With deepest sorrow we at Henryhand Funeral Home regret to announce the passing of Rosa M. Swinney-Martin, 89, of Kingstree, SC, widow of the late Sylvester Martin and Clarence Swinney, who passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at MUSC, Florence, SC.

Reflections of Life

A Journey Begins March 27, 1935

I expect to pass through the world but once; therefore, any good that I can do or any kindness that I can show anyone, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again… Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he was dead, yet shall he live.    John 11:25

A Journey Ends Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Mother Rosa Mae Epps Swinney-Martin was born on March 27, 1935, to the late Isiah and Gladys McAllister Epps. Rosa accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at an early age to begin a life journey of true devotion. Mother Rosa joined St. Mary United Methodist Church at an early age. Mother Rosa was an active member of New Jerusalem Church in New York, Sherman Memorial Church of God in Christ, Charlotte NC, where she served faithfully as Deaconess, Mother's Board, Missionary Board, and in various other auxiliaries. She was a dedicated, loving, and supportive daughter, sister, aunt, mother, wife, grandmother, and friend.

Rosa received her education in Williamsburg County, South Carolina. She relocated to Baltimore, Maryland and later Rosa relocated to New York. Mother Rosa was employed at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, New York and Rosa also worked as a Clerk for the Voter's Registration office in New York and Charlotte, North Carolina. Mother Rosa was a very elegant woman who enjoyed life to the fullest and praising her God. Mother Rosa was a passionate woman with many talents, she inspired the hearts of many people both near and far through her unconditional love.

Mother Rosa was preceded in death by her devoted husbands, Clarence W. Swinney and Sylvester Martin, her parents Isiah and Gladys McAllister Epps, a daughter, Shirley D Epps, four siblings, Santana Epps, Evangelist Christine McCray, John W. Epps and Lillie Mae McFadden.

Those left to cherish her memories are: her devoted daughter, Dollie (Kevin) Taylor-John of New York; two adopted daughters, Beverly Smith and Michelle Cooley of New York;  four grandsons, a devoted grandson reared as her son, Kashsene Taylor of Charlotte NC, Rodney Taylor of Raleigh NC, Duane Taylor and Leon Epps both of New York; a devoted nephew/adopted son, Johnny I. Epps; a special devoted friend she called her son, Reverend Derrick Conyers of Charlotte NC; two goddaughters, Deborah Rose Epps of Cades, SC and Maryland Toney of New York; four sisters, Laura McFadden, Nora (Otis) Franklin both of Cades, SC, Mary E. Williams of Kingstree, SC and Elizabeth (Darryl) Pressley of Florence, SC; two brothers, David I. Epps of Raiford FL and Leroy (Blondell) Epps of Florence, SC; four stepchildren; one uncle, John Epps of Washington DC; one aunt, Ella G. Russell of New Jersey; a host of great grand nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

The family is receiving friends and family at the home of Nora and Otis Franklin, 5 Canoe Lane, Cades, SC.

All arrangements and professional services have been entrusted to Henryhand Funeral Home of Kingstree, SC. 843-354-2292.