Albert Markham Swaty

Albert Markham Swaty, 82, of Jonesboro died Monday, July 17, 2006 at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis. He was a county extension agent for 33 years, serving as a rice specialist in Lonoke and Craighead counties. He also organized and worked extensively with 4-H Clubs in Phillips County.

After retiring in 1982, he enjoyed spending time as a volunteer with the Head Start Program in Jonesboro. He received the CDRC Head Start Community Volunteer of the year award for 1993 and 1996. Albert was affectionately known to Head Start children as “Grandpa” Swaty.

Albert’s life-long interest was in gardening and landscaping. For many years he willingly volunteered his gardening skills to help beautify the First Baptist Church landscape. Albert also shared an interest with his wife in promoting the advancement of the ASU Orchestra, especially the Strings Scholarship Program.

Albert was an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Jonesboro for more than forty years. He was also a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, serving as a Sunday School Teacher, usher and landscape consultant.

Albert is survived by his wife, E. Ann Swaty; his son Mark Swaty of Jonesboro; his Step-son, John Rhodes of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; his Step-daughter, Katharine Sorenson of Memphis, Tennessee. His surviving brothers are Joseph W. Swaty of Sheridan, Arkansas; Robert Anton Swaty of Little Rock; Charles Roy Swaty of Little Rock; and Barney Richard Swaty also of Little Rock; three grandchildren, Melanie Swaty, Jeremy Swaty, and Isabel Sorenson; and many nieces of nephews.

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM, Friday, July 21, 2006 at First Baptist Church in Jonesboro with Dr. Bruce Tippit officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. A graveside committal service will be 3:00 PM, Friday afternoon at Helena/West Helena Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.

For those wishing to leave lasting memorials, the family request you please consider the First Baptist Church “Building Tomorrow Today” Fund, or the ASU Foundation- Gift designated for “Swaty Strings Scholarship”, 1990 State University, Arkansas, 72467 or a charity of your choice.

Visitation will be from 5-7 Thursday night at Emerson Funeral Home.