Esther Swetnam

Hazel Esther Swetnam (Chambers) was born in Benedict, Virginia on June 13th, 1928. The daughter of a coal miner, she grew up in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains in Bluefield, West Virginia with her 11 brothers and sisters. Her family later moved to Welch, West Virginia where she met Julian Swetnam. They married in 1946 after he returned from serving in the Navy in World War II. Julian and Esther later moved to Jeffersontown, Kentucky where Julian worked as a plumber and Esther raised their two sons. During her years living on Sue Helen Drive in Jeffersontown, she loved spending time with her grandsons who lived across the street and was also involved with the Jeffersontown United Methodist Church.

Later, Julian and Esther built a home in Fisherville, Kentucky. Esther took great pride in her home and enjoyed tending to her garden, hosting celebrations, and spending time with her family. She especially enjoyed family reunions. She was an independent woman with appreciation and gratitude for the simple things in life, such as sitting on her porch swing in the mornings and sipping coffee while listening to the birds. She lived by herself in her home after her husband's passing until the end of her life.

Esther is preceded in death by her husband Julian, sons Jim, Joseph, and Jacob (twins); parents Lucinda Draughn and Loranzy Dow (L.D.) Chambers; siblings Pearlie, Maudie, Franklin, Henry, Alice, Myrtle, Grace, Nellie, Thelma, Elbert, and Margaret; and her great-grandson Micah.

She is survived by her son Bruce (Pat); daughter-in-law Debbie; grandsons Chip (Anne). Josh (Jodi), and Nick; granddaughter Alex; and great-grandchildren Evan (Peyton), Ellie, Kaeley, Amani, and Azaria.

A visitation and service in memory of Esther's life will be held on Saturday July 10th at Southeast Christian Church Chapel In The Woods. Visitation will take place from 9am until 10:30 am with a service immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to www.gracemissionsinc.org

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