Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Longtime City Clerk Remembered
FARMINGTON — Helen Jean Swift, 83, of Farmington, who served for 26 years as city recorder/treasurer, passed away Monday, May 8, 2017, in Springdale, Ark. She was born Sept. 19, 1933, in Farmington, the daughter of Floyd L. and Mary Jo (Johnson) Wilson.
Swift was a long-term employee of First Federal Savings and Loan. She was the co-owner of Swift’s Car Wash in Farmington.
In addition to her public service as Farmington’s city recorder/treasurer, Swift also served on Farmington City Council and the Washington County Planning Commission. She volunteered for Thursday School at the Farmington Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Hugh Eldon Swift; her parents; and one brother, Earl Wilson.
She is survived by her son, Terry Swift and wife Beverly; two sisters, Marilyn Staton and Shirley Hudson and husband Tommy; one granddaughter, Melissa Doss and husband Tommy; four great-grandchildren, Kaytlyne Doss, Kolby Doss, Kaden Doss and Kelsey Doss.
Swift was appointed city recorder/treasurer on Feb. 9, 1981. Later, the position became the elected city clerk position. Swift retired in December 2006.
Farmington Mayor Ernie Penn said Swift was very pro-Farmington and was devoted to making sure the city was financially secure.
“Being a public servant is one of the toughest jobs anyone can do,” Penn said. “Anyone who does it for that length of time, that’s a great honor she did for our city.”
During the early years of Swift’s service, the city encountered some financial difficulties, Penn said.
“Jean was very instrumental in getting the city on a stable foundation during that time,” he added.
Former City Council member Janie Steele said Swift was very dedicated to Farmington and loved the community.
“She went to school in Prairie Grove but she had lived here for a long time,” Steele said.
Swift served with a number of Farmington mayors, including Bobby Carlisle, Roy Drake, Jon Steele and Penn.
Her funeral service was held May 11, 2017, at the Farmington Church of Christ. Burial was in the Farmington Cemetery.
Luginbuel Funeral Home of Prairie Grove, Ark., was in charge of arrangements. The online guest book is available at www.luginbuel.com.