Jan Bennett Swygert

Jan Bennett Swygert, 73, of Newberry, passed away on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at her home.

Born on March 2, 1952, in Newberry, she was a daughter of the late W.W. and Faye Cathy Bennett. She was predeceased by a sister, Cathy Bennett.

Jan was baptized at Aveleigh Presbyterian Church and attended Newberry City Schools. After graduating Newberry High School in 1970, she enrolled in the University of South Carolina where she obtained her BA degree in Social Studies/Education in 1974. She would later attend graduate school and obtain her Library Science degree in 1976. She loved her time at USC and always maintained her love for the Gamecocks.

She taught history at Bishopville High School for a year and then spent the next 29 years as a librarian and media specialist in Berkeley and Dorchester County Schools. In Berkeley County she worked at all grade levels - elementary, middle and high school. Jan finished her career in Dorchester 2 School District at Winsor Hill Elementary. Jan enjoyed her professional life and always wanted her library to be a welcoming place and learning center for all the students. She especially enjoyed working with the special needs students.

Another important part of her life was being a coach's wife. She loved football and being in the stands for Friday night lights. Jan was so proud of raising a quarterback son and really proud when he signed with her beloved Gamecocks.

She relished her 20 years of retirement life. Playing cards with lifetime friends, Ramey Koon and John Dominick and with new friend, Jerry Hall were special times for her. The ladies nights out for dinner with Olivia Hensley, Margaret Reibe and Lynn Underwood were delightful times where they shared a meal and maybe a margarita.

Traveling across the country with Dennis were great times as well. Her favorite places were Edisto Beach, Newport, Rhode Island, and Flagstaff, Arizona.

Jan is survived by her husband of 46 years, Dennis Swygert; a son, Bennett Swygert (Lindsey) and granddaughters, Skyler Swygert and Harper Swygert; brother-in-law, Duane Swygert (Bonnie); cousin, Beth Thurmond (Sonny); step-son, Christian Swygert (Tracy); step-daughter, Amanda Dease (Mark); step-grandchildren, Jaymen Swygert, Cade Swygert, Mady Swygert, Olivia Dease, Amelia Dease, Caine Swygert, Trent Short and Preston Short.

Special thanks are extended to Amedisys Hospice and good friend, Janis Gary for their end of life care.

The family will hold a private family burial and celebration of life event at a later date.

Jan supported two worthy projects that benefited children and would request that those desiring do likewise in her memory – Thornwell Orphanage, 302 S. Broad Street, Clinton, SC 29325 or the Boys Farm, PO Box 713, Newberry, SC 29108

Jan was a wonderful wife, great mother and grandmother and good friend. Her life's journey is over, but what a remarkable journey she experienced.