Anita "Shyrel" Swaims

Anita Shyrel Swaims, age 59, of Alexander, on Saturday, October 31, 2020, around 2:30 PM, we not only lost our mom, daughter, and wife, but we all lost our best friend.

She was born on March 17, 1961, in Beebe, to Marvin Black and Mary Alice Foster Black. On March 31, 1990, she married Kevin Swaims. She was preceded in death by her mother.

Shyrel was a member of New Life Church in Bryant and worked for Baptist Health Family Clinic-Bryant for over 30 years. She was a former volunteer firefighter and EMT. She loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing, playing with her grandchildren, watching her husband race cars, you name it, she loved it. Shyrel and Kevin loved to go camping together and going on cruises. Her family was everything to her, especially her grandchildren.

She was the sweetest, most caring, gentle, funny loving, forgiving, warm and welcoming woman. She was her daughter’s shopping buddy, crafting partner, shoulder to lean on through all of life’s ups and downs. She taught us to forgive, to have humility, and to follow God and to always put Him first. She believed in us and never gave up on anyone no matter what. She was always there to catch us when we would fall and hold both of our hands until she knew we were steady again. She loved her entire family and always made sure we knew it.

She fought long and hard with a smile on her face every step of the way. Her battle with cancer wasn’t easy but we know she’s healthier and happier than ever right now. She is so incredibly missed already and we know this is just the beginning of a long hard road. We know your heavenly reunion was absolutely beautiful. Please watch over all of us. We love you so much.

Shyrel is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Kevin Swaims of Alexander; her son and daughter-in-law, Jimmy and Lauralee Mattix of Bryant; her daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Brian Pittman of Alexander; nine grandchildren, Dakotah, Reaghen, Jacob, Easton, Brody, Drake, Lynlee, Laken and Laine; her father and step-mother, Marvin and Marylann Black of Hot Springs; her brother, Jeff Worthen of North Little Rock; extended family members and a host of wonderful friends.

Graveside service will be held Wednesday, November 4, 2020, at 2:00 PM in the Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Pastor Raymond Black officiating under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Hot Springs.

Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com.