Holly Camille Hall Swihart

Holly Camille Hall Swihart, 78, of Leachville, passed from this life June 28, 2023, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, surrounded by her loving family. Holly was born Dec. 6, 1944, in Jonesboro to the late Meredith and Jewel Collins Hall whom she cherished as parents. She was raised in Weiner and was a 1962 graduate of Weiner High School. Following high school, she attended Arkansas State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and later a Master’s of Science in Education. She belonged to the Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. While at ASU she met the love of her life, Leon Swihart, whom she went on to marry in 1968. Holly and Leon became the proud parents of two precious daughters, Camille and Whitney, who were the joy of their lives. She was a longtime member of the Leachville First United Methodist Church where she served in many capacities. She was truly a Proverbs 31 woman who was never idle and all she did flowed from her love of Jesus. Holly sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, organized clothes closets, and led numerous bible studies over the years. She cherished many friendships she had among her church family whom she so enjoyed serving with for over 50 years. In addition to the church, she served her community through PEO, an organization promoting advanced education for women. An educator herself, she taught for a total of 23 years with her career beginning in Leachville. She then took a sabbatical for a few years which were devoted to raising her daughters. Holly returned to teaching at Blytheville High School and then finished her career at Buffalo Island Central. As a special education teacher, she acted not only as an educator but also a caregiver as she saw to each student’s personal needs. When she was not serving or teaching, Holly remained busy pursuing a variety of interests. She read extensively on many subjects and could answer a majority of questions on Jeopardy which she loved to watch. She was an amazing cook and baked the best apple pie according to her grandchildren. Holly loved to travel with her family and made many memories at the beach and lake as well as road trips across the country.

Holly was the youngest of four daughters and enjoyed any activity with her sisters. She had a great sense of style and loved shopping, not only for herself but for her daughters and grandchildren as she loved giving more than receiving. Holly always felt blessed with her wonderful family and collection of friends she made throughout her life. She was a true lady of beauty, wisdom, compassion, and love who ran this race of life well. Heaven has gained an angel.

Survivors include her husband of 54 years, Leon Swihart of Leachville; daughters, Camille Braswell (Douglas) of Little Rock and Whitney Benson (King) of Paragould; grandchildren, Holly Blair Benson, Douglas Braswell, Jr., Luke Braswell and Hall Benson; two sisters, Ellyn Snyder of Hamilton, Mo., and Sharon Edwards of Bono.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Carmen Pickle.

Funeral service will be Saturday at 11:30 a.m. in the Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Leachville with Rev. Jim Roberts officiating. Burial will follow in Leachville Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 9:30 until service time at the funeral home. Pallbearers will include Dean Snyder, Creston Snyder, Jason Malone, Beau Malone, Brandon Snider and Paul Kennett. The family prefers any memorial be made to the Leachville First United Methodist Church or the Arkansas Childrens Hospital. Friends may sign the online guest register at www.HowardFuneralService.com.