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Gavetta Greer Swafford

Gavetta Greer Swafford, of Chattanooga, died peacefully Monday morning, July 27, 2015 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center to be with her Lord Jesus Christ after a prolonged illness. 

Gavetta was born July 31, 1934 and was the sole daughter of Lester & Sallie Swafford of Pikeville, who preceded her in death. 

She was a 1954 graduate of Bledsoe County High School who then and for the remainder of her life prided herself in being well groomed.  Her high school yearbook states: “Gavetta always looked as if she had stepped out of a Band-Box. Her slippers never had a stain, nor was a hair ever out of place. Gavetta was full of wit and could find an answer for every question.”  She worked in the school library as an assistant for two years and belonged to the Press Club for one year.  

She married in 1955 to Farrell Dean Elkins of Chattanooga, whom she loved dearly during 59 years of blissful marriage as a devoted housewife and mother. She began her family in 1958 and later in 1965 with her two sons David Rydell Elkins of Franklin, and Marvin Dean Elkins of Harrison, respectfully who survive her in death. Her lifelong husband Farrell, a Korean War veteran, preceded her in death August 15, 2013. After the death of her husband, Gavetta lived with her eldest son David within his Franklin residence.  

This sweet and loving lady grew older with supreme grace and never surrendered an immeasurable love for all peoples.  One word that comes to mind when remembering Gavetta is “strength.” Rarely has there been a woman who expressed such a love of people within her life with a smile that could melt the sunshine. She was eternally a selfless lady who nurtured, uplifted, and sustained all around her with the most positive of spirits. She was a graceful woman who never complained and was always so easy to talk to. If there was anything that Gavetta loved to do in this world — it was to talk.        

The family deeply appreciates Suely Howell and Sam Vaughn and all others who surrounded her with love and care during her final years. This support and love cannot be overstated.

Her funeral service was held July 31 in the funeral home chapel. Interment was in Chattanooga National Cemetery that same day where Gavetta joined her cherished husband Farrell in eternal rest.   

Visit www.LaneFH.com to share words of comfort to the family.

Arrangements were made by Lane Funeral Home in Chattanooga.

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