Barbara Gloria Swafford's Obituary
Barbara Gloria Ottley Swafford, was born in Belize City, Central America on September 19th, 1941. She was the fourth child of eight siblings to Ellis and Daisy Ottley. Barbara attended and graduated from Wesley Primary School in Belize City. As a young girl, she loved to sing, and had a very melodious voice that could be heard in the neighborhood often. She sang at many political events, and on the radio Station in Belize.
Barbara was a loving and caring person, very bold and daring. She was adventurous, curious about everything , and unafraid to attempt new things. She enjoyed the outdoors, and loved travelling all over Belize. Some of her favorite hobbies were: sailing out to the cayes and enjoying the pristine beaches, fishing at the rivers and lakes, riding her dad's horse named Dolly, and visiting the various Maya Ruins around the country. Barbara was employed at the U.S. owned Williamson Sewing Factory from 1960-1965. Shortly after, she decided to chart the unknown waters and migrated to the United States, where she settled in San Diego, after meeting and marrying Charles Swafford.
Her passion to care for others led her to enroll in the Vocational Nursing Aide Program at Sweetwater Adult School in National City where she earned a Certificate of Proficiency. She completed her clinical experience at Friendship Homes and Paradise Valley Hospital. Barbara later re-directed her interest to the education of young children, and received her certification in Early Childhood Education.
She also received a Certificate of Achievement in " Early Literacy Through the World Around the Child" from Child Development Associates, Inc. in January 2008. Barbara was employed with The Mission Nazarene Preschool from May 2007 to December 2010. She was also actively involved in the San Diego County Program Quality Consortium and the YMCA Childcare Resource Services. She was also employed with the Montesorri pre-school Program in Los Angeles where she became a dynamic link between children and the Prepared Environment. She enjoyed teaching children how to collaborate and make creative choices in their learning.
Ms B or grandma Lou as she was affectionately called, loved to visit family and friends. As soon as she entered your house, she would look around to see what she can do. She wanted to clean the kitchen, wash the dishes, vacuum the floor, and eventually re-arrange your entire house. Most of the times you just had to let her do whatever, because she would find a way to do exactly what she wanted to do. She was such an awesome helper and decorator in many ways.
One of the most important thing Barbara did was to accept the Lord as her personal Savior. From that day, it was so obvious that something had changed significantly in her life. She was always excited and anxious to go to church. It was no problem for her to go to two or three services in a day. She loved and enjoyed singing gospel songs of all different melodies. As her faith grew in the Lord, you could sense a certain peace and tranquility in her approach to various situations. God was now in control, and she had learned to trust in Him for everything. As we lay her to rest today, let us remember the outstanding qualities of love and kindness she shared with so many.
What’s your fondest memory of Barbara?
What’s a lesson you learned from Barbara?
Share a story where Barbara's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Barbara you’ll never forget.
How did Barbara make you smile?