Sidney R. Swiggett

October 25, 1928 - October 30, 2017
Sidney R. Swiggett

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Sidney R. Swiggett, 89, died on Monday, October 30, 2017.  He was born on October 25, 1928 in Greensboro, North Carolina to Claude E. and Bessie White Swiggett.

He married Betty Mitchell in 1956 and they were together for 58 years, until Betty passed away in May of 2014.  They had a daughter, Barbara Jeanne Swiggett, who tragically died in an airplane crash in 1968 at the age of 10.

Mr. Swiggett was employed by the Hampton School Division and taught Choral Music at Hampton High School for thirty years, 1959-1989.  Many of his former students chose music education for their careers due to his influence.  He was active in the Music Educators National Conference for over fifty years and served in many capacities in the Virginia Music Educators Association during that time.

Mr. Swiggett is predeceased by his parents; his wife, Betty; his daughter Barbara Jeanne; two brothers, Claude E. Swiggett, Jr., and Carl Swiggett; seven sisters, Kathryn Thompson, Frances Dunn, Edna McFarland, Edith Godfrey, Mary Elizabeth Smith, Wilma Taylor, and Nancy Swiggett.  He is survived by a brother, Douglas Swiggett; and many nieces and nephews.

On Monday, November 6, a memorial service, followed by a reception will be conducted at the Williamsburg United Methodist Church, 500 Jamestown Road, at 1 PM.  Burial at Parklawn Cemetery in Hampton will be private.  In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Building Fund or the Music Ministry of the Williamsburg United Methodist Church.


Service

Monday, November 6, 2017
1:00 PM

Williamsburg United Methodist Church - Directions
500 Jamestown Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188

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  • November 01, 2017
    Denise Douglas says:
    I am truly sorry for your loss. Revelation 21:4 speaks of a time when we will no longer have to face sickness, pain, and even death. Be assured that we will see those we have lost in death again here on earth. John 5:28, 29 speaks of that resurrection. May the God of Comfort give you peace. Please go to the website JW.ORG to learn more about life and the promises that are in store for us

  • November 05, 2017
    Gene Edmonds says:
    Mr. Swiggett was the first educator in my life who took a personal interest in what I thought and wanted. I cherish my 3 years in the HHS acapella choir. My love of music, Nurtered in our home by my mother, took a strangle hold on my heart during my association with the world according to Swiggett.

  • November 07, 2017
    Ruth Smith says:
    I was one of those people who chose music as a college major and career because of Mr. Swiggett. During my time in the HHS Acappella Choir in the early 70s, he taught us quality music and held us to high standards. I have always been grateful for the opportunity of being part of that group and knowing such a wonderful man. One of the amazing pieces of music I first learned in his choir concludes with these words from Revelation 22: "E'en so, Lord Jesus, quickly come, and night shall be no more; they need no light nor lamp nor sun, for Christ will be their all." I pray that Sidney Swiggett is now singing with the angels, and maybe even conducting the choir!

  • November 09, 2017
    Judy (Bretana) Williamson says:
    My love of music continued after high school and even today due in part to the wonderful experiences and encouragement I received during my years in music with Mr. Swiggett. I hope that all the comments about him from his former students and colleagues will be of some comfort to his family.