Mother Martha Lee Swanson

The Matriarch…

Martha Lee “Red” Swanson was born December 27, 1940 in McCroy, Arkansas to the late Rev. Cornelius Warren & Mary (Richmond) Warren who preceded her in death.

Martha graduated from McCroy High School. In McCroy, she met and married the one & only love of her life Joseph Swanson Sr. who precedes her in death. They were married for fifty-seven years and had ten lovely children. She accepted Christ at an early age and served at First Pentecostal Missionary Baptist church where she was involved in the Music Ministry, Women’s Mission, Pastor’s Aide, and Intercessory Ministry. She enjoyed playing the guitar and organ. She played with the “Warren Sisters” group. Martha loved her family, music, and (especially playing the guitar), cracking jokes, fishing, and putting together puzzles, but most of all she loved God! Martha was a Mother first, even until her last moments. She worked for the Arbors until she retired.

 Mother Martha Lee Swanson was promoted to Glory to be with the Lord on July 31, 2022 at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, IN. She was preceded in death by her parents, maternal and paternal grand-parents, 2 sons: Cleophis Swanson and Dennis L. Swanson Sr., she was blessed to have sixteen brothers & sisters; eleven whom preceded her in death; Ruth Warren, Henry Warren, Joseph Warren, Nathaniel Warren, Juanita Macon, Lucretia Jackson, Woodrow Warren, Elijah Warren, Annie B. Warren, Rev. James Warren, and David Warren, one great-grand-daughter Amira Jackson.

Martha’s legacy of a pure spirit & deep love lives on thru her 8 children; Willis L. (Michelle) Swanson of Merrillville, IN; Faye Diana Swanson of Michigan City, IN; Percilla K. Swanson of Indianapolis, IN; Serica L. Swanson of Indianapolis, IN; Christopher L. Swanson, Lagunda S. Porter,  Martha J. Swanson, Joseph Swanson Jr. all of Michigan City, IN; 4 surviving siblings; Lee Ethel Shell, Mary Hill, and Geneva McMillon all of Indianapolis, IN; and Jessie May Johnson of Scottsdale, AZ; 10 grandchildren: Jermaine L. (Natalee) Razor, Glenn A. Swanson, William  Razor, Christopher V. Porter, Jasmine Razor, Kennedy M. Hobson, Diante J. Porter, Denincia C. Swanson, Jasmine Brown, and Dennis Swanson Jr. 6 Great-Grandchildren, Semaiah Swanson, Jermanee Razor, London Razor, Kingston Razor, Londyn Porter, and Percilla L. Razor. 

The Family of Martha L. Swanson would like to thank everyone from the bottom of our heart for everything! We pray you accept God and accept his Son and Holy Spirit. God bless. Love you all, The Swanson’s.

A Celebration of life will take place on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 11am at Thy Will Be Done Christian Center (former First Pentecostal Church) 509 N. Karwick Rd. Michigan City, Indiana 46360 with Pastor Jermaine Razor to do eulogy. Viewing will be from 10am until time of service at the Church.

Burial to take place Monday, August 15, 2022 at 11am at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens 5700 W. US Hwy 20 Michigan City, Indiana 46360. 

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