"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants." Psalms 116:15

Mary Savannah Swedenburg of McCalla, Alabama passed on into Glory and the loving arms of her Savior the evening of March 2nd, 2025. She was born in Carrollton, Alabama on February 9th, 1943, to Rev. James Reece Swedenburg Sr. and Trannie Duckworth Swedenburg. Her sister Martha Swedenburg King, widow of Joel King, is the sole survivor sibling. Deceased siblings and spouses are James, Joyce Swedenburg, Joseph, and Sue Swedenburg.

She dedicated her life to spreading the Gospel of Jesus both locally and abroad wherever she went. Her favorite verse was Jesus' mission statement; "I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly." John 10:10

At an early age, Mary Swedenburg committed her life to the call of the Lord for international missions. She went on to study at Oklahoma Baptist University and Southwestern Theological Seminary in preparation for this calling. Mary was appointed by the Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention on June 26th, 1969, to serve in Japan as a teacher and church planter. She loved the Japanese people and served them faithfully for the cause of knowing Christ as their savior until her retirement in March of 2005.

After retiring she was very active in sharing Jesus' love by serving as WMU director at Shades Crest Baptist Church, through the Mission Center of Green Springs, the Alabama Baptist Women and Children's Home, as well as a serving as a Sunday School teacher, Missions Friends Leader and WMU director at Abernant Baptist Church.  She was a bold and courageous Christ focused woman, led by the power of the Holy Spirit living a selfless life of perseverance, integrity, and humility. Her service to others was indicative of her committed faith and dedication to God. She loved to tell others, young and old, about Jesus. Her journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion for others and an unwavering faith in God. We ask that you remember her for the way her life was lived, for Christ. As Paul said in Romans, "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

Mary had a cultural sensitivity, a great intellect and an openness that allowed her to speak comfortably with anyone she met. She had a fun sense of humor and loved her only remaining sibling very much, Martha Ann Swedenburg King, of Decatur, AL, with whom she spoke with daily. She loved her many nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces, cousins and was loved by them. She will also be greatly missed by her friends and church family.

There will be a graveside service at Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery in Reform, Alabama at 11 a.m. on Friday the 7th of March 2025 located at 6716 County Road 27 just north of Reform. Visitation with the family will be held at 10 a.m. prior to the graveside service at Bethlehem Baptist Church. Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made in her memory to the Alabama WMU, the Alabama Baptist Women and Children's Home or the Abernant Baptist Church 13646 Lodge Rd, Abernant, AL 35440.