Sheila Margaret Long Swindell, 68, of Washington, North Carolina, left us on Friday, October 25, 2013, with her family by her side.

 

Sheila was born April 10, 1945 in Southampton, England to Leonard and Doris Long. Her father served 30 years in the British Royal Navy and her mother worked in the local school system. Sheila matriculated from Southampton schools where she was an accomplished athlete in track and net ball. While she spent most of her childhood in the Hampshire area, the family lived abroad for several years on the small Mediterranean island of Malta. In the mid 1960s, Sheila moved to the United States, first to New York City and later to Washington, North Carolina.

 

Sheila’s interests included family, flower gardening, fundraising for local cancer charities and supporting friends in the community battling cancer. Sheila was an avid sports fan, a trait shared by her children. She enjoyed watching her beloved Southampton Saints play English football, attended East Carolina University football games as a season ticket holder and spent many Sunday afternoons watching golf tournaments. Sheila, known for her kindness and generosity, was a member of Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church in Washington, NC. Above all, Sheila was a devoted mother to her children.

 

Sheila, who is preceded in death by her parents and grandson, Dustin Brian Ward, is survived by her dedicated husband of nearly thirty years, Wallace Swindell of Washington, North Carolina and children, Robert Mark Beavers of San Antonio, Texas, Julie Beavers of Cary, North Carolina, Pam Beavers Ward and husband Brian Ward of Chocowinity, North Carolina, Wendy Beavers of Dewey Beach, Delaware and stepson Kevin Swindell and wife Tammy of Washington, North Carolina. Sheila’s pride and joy include her grandsons Brian Rayn Ward of Chocowinity, North Carolina and Damian Swindell and Jacob Swindell of Washington, North Carolina. Sheila is survived by two brothers, Ken Long and wife Jean of Southampton, England and Raymond Long of Southampton, England. Sheila is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins located across the United States and England. Sheila was formerly married to Roland Beavers of Vanceboro, North Carolina.

 

Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, October 27 from 7:00-8:30pm at Hillside Funeral Service in Washington. The burial service is scheduled for Monday, October 28, 2013 at 2:00pm at Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church in Washington. Sheila will be laid to rest in Oakdale Cemetery in Washington. Following the burial at Oakdale, the family is hosting a reception to honor Sheila at The Meeting Place in downtown Washington.

 

In lieu of flowers, Sheila’s family asks that you consider a donation in her honor to Relay for Life of Beaufort County, 930-B Wellness Drive, Greenville, NC 27834 or to the Marion L. Shepard Cancer Center, 1209 Brown Street, Washington, North Carolina 27889.

 

Hillside Funeral Service, 4500 Hwy 264 E, Washington, NC, has been given the honor of being entrusted with serving the Swindell family.