Bettye Bertha Swain

Childersburg, Alabama - Bettye Bertha Brown–Swain, affectionately known as “Bunchie,” was born on October 25, 1941, in Dayton, Alabama, Marengo County, to the late Windfield Brown and Virginia Lee Nathan Brown. She peacefully departed this life on February 12, 2026, at Brookwood Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama.

Bettye was a woman of quiet strength, generosity, and unwavering compassion. Throughout her life, she carried a servant’s heart that touched countless individuals. She dedicated many years of faithful service as a healthcare assistant and personal home health aide, providing comfort, care, and dignity to those entrusted to her hands.

Her faith was an important part of her life. She previously attended Bethel Worldwide Apostolic Church and later moved her membership to Apostolic Church of God, where she remained until her passing. Her    belief in God guided her kindness and her willingness to serve others.

Many in the community fondly remember her as the beloved “candy lady” or “ice cream lady.” Each morning before school, children would gather knowing that Bunchie would be there with a sweet treat and a warm smile. Whether or not they had money, she made sure no child left empty-handed. Giving brought her joy, and her generosity left a lasting imprint on young hearts that will never forget her kindness.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Windfield Brown and Virginia Lee Brown; her sisters, Mattie Dawson, Eula Swain, Lula Jenkins, and Hattie Ree Datcher; her devoted companion, John Thomas Swain; her niece, Virginia Swain; one nephew; and two great-nephews.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her loving children: daughters, Chanel Swain (Ollice Cook) and Carolyn Swain, both of Childersburg, Alabama; and son, Daniel Swain of Childersburg, Alabama. She also leaves her beloved grandsons, Justin Thomas and Jaylon Cook, both of Childersburg, Alabama.

She is further survived by her sisters, Ruth (Eugene) Marbury of Childersburg, Alabama, and Jean (Marty) Holder of Atlanta, Georgia;  special nieces, Ruth “Sister” Cohill, Ada (Warren) McGinnis, Ann Swain, Janie Mae Swain, and LaCindy Marbury Garrett; her special friend, Emma Porter; her special Godchildren, Reggie Phillips, Ethan Martin, and Matthew Welch; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts.

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