Elizabeth Rouse Swanson

Elizabeth Rouse Swanson, 90, of Clayton, formerly of Fayetteville, passed away at the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield, NC surrounded by her five daughters on Thursday, March 12, 2026. She was just 2 months shy of her 91st birthday.

Elizabeth Lane Rouse was born in Hope Mills, NC on May 11, 1935, the third daughter born to the late Joseph and Margaret (Maggie) Budd Rouse. She was affectionately known as “Lib” to her family and friends but once she became a grandmother in 1986, she became known as “Gumper”. Lib was predeceased by her husband of 27 years, Jerry Floyd Swanson, in 1983. She was also predeceased by her three sisters, Peggy Rouse Lawrence, Etta Mae Rouse and Cama Rouse Freeman; brothers-in-law Bill Lawrence and Ray Freeman; her nephew, Hylton Lawrence and her son-in-law Dale Bryant.

Lib is survived by her daughters, Sharron Swanson Bryant, Lynne Swanson Parrish (Charles), Deanna Swanson Carter (Chris), Jill Swanson Clark (Andrew), all of Clayton, NC, and Robin Swanson Register (Dallas) of Dunn, NC; grandsons Jonathan Byrd (Nicole), JD Bryant, Ryan Carter (Victoria), Matthew Muirhead (Amanda), Dylan Carter (Heather), and Aaron Clark; granddaughters Ashley Muirhead Riley (Austin) and Alexandria Clark; great-grandsons Nolan Carter, Lane Carter and Archer Riley; great-granddaughters Paige Byrd, Maeve Muirhead, Hallie Carter, Miller Muirhead and Amelia Riley.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 2pm in the Rogers & Breece Funeral Home Chapel, 500 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301. The Celebration of life will be live streamed. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service from 12:30-1:45pm at the funeral home. Burial will immediately follow the service at Lafayette Memorial Park, 2301 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC (across from the VA Medical Center).

Active pallbearers will be Jonathan Byrd, Ryan Carter, Dylan Carter, Matthew Muirhead, Aaron Clark and Austin Riley. Honorary pallbearers will be JD Bryant and Brandon Lusk.

Lib graduated from Hope Mills High School in 1953. She was an excellent student in school and she valued her education as well as the education of each of her children and grandchildren. She was an  accomplished basketball and softball player during her high school years. One of her proudest sports accomplishments was being able to play in the girls’ state basketball tournament held at ‘State College’ (now NCSU) when she was a high schooler. Lib was active in many school activities and clubs and was elected as Class President for her senior class.

Lib and Jerry were charter members of Hillside Baptist Church, where they worshipped for many years. Lib sang in the choir and she and Jerry enjoyed Sunday School, worship service and fellowship with their many church friends. Later, Lib became a charter member of Victory Baptist Church in Hope Mills where she attended until her move to Clayton.

Lib and Jerry had many business adventures throughout their marriage. Lib supported these businesses by acting as chief financial officer, personnel manager, payroll manager and overall accountant.   They were a great team and enjoyed much success. Unfortunately, end-stage renal failure forced Jerry to medically retire in 1976 and Lib continued to care for him during his
illness and early death in 1983 at age 46.

After Jerry’s death, Lib re-entered the public workforce and began her career with Cumberland County Schools. She transitioned through various school-based roles over the years and eventually transferred to the Central Office working in the student assignment department as a Planning Technician. For newcomers enrolling their children in Cumberland County Schools, Lib Swanson was the ‘face of the school system’. She received numerous compliments from her superintendents, school board members and parents of students she served with many continuing relationships even after she retired.

Retirement was an active part of Lib’s life. She and her sister Etta Mae traveled extensively taking trips to Alaska, Canada, Hawaii and Ireland among others. Lib participated and held offices in several civic and service organizations. She completed the BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) series and spent time visiting shut-ins around Fayetteville and in local nursing homes and hospitals.

Lib, Etta Mae and Cama relocated to Clayton in 2017 to be closer to Lib’s five daughters. Living closer to her girls, grandchildren and eventually her great grandchildren was the highlight of Gumper’s final years. The family had weeknight dinners together and frequent weekend and holiday parties to celebrate as a family. Lib joined Horne Memorial UMC in Clayton in 2018 and later joined Clayton Methodist Church at its formation in 2023. When her health prevented her attending church services in person, she enjoyed watching Hayes Barton Sunday services each week.

Gumper relocated a final time in 2024 to Kingswood Reserve Luxury Living for Seniors. As one of the first residents in the community, she made fast friends with the staff, residents and their
families. She enjoyed the activities and the camaraderie with her friends at Kingswood. Friday afternoon social hour was a highlight of the week and most Fridays some of her daughters joined
in with her. We cherish the many photos we have of Gumper enjoying her time at Kingswood Reserve.

Her daughters wish to extend special thanks to her extended family, friends, caregivers and staff at Kingswood Reserve for the special care provided to our mother. Additional thanks are extended to Jordan Johnson, RN and Sheila Lane, CNA from Hospice of Wilson for their support of our mother over the last two months. Gumper’s final two days of life were spent at the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield, NC where their kindness and gentle support was evident in the care she received. We are all thankful for everyone that loved our mother and cared for her without hesitation.

Gumper, we love you ‘way past the moon and back’ and will always know how much you loved us. You were truly a Proverbs 31 woman, and we are thankful that you gave us that example for
our own lives.

Flowers are welcomed; however, please consider memorial contributions in Elizabeth’s memory to the Capital Campaign of Clayton Methodist Church, PO Box 1117, Clayton, NC, 27528.

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