Patricia Sulcer Swan

Patricia Sulcer Swan, of Marion, Arkansas, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. She was born on April 26, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee, and was the eldest of three children born to Samuel Augustus Sulcer and Irene Billingsley Sulcer. She is survived by her brother, Ted Augustus Sulcer, and his wife, Sheila Stroud Sulcer, who spent many years in Sherwood and now make their home in Bentonville, Arkansas. She is also survived by her sister, Pamela Sulcer Dover, and her husband, Terry Dover, of Palestine, Arkansas. Patricia accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized in the L’Anguille River in her hometown of Palestine, Arkansas. A devout Christian throughout her life, she was an active member of Marion First Baptist Church, where she faithfully attended worship services and Sunday School for many years. After graduating from Forrest City High School, Patricia briefly attended Mississippi State College for Women before earning her degree from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. She dedicated her career to education, teaching elementary school in both Palestine and Marion, Arkansas, for many years. She retired from teaching in May 2004. On September 6, 1963, Patricia married Frederick Knox Swan at First Baptist Church in Palestine, Arkansas. They shared 62 loving years of marriage and made their home in Marion, Arkansas, where they raised their two children: Frederick Knox Swan Jr. and his wife, Christie White Swan, of Marion, Arkansas, and Melissa Swan Griggs and her husband, Ron Griggs, of Fayetteville, Arkansas. Patricia was a devoted and loving Nana who treasured her four grandchildren—Blake and Shelby Swan, and Bailey and Abby Griggs. Patricia devoted her life to her husband and children, setting an example of unconditional love and patience. She was known as the family’s “peacemaker,” always seeking harmony and resolution and wanting those she loved to live in peace with one another. Patricia loved to travel and often served as the navigator and map reader on trips with Fred. They especially enjoyed exploring their home state of Arkansas. One of her most recent adventures was visiting all 52 Arkansas State Parks. All services will be held at Marion First Baptist Church with Pastor James Nichols officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 -1:00 pm on Saturday, January 10. The service will follow at 1:00 pm at the church. Burial will follow at Crittenden Memorial Park in Marion, Arkansas. Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to Marion First Baptist Church, Gideons International, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Stevens Funeral Home in Forrest City, Arkansas, is in charge of arrangements. You may sign an online guestbook at www.stevensfuneralhome.net

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Patricia Sulcer Swan

April 26, 1942 - January 7, 2026