelli Sartor at Landmark Bank, 1438 S. Sam Houston Blvd. Houston, Mo., 65483 Acct#5118044741.
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