Connie Skinner Mcswain

Connie Skinner McSwain, age 64 of Paris, TN, died Monday, June 17, 2019, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL.

She retired after 19 years as the Director of the W.G. Rhea Library in Paris, TN, where she served since September 1, 1999.  Before becoming the library director, she served 12 years in the Paris Special School District at both Rhea and Paris Elementary Schools in various positions.  Connie was a former Henry County Commissioner serving for 11 years, first for District 2 and next for District 5.  She was a member of the Henry County Medical Center Foundation Board, the Paris-Henry County Arts Council, Downtown Paris Association, the Henry County Office on Aging Board, and the Tennessee Library Board.  She also attended Paris Leadership & West Star Leadership, was a member of the Literacy Council & Imagination Library and served in the Early Headstart Program.  She was a member of the Athena Delphian Club and a former member of the Paris Rotary Club.  Connie loved her family while serving and raising her children in Henry County.

Connie was born March 16, 1955, in Nashville, TN, to the late James Skinner and the late Mable Ann “Annie” Herbert Skinner Patton.

She was married March 30, 1974, to John G. McSwain, who preceded her in death on December 2, 1998.

She is survived by her three sons, Houston (Tiffany) McSwain of Jackson, TN, Justin (Heather) McSwain of Paris, TN, and Michael (Rebecca) McSwain of Paris, TN; special friend, Samuel Barth of Paris, TN; one sister, Mary Ann Ezell of Huntsville, AL; and four grandchildren, Turner Austin McSwain, John Evan McSwain, John Haynes McSwain, and Miller Barton McSwain.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by two brothers, James A. “Buddy” Skinner and Robert Skinner.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap St, Paris, TN.  The body is to be cremated.  Memorial visitation will be Monday, June 24, 2019, from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home, with the memorial service beginning at 1:00 pm at LeDon Chapel of Ridgeway Funeral Home.

Burial of cremains will follow in Maplewood Cemetery in Paris, TN.

Memorials may be made to:  Friends of the W.G. Rhea Library, 400 West Washington Street, Paris, TN 38242   or   Paris-Henry County Arts Council, PO Box 1045, Paris, TN 38242   or   Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge, 1371 Wildlife Drive, Springville, TN 38256.