Biography: Swann Pinegar Kohler was born in the small farming community of Steprock, Arkansas, to the late Clifton Monroe Pinegar and Ethel Mae Pinegar on August 30, 1920. Swann?s father, a farmer and merchant, moved their family from their White County Farm to Augusta, Arkansas in 1935, so their four children could attend public schools in Augusta. Swann, a three year high school graduate, earned a scholarship to Draughan?s Business School in Little Rock, where she moved in 1941 to attend school and work in the insurance business. In 1943, she married Little Rock native, Landon Kohler, and they became parents of three children. Swann stayed home caring for the children, volunteering in PTA, church, Scouts, Garden Club, and the various children?s schools. She also continued her interests in writing and journalism, the subjects she had developed a passion for through an inspiring teacher in high school. Swann continued to study while becoming involved in public service in the Little Rock community she loved so well. Her volunteer work spanned education, healthcare, literature, and social justice while she pursued a late career in communications. At first, she freelanced writing at home, becoming a published writer in several magazines in the 1950s. During 1966-67, she wrote for Arkansas State Magazine, with a 1967 article bringing attention to the late architect, Fay Jones, highlighting his own home which was the first house he built and designed. That same year, she began working for a life insurance company in Little Rock. When the company sold, she became employed by Arkansas Enterprises for the Blind as public relations director and editor of the company magazine. In 1970, she was offered a position as Director of Communications and Public Information at St. Vincent?s Infirmary, the first in-house person to hold that position. While working there, in 1976, her husband was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, and died within three months, a crushing blow to Swann and three children just out of college. During Swann?s hospital tenure, she wrote and edited several publications while serving on various boards and committees. She retired from St. Vincent?s at the end of 1988 when the hospital was celebrating its statewide 100th anniversary, an event which she coordinated before retiring. She remembered that one of her greatest joys was working with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, KY, who then owned the hospital. Her retirement from St. Vincent's brought new honors and new opportunities for service to her life. Swann was honored in 1989, after her retirement, as Arkansas Mother of the Year by then Governor Bill Clinton. It was an award she cherished because her job as a mother and role model for her children was all important to her. The following year, Swann took on a new role as Director of Communications at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church and editor of the church paper. Having been a member since 1957, she was pleased to be able to utilize her skills as a writer and event organizer. Her proudest accomplishment was her role as one of the founders and organizers of the Annual Community Sunrise Service. She continued to serve the community and church in this position until her retirement 10 years later. Several church affiliated groups that she was dedicated to were: Butler Upper-Room Sunday School Class as a member, United Methodist Women, Board of Stewards, Board of Archives as an ex-officio member, and Camp Aldersgate as a board member for six years. Other memberships and honors of importance to Swann included being a past President of the National League of Penwomen, Pioneer Branch, as well as a founding member of Second Genesis Ministries, a rehabilitation home for paroled women which was renamed the Swann House in honor of her service. She was also a past President of the LR Departmental Club, and past board member of Little Rock Hospice. In 1990, Swann was named Arkansas Mother of the Year, and in 1996, she received the KARK Community Service Award, honoring her service to the Little Rock Community. Swann?s dedication to family, church, and community were the keys to her longevity and happiness. She sustained a lifelong ?thirst for giving? that will be remembered by all who knew her. Swann was preceded in death by her sister, Violet Gregory, and two brothers, James Pinegar and Carl Pinegar. Survivors include her son, Kinnard Kohler of Little Rock, daughter, Cheri Kohler Olmstead of Sacramento, CA, son Mark R. Kohler of Dallas, TX, a sister, Zula Spratt, who lived next door to her in Good Shepherd Retirement Center, nine grandchildren: Jeff Kohler, Kristie Tagupa, and Robyn Stallings (all of Jonesboro); Tracy Austin of Los Angeles, Brooke Govenar, and Barrie Olmstead of Sacramento, CA; Bennett Kohler, Elizabeth Kohler, and Emily Amacker (all of Dallas). Swann also had 17 great grandchildren, with one more due in just a few weeks, who will be named after Swann?s husband, Landon Kohler. Her legacy also includes one great-great-grandchild and many other extended family members, all of whom she loved and kept in contact with. She will be greatly missed by her family and the many friends who were part of her circle of caring. The family would like to thank the members and staff, past and present, of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church for providing a foundation of support and a faith-based community that sustained her throughout her lifetime. A visitation will be held at Ruebel Funeral Home on Friday July 8, 2016 from 7 to 830 p.m.. A celebration of Swann?s life will be at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church Saturday, July 9, 2016 at 11 a.m. officiated by Rev. Vic Nixon with Rev. Lynn Lindsey and Rev. Jeff Hampton assisting. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Swann Kohler Endowment at PHUMC Foundation. Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church 4823 Woodlawn Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.