Lillian Edmisten Swift

Lillian Edmisten Swift, 96, of Hillsborough, North Carolina, peacefully went to her eternal home on Friday, January 24, 2025.

Lillian was born on September 20, 1928, in Watauga County, North Carolina. She and her beloved sister, Phyllis Edmisten Foster, were raised there by their late parents, Edgar Young Edmisten and Beulah Farthing Edmisten on the family farm. Lillian was a graduate of Cove Creek High School. She then received a degree in education from Appalachian State Teachers College.

Lillian was a devoted wife to her late husband, Omar Glenn Swift. Their only child, Pamela, was born while Omar was stationed with the Air Force in Las Vegas, Nevada. They soon moved back to North Carolina and settled in High Point. Lillian was a first-grade teacher for 31 years, spending most of her career in the High Point/Archdale/Trinity area. Lillian was a passionate teacher who nutured both the minds and hearts of her students. She was inducted into the honor society of Delta Kappa Gamma for her excellence in teaching. A devout member of Brentwood Baptist Church of High Point, she found joy in serving her community through outreach programs.

In her retirement, Lillian moved several times to be nearer to family: first to Hillsborough to be near her daughter, son in-law, and grandchildren, she then went to Boone to help care for her elderly mother, and finally returning to Hillsborough where she and Omar built a home next to her daughter’s family. She remained there until the age of 94, creating many special memories along the way. She especially enjoyed fellowship with her church family at First Baptist of Hillsborough. Her love for people was evident, and she lived a full life of service and compassion to all in the communities in which she lived. She inspired generations of students, and her kindness touched countless lives. That is her true legacy.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. She is survived by her daughter, Pamela Swift Staley (Chris), three grandchildren, Phillip Staley, Adam Staley (Leah), and Erin Staley Doser (John), and five great grandchildren, William and Daniel Staley, and Ella, Arden, and Bryn Doser. She is also survived by her sister, Phyllis Edmisten Foster, her niece, Sherry Foster Harmon (Jim), her nephew, Greg Foster (Phylis), and many cherished extended family members and friends. Though saddened by her passing, Lillian's loved ones find solace in the belief that she is now reunited with loved ones who preceded her in death, finding peace and joy in the presence of the Lord.

Lillian’s family would like to give a special thank you to Peak Resources Brookshire Assisted Living as well as her church family at First Baptist Church of Hillsborough for their care, love, and support.

A celebration of life service and reception will be held at First Baptist Church of Hillsborough on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

The family will hold a private burial in Boone, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Samaritan’s Purse for Western North Carolina or to First Baptist Church of Hillsborough at 201 West King Street, Hillsborough, NC 27278.

Arrangements are in the care of Walker's Funeral Home - Mebane, 304 West Center Street, Mebane NC 27302. 919-563-9211.

Online condolences may be shared at www.walkersfuneralservice.com.