Bernice Earline Brown Swaim

Bernice Earline Brown Swaim, 88, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 22, 2026. She was born on March 13, 1937, in Greenville, SC, to the late Rev. Dr. William Herbert Brown and Jennie Gaynell Brevard Brown. Bernice was involved heavily with the local community, serving as an active member and eventual board member for Next-Step ministries, and found joy in helping others. She served for many years as an X-Ray technician, and then as a counselor for Salem Pregnancy Center in Winston-Salem. Bernice was also an active member of the children’s ministry, singing in the choir, and teaching Vacation Bible school at her church. She also helped organize and lead an independent woman’s Bible study group in Kernersville and was key in founding the Kernersville Trailblazer’s 4-H Horse Club which all her children were heavily involved in for many years. Most importantly, she was deeply rooted in her faith, and accepted Jesus into her heart as a young girl. Bernice was a loyal and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was attentive and will be remembered for the deep empathy she had for others.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Brevard Brown; as well as her two sisters, Juanita Pickens and Rebecca Walker.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving and devoted husband of 68 years, Donnie Lee Swaim; three children, Dr. Mark Swaim, Scott Swaim, and Lori Montoya; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; as well as other extended family members.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel with Dr. Rob Decker officiating. A visitation will be held at 1:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home.