Rosalie Thornton Swinney was born on January 21, 1937, in Montgomery, Alabama.  She was the daughter of the late Henry and Mary Bell Floyd Thornton.

During the early years of her life, her family moved to Albany, Georgia where she attended the public schools of Dougherty County and participated in various school activities.  As a youth, she  accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior.

Osie, as she was affectionately called by family and friends, was a loving and caring mother who looked well to the ways of her household.  As a homemaker, she diligently cared for the needs of her family.  She was blessed not only with children, but grandchildren and great grandchildren who were a source of joy and pride in her life.  The family shared many happy and precious moments together and truly enjoyed the simple pleasures of life.  In her free time, she enjoyed watching game shows, shopping, and cooking.

Devoted daughter, loving mother, caring sister, nurturing aunt, reliable cousin, and compassionate friend, Osie was a good natured and generous lady with a big heart, and a pleasure to be around.  In her family, she was the "calm in the storm—the glue that held them together."  She believed deeply in unconditional love, enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and delighted in helping and caring for others.  Her friendliness and kindness to all people and her devotion and love for her family and friends are lasting tributes to the beauty of her heart and soul.  Her presence will deeply be missed by all who had the privilege to have known her.

On Friday, May 19, 2017, Rosalie's earthly journey ended when she answered the Master's call to come home.  In addition to her parents, she preceded in death  by her siblings, Gracie Thornton, John Henry Thornton, Willie C. Thornton, Albert Thornton, Jerry Lee Thornton, David Lee Chatman, and Ophelia Watson; and five children, William Willis, Jr., Roger Willis, Johnny Thornton, Charlie Swinney, Jr., and Charlie Mae Swinney.

She leaves to mourn her passing and cherish her fond memories, five loving children, Hayward Thornton, Thomas McCray, Connie Jones, Barbara S. (Reverend Tommy) Washington, and Stephanie (Michael) Scott; one sister, Willie Mae Chatman Hagines; grandchildren, Bernell Charles, Thomasina S. McCray, Tracy McCray, Thomas McCray, Jr., Vanessa Condover, Denver McCray, Sparkle McCray, Ohara Thomas, Jr., Michelle Willis, Robert Jones, William Jones, Shameka Starling, Travis Starling, Earl Frazier, Jr., Jimtavious Clyde, David Swinney, Shannador Teemer, Shavonda Teemer, Shellie Teemer, ShaNetreus Swinney, and Michael Scott, Jr.; special nieces and nephews, Sandra Davis, Walter Thornton, Angela Moore, Cunningham Watson, Louise Watson, Pearlie M. Watson, Lamar Watson, Eugene Thornton, Ollie M. Thornton, Lamar Thornton, Barbara J. Thornton, Tracy Watkins, Tommy L. Hagines, Jr., Tonya H. Swinney, and James Hagines; a special friend and caretaker, Lillian Upshaw; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

Mother, you will always be the center of our hearts.
You were our beginning and now your spirit will live within us until the end.
You were our strength, joy and happiness.
The loving memories that you have given us will remain in our hearts to cherish.
Your unconditional love, strong will, and ability to "keep on keeping on" no matter what, will inspire us to do better.
We love you Osie!