Evelyn Swingle

Evelyn Rose (Lusk) Swingle died peacefully surrounded by her family on February 18, 2023, and is now at home with her Heavenly Father. She was 101 years old and a proud member of The Greatest Generation. Evelyn was born on September 24, 1921, the same birthday as Neyland Stadium, and grew up in the shadows of the university campus where the aquatic center stands today. She was a city girl who rode the street car downtown to shop, see movies at the Tennessee Theatre, attend First Baptist Church and to the L&N train station for many trips with her sister and daddy, James Churchful Lusk, who was an L&N railroad conductor. Evelyn graduated from Knoxville High School, class of 1939-B, and the University of Tennessee in 1943 with a degree in Home Economics. She was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. Following college graduation, she worked in Oak Ridge and hired personnel in support of the war effort. After the war, she met her future husband, George David Swingle, who served honorably as a gunner/radio operator on B-17 bombers and was shot down over Belgium becoming a POW and a member of the Erwin Nine. Upon his return from the war, George continued his studies ultimately earning a PhD in Geology. He joined the faculty of the University of Tennessee, teaching in the graduate Geology program while consulting for the Tennessee Division of Geology. Evelyn and George married, started a family and had four children. They eventually moved to West Hills in 1959 and especially enjoyed the social and family life playing golf, bridge, and swimming at Deane Hill Country Club. The family joined West Hills Baptist Church where Evelyn was active teaching Sunday School. When George died in 1973, Evelyn became a single parent with children still at home. She began working for JCPenney at the new West Town Mall and became a merchandiser, buyer, and department head for some twenty years while she put her three youngest children through college. The job and camaraderie suited her perfectly and she made lifelong friends. After retirement, she continued her social life planning high school and sorority reunions well into her 80s. She lived her last five years at The Nursing Center at Little Creek. Evelyn’s family will be forever grateful for the loving and compassionate care provided by the staff at Little Creek. She is survived by her children, Rocky Swingle (wife Jenny), Lauren Langston (husband Ed), Susan Kimberlain (husband Steve), and Marjorie Van Doren (husband Mark); grandchildren, Sarah Scabarozi (husband John), Vincent Swingle (wife Rebecca), Kristin Kimberlain, John Kimberlain, and Rachel Taylor (husband Mack); great grandchildren, Sophia Rose and Stella Grace Scabarozi, Audrey Evelyn Swingle, and special friends Sunny Vance and Allene Miller. Evelyn lived a fulfilled and meaningful life, she cherished her family and friends, and exemplified incredible strength and love. A graveside service will be held on Friday, February 24, at 2:00PM at Woodlawn Cemetery (4500 Woodlawn Pike in Knoxville) with Reverend Drew Prince officiating followed by a reception for family and friends from 3-5PM at Church Street United Methodist Church Parish Hall (900 Henley at Main Street in Knoxville). Flowers may be sent to Rose Mortuary Funeral & Cremation - Mann (6200 Kingston Pike) or donations may be made to the University of Tennessee George D. Swingle Graduate Fellowship Endowment. Contact Martha Mueller at 865-974-0521 or mmuell12@tennessee.edu for donation instructions.

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Evelyn Swingle

September 24, 1921 - February 18, 2023