Minnie Lee Swayzer, 82 of Battle Creek Michigan passed away at home on Wednesday May 30, 2018 surrounded by family. She was born April 7, 1936, the daughter of the late John Swayzer and Idella (Williams) Swayzer in Charleston, MO. Minnie had a delightful sense of humor and infectious laugh. She was an enthusiastic story teller and enjoyed recounting conversations with family and friends. She brought smiles to the faces of countless others with her unique perspectives and quick wit. She loved her family and was proud of her children and grandchildren. She was affectionately called “Aunt Minnie” and “Granny Minnie”. She was an avid lifelong learner and loved reading and teaching. From the time she was a child she could be found with her face in a book. She also enjoyed writing short stories. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Western Michigan University. She worked as a teacher and registered nurse for over 40 years.
Most important to Minnie was her love for Jehovah God and devotion to ministry. She was a baptized and cherished member of the Urbandale congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses since 1978. She often said that intellectual knowledge she gained through higher education paled by comparison to the joy she found after learning the truth about God’s plan for mankind found in the Bible. She treasured the Bible’s beautiful hope of an earthly paradise in which righteousness will prevail. This truth changed her and gave her a fervent faith that sustained her through life’s challenges and remained until she passed away. Minnie shared God’s Word with her family, friends and anyone who would listen. She had the privilege of doing preaching work full-time during different periods of her life. She was humbled to be part of a larger family of Jehovah’s Witnesses whom she loved dearly.
Minnie was preceeded in death by her brother Robert Swayzer. She leaves to cherish fond memories, her brother, Leonard Swayzer, sisters Carolyn O’ Bryant and Marvette Ozenberger, children John (Elena) Griffin, Candace (Lloyd) Penn, Jackie Pettis, Sherry Griffin, Carla McClenney, April Griffin, Libby Griffin, Robert Griffin, and Heidi Griffin. She was the proud grandmother of 17 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
The family will receive friends from 11:00AM to 1:00 PM Friday June 8th, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses, 5561 Morgan Road, Battle Creek. A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM Friday at that location. Interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service. Please visit Minnie’s webpage at www.bachmanhebble.com.