Mrs. Swimmer was born October 2, 1917, Rose Prairie, Oklahoma, to Cull and Josie (Sixkiller) Swimmer. She began her education at Sequoyah Indian Boarding School in 1927 and graduated in 1939. When she began her schooling at Sequoyah, she was unable to speak English. Her native language was Cherokee and she was taught traditional Cherokee ways by her mother and father. Upon entering Sequoyah, she was not allowed to speak the Cherokee language and quickly learned to speak English. During her 12 years at Sequoyah, she became a master craftsperson. She was well known for her beautiful pottery, especially the sets of dinnerware she molded from clay transported from Georgia near the beginning place of the Trail of Tears.

Susie was hard working woman. She worked several years for Cook's Restaurant in Locust Grove, where she was known for her delicious homemade pies. She commuted to Arkansas to work for Tyson, and was a drapery seamstress for several years at Fabricut. During her later years, Susie especially enjoyed her activities and contributions as a teacher's aide at the Locust Grove Elementary School where she would play ball and other games with the children in her classroom. She was energetic and loved being outdoors with her animals and chickens.

Susie was a full blood Cherokee. She was proud of her Cherokee heritage and was a member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. An outstanding characteristic she had was the ability to find good in everyone.  She passed from this life on Wednesday, October 29, 2003, in Locust Grove.

She is survived by three children, Sid Swimmer of Locust Grove, Kay Turner of Sallisaw, and Meredith Frailey of Locust Grove; one brother, Bob and wife Nellie Downing of Locust Grove; one sister, Alyene LaBouff of Locust Grove; two grandchildren, Brandon Frailey of Locust Grove and Maco Turner of Sallisaw; and her twin great grandchildren, Sidney and Jaysie Frailey. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, and one sister, Emma Swimmer McLemorey.

She will be greatly missed by her children, friends and family. All who knew her loved her very much.

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