EVANS, Ga.- Mrs. Byrnece Purcell Knox Swanson, died at Brandon Wilde on July 9, 2004.
She was born May 3, 1912, in Metter, Candler County, Ga., where her father, Thomas Malcolm Purcell, organized the public schools. She spent most of her early years in Cochran, Ga., where her father was principal of the Cochran city schools.
Mrs. Swanson was educated at the University of Georgia, graduating with a B.A. in art in 1933.
Following graduation from college, she moved to Thomson, Ga., to teach school and later married Wyckliffe A. Knox of Thomson.
She and Mr. Knox had a daughter, Harriet, who predeceased her mother, and a son, Wyckliffe A. Knox, Jr.; of Augusta. Mrs. Swanson was a homemaker and a distinguished artist. Her paintings, using all mediums, were widely enjoyed by friends and family. She also painted china and in later years developed expertise in portraitures.
She was also active in the Thomson community, the First Methodist Church, and the Girl Scouts. She was the first president, in 1939, of the Garden Study Club in Thomson.
Following the death of Mr. Knox, she married Denver W. Swanson of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., who had settled there following his retirement from St. Paul Insurance Companies. She and Mr. Swanson enjoyed many years of happiness prior to his death.
Mrs. Swanson is survived by her son; one stepdaughter, Sandra Swanson Hammer of Dedham, Massachusetts; seven grandchildren and three step grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and three step great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were conducted Sunday, July 11, 2004, at 4 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church, 353 Main Street, Thomson, Ga., with burial in the Knox family plot, Westview Cemetery, Thomson.
Pallbearers were Boone A. Knox, W.L. (Larry) Knox, Robert E. Knox, Jr., Dr. John Charles Knox, Charles Edward Knox, Donald T. McNeill, Jr.
If so desired, the family suggests donations to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 8, Thomson, GA 30824
Platt's Funeral Home, Evans, and Curtis Funeral Home, Thomson, were in charge of arrangements.
