Hattie Gerline "Geri" Fortson Swindle

Of Calico Rock, Arkansas

Hattie Gerline Fortson Swindle, daughter of the late Alvin N. Fortson and Hattie Bell Fortson, was born June 27, 1935 Greenfield, Arkansas.  She departed this life December 3, 2022 at her home in Calico Rock, Arkansas at the age of 87 years, 5 months and 6 days. She was a 1955 graduate of Central High School in Harrisburg, Arkansas. After graduation, she went to work for Western Union Telegraph Company.  Geri was united in marriage to Thomas Harold Swindle January 14, 1956 and together they raised three daughters. She went on to work for Coca Cola Bottling Company in Jonesboro. After moving to the Calico Rock area, she worked for the Town of Pineville as a clerk and as church secretary for Calico Rock First Baptist Church. Geri was also the Pineville Post Master Relief before retiring at the age of 75.  She spent her life as a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, homemaker and friend.  She was of the Baptist faith and a member of Calico Rock First Baptist Church, where she was active in WMU and the WASH program.

Geri is survived by her husband of 66 years:  Harold Swindle; three daughters:  Kim Zimmerman and husband Dennis of Mountain Home, Kay Williams and husband Arnold of Fulton, Missouri and Kristi Hayes of Melbourne; five grandchildren:  Justin Shields and Jarrod Shields of McCook, Nebraska, Levi (Amanda) Williams of Jefferson City, Missouri, Valen (Charlie) Ainsworth of St. Paul, Minnesota and Grant Hayes of Calico Rock; five great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and many good friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers:  Floyd Fortson, Eugene Fortson, Curtis Fortson and two sisters:  Hazel Shrout, Jewel McAlister and many close nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Friday, December 9 from 5-7 p.m. at Calico Rock First Baptist Church.  Funeral service will be Saturday, December 10 at 11:00 a.m. at Calico Rock First Baptist Church with Kevin Bishop officiating.  Burial will be at Roselawn Cemetery under the direction of Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Calico Rock.

Memorials may be made to:  First Baptist Church, WASH program, 1140 AR-56 Hwy, Calico Rock, Arkansas 72519.

Pallbearers:  Dennis Zimmerman, Levi Williams, Valen Ainsworth, Grant Hayes, Richard Pau, Natasha Kearbey, Donnie Orf, David Smithson.

Honorary Pallbearers:  Justin Shields, Jarrod Shields, Arnold Williams, Charlie Ainsworth, Frank Hinshaw, Mark Hayes, George Mayfield, Jim King, Kenny Hamby, Jeff Stout.