On Sunday, July 6, 2025, after living a long and beautifully Blessed life, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and dear friend, Charlene, was peacefully called to her heavenly home, surrounded by adoring family. She entered Heaven's gates at the age of 89, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of faith, love, and kindness.


Born on March 20, 1936, in Lamesa, Texas, Charlene was the daughter of Charles and Emily Wasson. She was raised in Big Spring, Texas, where she later returned after graduating from Abilene Christian University. It was there, back home in Big Spring, that she met the love of her life, Robert L. Swaim, who was stationed at Webb Air Force base. Their connection was instant-they were engaged just two weeks after their first date and married within two months.


Together, Charlene and Bob began a life of adventure and devotion. They moved to Dayton, Ohio, where Bob pursued his Ph.D. at Ohio State University, and then spent 11 wonderful years in West Lafayette, Indiana, where they built lasting friendships and treasured memories. Eventually, they settled in their final home of Stillwater, Oklahoma, where they continued raising their family and planted deep roots in the community.


Charlene was a woman of unwavering faith whose love for Christ was the cornerstone of her life. She found joy in prayer, strength in scripture, and comfort in the promises of eternal life. She was a shining example of kindness, compassion, and steadfast trust in God's plan, sharing His love with everyone she met.


She began her career as an elementary school teacher before devoting herself to raising her three children, whom she and Bob lovingly adopted. Later, in Stillwater, she served as the devoted director of the Church of Christ Rainbow Preschool, where her warmth and patience touched countless young lives.

Charlene's life was filled with the simple joys of home, family, and fellowship. She loved cooking and entertaining, teaching Sunday school, attending church services every Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night, and gathering with her small church group. In addition, she was an enthusiastic member of the Bunko Babes, various Bridge groups, Lahoma, the Antiquers Club, and other community organizations. Her hobbies included sewing, gardening, canning, painting, shopping, playing Bunko and Bridge, genealogy, vacationing, decorating for all holidays, and-above all-reading her Bible.


She was funny, sincere, loving, and kind-always quick with a warm smile and a word of encouragement. Her positive outlook was contagious, and she brightened every room she entered.


Charlene was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bob; her mother and father, Emily Marshall Wasson and Charles H. Wasson; her sisters, LaVelle Maynard and JoBeth Lightfoot; her son, Greg Swaim; her daughter, Debby Swaim; her sister-in-law Carol Ann Spall; her brothers-in-law, Doyle Maynard and Jerry Spall; her nephew, Joey Lightfoot; and other dear relatives and friends who now welcome her home.


She leaves behind her daughter, Suzy Roderick and Jason; her daughter-in-law, Paula Swaim; her grandsons (Tucker Roderick, Michael Catlett, Sean Swaim, Seth Swaim, Blake Swaim, and Cale Swaim); her granddaughter (Brandi Roderick Crown); her seven great-grandchildren (Lucas, Landry, and Logan Swaim; Kenleigh and Kyler Crown; Bryan and Madicynn Radovan); her eight nieces and nephews, and numerous other family and friends, all of whom will miss her dearly and cherish her memory forever.

Fond childhood memories include summers spent on her grandparents' farm in Lamesa, especially helping her dear Granddaddy Marshall clean underneath the windmills-memories she treasured throughout her life.

The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Westhaven Nursing Home for their loving care over the past five and a half years, as well as to Companion Hospice and Karman Legacy Hospice for their tender support during her final months.


Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in knowing Charlene has received her heavenly reward. Her legacy of faith, love, and joy will continue to inspire all who knew her.
"Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:23

Celebration of Life
Family and friends are warmly invited to a Celebration of Life honoring Charlene on Sunday, July 27, 2025
At 2:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at the Stillwater Church of Christ (on the corner of Duck and McElroy streets).
Please join us as we gather to share memories, offer comfort, and celebrate her remarkable life of love, laughter, and faith.