Lorraine Diane Swinney

Lorraine Diane Swinney, 63, of Garden Ridge, Texas, entered into the wonders of Heaven and was embraced by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, after faithfully finishing her earthly journey on October 15, 2023. Lorraine was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who left an imprint on everyone she knew and met with her infectious personality, faithful care and service for others, and intense love and devotion to those who knew and loved her. 

She was born to Malford C. Ackermann and Rosemarie Orth Ackermann on August 30, 1960, in Seguin, Texas. Enjoying a deep family heritage in Schertz, Texas, Lorraine spent all of her formative years in the area, graduating from Samuel Clemens High School in 1978. She truly loved leading the Samuel Clemens band as drum major and her part-time Sonic carhop work, which funded her first sports car, a red 1977 Camaro. After graduating with recognition in the National Honor Society, she maintained many lifelong friendships. She loved spearheading reunion-planning, and treasured moments spent laughing and reminiscing with her family and friends. 

            Lorraine met her high-school sweetheart, Timothy Swinney, in the band. They married at Beitel Memorial Lutheran Church in San Antonio, Texas on October 6, 1979. As a true testament to their unconditional love, they were able to renew their vows on their 44th wedding anniversary. They accomplished many goals together in their marriage, but their most treasured blessings were their three children. Lorraine followed her calling to devote her life to raising children in Christ and decided to stay home as a full-time mom and wife. They welcomed their first child, Robert Travis, in June of 1981, Kyle Wesley in December of 1984, and Lauren Rose in April of 1991. 

            Lorraine’s lifework demonstrated her priorities, goals, and values. She loved God and devoted her time to hundreds of children and their families as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher for over 30 years. Her former students love to share stories about how Ms. Lorraine made the Bible fun, especially when taught in Goofy slippers. She often fraught over how to pronounce all of those Old Testament pronunciations, but reveled in the fact that technology and audiobooks made that part much easier. 

            She was the foundation of her family. Lorraine was a wonderful military wife, supporting her husband and establishing new homes in their many assignments. She loved her children immensely and made sure to talk to them every single day. As a grandmother, known as MoMo to her six grandchildren, she loved to spoil all of them with special treats, outings, and sleepovers. 

Lorraine also pursued her own goals and ambitions. She completed her life-long goal to be a cosmetologist after completing her Aveda training and Texas certification as a licensed cosmetologist in 2015. She enjoyed showcasing her myriad talents and hobbies in various endeavors including sewing, soap making, and baking. She enjoyed traveling the world with Timothy. They reaffirmed their faith by being rebaptized together in the Jordan River while in Israel in 2010. 

            Lorraine had a way of making everyone around her feel like they were important and special. She loved to remember and celebrate birthdays for family and friends. She touched the lives of family, friends, and acquaintances alike who admired her strength, unapologetic zest for life, and her commitment to raising children in a Godly home. Lorraine will forever leave an imprint on the lives of all who knew her because of her love, support, teaching, and laughter. 

            Lorraine is survived by her husband, Timothy G. Swinney; her son, Kyle W. Swinney and wife, Mary; and her daughter, Lauren R. Sigmon and husband, Eric. She adored her six grandchildren:  Adalyn G. Swinney, Kailyn A. Swinney, McKenzie R. Sigmon, Nolan J. Swinney, Rhett T. Sigmon, and Nathan R. Swinney. She is also survived by her mother, Rosemarie Orth Ackermann, sisters Beverly R. Jobe and husband, Charles; Hazel M. Tucker, and husband, Mitchell; Janice K. Ackermann; and brother, Dr. J. Albert Ackermann; brother-in-law, Steve Swinney, and wife, Cheryl; and brother-in-law, John Swinney, and wife, Julia. She was preceded in death by her son, Robert T. Swinney, and father, Malford C. Ackermann.

Our family is grateful to the neurosurgeons, nurses, and caregivers that compassionately cared for Lorraine during the last four months. Visitation and services will be held at First Baptist Church of Universal City, Texas on October 24, 2023, with visitation and fellowship from 9:00 am to 10:00 am and a Celebration of Life, officiated by Pastor David Lindow, beginning at 10:00am.  Services will be lived-streamed for those unable to attend in person.  Interment will be at St. Paul Cemetery in Cibolo, Texas.

Memorial donations may be made to the Gideon’s Bible program, the American Cancer Society, the First Baptist Church of Universal City Enduring Love Foundation, or a charity of choice.