Leatrice W. Swinson

Leatrice (Wheeler) Swinson, 95, of Haskell, TX passed away peacefully on January 29, 2019. Leatrice was born on October 19, 1923 to C.A. and Trudie (Brite) Wheeler in Haskell Co. Leatrice met Charles Swinson shortly after graduating from Haskell High School and the two married on December 14, 1941, one week after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and before Charles was called to serve in the Army.nCharles and Leatrice were married just shy of 77 years when Charles was called home in November of 2018.

Leatrice, an only child, learned hard work from an early age working alongside her father on the farm. After graduation, Leatrice would go on to work as a bookkeeper for various businesses and as an entrepreneur with Charles. She also would become a talented seamstress, cook, baker, genealogist, and historian. Her pecan pies were famous and enjoyed by many from Texas to Upstate New York. Leatrice excelled in any and every endeavor she persued, yet always remained humble. She shied away from any praise, recognition, or extraordinary attention and was perfectly content being the "woman behind the man".

After retirement, Leatrice and Charles enjoyed traveling the world visiting 6 out of 7 continents and all 50 states in the US. The two of them served as surrogate parents and grandparents to anyone needing that void filled in their lives, and they blessed many kids with College educations. Leatrice was a devoted Christian and instrumental in building Cornerstone Fellowship Baptist Church of Haskell, but enjoyed her weekly visits from Brother Dan of FBC Weinert.

Leatrice is survived by her granddaughter, Kimberly Bradshaw Thomass (Nate) of College Station, TX; niece Sharon Wheeler Whitaker (Scott) of Grand Prairie, TX; nephew Steven Wheeler (Carey) of Electra, TX, great grandsons Noah and Elijah Thomass of College Station, TX, and numerous surrogate children, surrogate grandchildren, cousins, friends, and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her spouse, parents, father and mother in law Barnie and Hilah (Bramlett) Swinson, and adopted brother Larry Wheeler.

A graveside service will be held to celebrate her life on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 11:00am at Willow Cemetery in Haskell, TX with Rev. David Bradshaw officiating. Services are under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Homes, Haskell. A visitation is planned for Friday, February 1, 2019 from 6:00-7:00pm at Smith Family Funeral Homes, 304 N. 2nd St, Haskell, TX.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the charity of your choice.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Wayne Cadenhead and Joe Yates, the entire staff of Haskell Healthcare Center, Kindred Hospice, and all of the people who faithfully visited Leatrice at the nursing home.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.smithfamilyfh.com.