Mrs. Roberta Shaw DuRant "Boochie" Swearingen

Roberta Shaw DuRant "Boochie" Swearingen, age 87, died on March 7, 2025, in Tega Cay, SC. She was born on December 13, 1937, in Bishopville, SC, daughter of the late Mary Flinn Shaw DuRant and James Marion DuRant. She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty years, George Tillman Swearingen II; her brother-in-law, Morris Clinton Shirley; and sisters-in-law, Bobbie Swearingen Smith and Mary Sue DuRant. She is survived by her loving children, Robin Swearingen Goodson and George Tillman Swearingen III (Kerry); grandchildren, Morgan Flinn Goodson, Ian Cooper Goodson, George Tillman Swearingen IV and Dargan Shaw Swearingen; her beloved brother, Marion Dwight "Son" DuRant; sister-in-law, Harriet Toney Shirley; and nine nieces and nephews. Boochie cherished growing up in Bishopville. To her, it provided grounding and would always be home. She was a bit of a tomboy in her early years, relishing tree climbing and trying to keep up with her older brother, whom she idolized all of her days. She graduated from Bishopville High School as class salutatorian, having played basketball, been a cheerleader, sung in musicals (the lead on occasion), and placed as second runner-up in the Miss Bishopville pageant. She embraced all of the beautiful things and people that made up small-town life centered on family, friends, and faith. As her grandkids and kids traveled all over the world, she would often wonder why they would go to all the trouble to travel so far when they could be in Bishopville in just a few hours. She was a woman who dealt with hard things with dignity and strength. She lost her father at 17, just before graduating from high school, a loss that she carried for her whole life and one that made her fiercely protective and supportive of her own mother. She stayed close to home for college and graduated from Limestone College in three years with a teaching degree. She went on to teach elementary school in Beaufort, SC and Columbia, SC. During her early teaching years, a trip home with her friend Harriet would lead her to the love of her life, Harriet's older brother, George. After their wedding, Boochie and George moved to Norman, Oklahoma, for George to go to graduate school, then to Aiken, SC, where Robin was born, then to Charlotte, NC, where George (III) was born, and they raised their family. They lived in Charlotte for almost 30 years. In retirement, Boochie and George came back to Bishopville and redid her beloved childhood home. Eventually, declining health brought her back to Charlotte to be closer to family. Boochie never met a stranger, making friends wherever she went and endearing herself to people of all ages. She volunteered at her children's schools and at church. She loved being a homemaker and was a wonderful Southern cook. While Boochie dearly loved her family, the household pets were always held in the highest regard. She made everyone feel welcome in her home, and if you left her home hungry or thirsty, it was most certainly not her fault. She wanted to know about your life, your troubles, and support you. Friends of her children ate many impromptu meals around her table or standing in her kitchen, always accompanied by her sweet tea. She was proud of her children, her four grandchildren, her nieces and nephews, and her extended family. She celebrated their accomplishments and encouraged them when they had disappointments. She was strong, opinionated, loyal, kind, competitive, funny, and generous. In her latter years, when she was confined to a wheelchair and no longer had a kitchen, she was still known for her hospitality. Like her mother, she always had a bowl of candy and snacks ready for visitors. In her special way, she built many new friendships, including an extensive group of people in her assisted living facilities who viewed her as a grandmother, favorite aunt, or mother figure. Many grieve the loss of the unique and memorable force that was Boochie. The family greatly appreciates the love and care provided to Boochie by the staff of Wellmore of Tega Cay, Sunrise on Providence, and Via Hospice. A celebration of Boochie's life will be held at 11 o'clock on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1000 E. Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC, with a reception following the service. A brief graveside service will be held at 1 o'clock on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the Bishopville Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 215 S. Main Street, Bishopville, SC. Memorials may be made in her honor to Via Hospice of Fort Mill (viagiving.org) or to Bishopville Presbyterian Church (bishopvillepc.com). The celebration of her life will be streamed live at: www.covenantpresby.org/live

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Mrs. Roberta Shaw DuRant "Boochie" Swearingen

December 13, 1937 - March 7, 2025