Susan Swofford Gearhart, 87, of Athens, passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2026. Born July 27, 1938, in Atlanta, she was the daughter of the late Curtis and Sue Cartledge Swofford and stepdaughter of the late Helen Swofford. She was a graduate of Baker High School in Columbus, GA.

Mrs. Gearhart devoted 35 years of faithful service as receptionist and secretary at St. Joseph Catholic School, where her steady presence, gracious professionalism, and quiet diligence were a comfort to generations of students, families, and colleagues.

She cherished time spent traveling with her husband and took special joy in family reunions, valuing the closeness of family and the enduring bonds of shared memories.

In addition to her parents and stepmother, Mrs. Gearhart was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Thomas Gearhart; brothers, Robert and Don Swofford; and grandson-in-law, Travis Kurtz.

Mrs. Gearhart is survived by her children, Mark (Tammay) Gearhart of Martin , Jeff (Sharon) Gearhart of Fort Pierce, FL and Susan (Bo) Parker of Monroe; grandchildren, Regina Kurtz, Catie (Tim) Lees, Wil (Emily) Gearhart, Matthew Gearhart, Joe (Alyssa) Gearhart, Josh Parker, and Jessica (Cliff) Stone; 14 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Janet Swofford; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

A Rosary Service will be held on Sunday, June 14, at 4:30 p.m., followed by visitation with the family from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Bernstein Funeral Home.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, June 15, at 10:00 a.m., at The Catholic Center at the University of Georgia. Inurnment will be in Evergreen Memorial Park.

The family expresses its appreciation to The Haven at Cedar Shoals and Bristol Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Joseph Scholarship Fund, 958 Epps Bridge Parkway, Athens, GA 30606.

Bernstein Funeral Home in Athens is in charge of arrangements.

This announcement is courtesy of Whitlock Mortuary, Funerals and Cremations.