Victoria Beatrice Cornwell Swinney, 98, passed away peacefully on the evening of August 23, 2024. Born July 25, 1926 to William & Eva Cornwell, Bea was the eldest of three children. Bea spent her childhood in Pine Mountain Valley. It was there, at 10 years of age, that she met her loving husband, Jim Swinney. They were high school sweethearts and both graduated from Hamilton High School; Bea was the salutatorian of the class of 1943. While Jim served in the Navy, Bea graduated from business school in West Point, GA. Upon Jim’s return from the service, they were married on February 17, 1946 and later moved to Cordele, GA. In Cordele, Bea and Jim raised their two children, Cheryl and Jimmy. Bea worked for the Crisp County Board of Education until her retirement. Bea was a devout Christian and member of Cordele First United Methodist Church where she served in the United Methodist Women for many years. Bea loved cooking and anything she prepared was always homemade and delicious. More than anything, Bea loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. To all of them, as well as many others, she was affectionately known as Mama Bea. To all of those who were blessed to know her as Mama Bea, she will be remembered as full of kindness, selfless generosity, and a beautiful smile.

Bea was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, James Dudley Swinney, Sr., as well as her daughter and her husband, Cheryl and Jeff Couturier.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, James Dudley Swinney, Jr. (Connie), her grandchildren, James Swinney, Will Swinney (Betsy), Janie Swinney Peaster, Julie Bea Couturier McLeod (Dave), Megan Couturier Thomas (Scott), Susan Swinney Burnett (Jon), fifteen great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held September 3, 2024 at noon.Andersonville National Cemetery, 496 Cemetery Road, Andersonville, GA 31711. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cordele First United Methodist Church, 302 East 12th Avenue, Cordele, GA 31015.