Dorothy R. Swilling

Dorothy “Dot” R. Rowland Swilling, 88, widow of Buster B. Swilling, beloved mother and grandmother passed away Saturday, June 11, 2016. Dorothy was born in Toledo Ohio on the 7th of July, 1927, or 7/7/27, as she liked to say. The daughter of Ora S. Rowland and Bertha Mae Rowland, she grew up in Toledo, graduating from DeVilbiss high school in 1945. As a young woman during WWII, she worked at Woolworths and a local bank. She was a Pen Pal to soldiers during WWII . She loved to roller skate, go bowling, and dance, especially the “jitter bug.” Her love of travel, however, led to a chance encounter on a bus with a handsome young man from Asheville, NC. Soon after meeting, they were married. Her husband Buster was in the Air Force and she spent the next 26 years traveling around the world, including Alaska, and Germany. The couple relocated to San Antonio TX in 1979 where they reunited with old friends and family members. She lived in San Antonio until July 2012 when she moved to Summerville SC. Dorothy was an avid baseball fan. She loved the Braves and Cubs. She liked to work puzzles and read. Very funny with an amazing wit, she often surprised younger people with one of the little sayings she learned over her long life. Dorothy was a huge fan of Classic country music. She went to the Grand Ole Opry in the late 40's, early 50's and saw Hank Williams and other stars of the era. She was also a lifetime member of the George Strait fan club. Dorothy often put the needs of others and those of her family before herself. She never forgot a birthday or an anniversary and sent cards to all of her extended family members. Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Buster B. Swilling; her daughter, Marsha Teague; brothers Robert and twin, Donald Rowland; and sisters June Marsteller; Katherine Horton; and Mary Rice. Survivors include one daughter, Gina M. Szczepanski of San Antonio, TX; two sons, Gary and Glenn Swilling of Summerville, SC; daughter in-law Chris Swilling; five grandchildren, Sarah Nunn and Justin Swilling, of Summerville; Stefan Szczepanski of Portland, Ore; Marissa Gonzales of Austin, TX; and April Glessner of Spokane WA; five great grandchildren; a brother-in law and two sisters in-law; and numerous nieces, and nephews as well as her dear lifelong friend, Kotsie of Toledo, OH. There will be no memorial service. Cards sent to family members would be very much appreciated and shared with one another. The family would like to thank Michelle. A memorial message may be written to the family by visiting our website at www.jamesadyal.com ARRANGEMENTS BY JAMES A. DYAL FUNERAL HOME, 303 SOUTH MAIN STREET, SUMMERVILLE, SC 29483 (843)873-4040.

Dorothy R. Swilling

July 7, 1927 - June 11, 2016