Alma Jean Green

Alma Jean Hamlin Swaner Green, beloved educator and devoted Christian, passed away on October 23, 2024, at her daughter’s home in Dallas, at the age of 90. Alma, lovingly known as “Jean” was born February 23, 1934, in Eddy, Texas to the late Henry and Ara Hamlin. She dedicated her life to teaching and nurturing the minds of countless children. 

Visitation will start at 1:00 PM, Monday, October 28th at Axtell Baptist Church and funeral service will begin at 2:00 PM. Jean will be laid to rest next to her husband, Happy Swaner at Axtell Cemetery. 

Jean's career in education spanned over two decades as she taught 2nd grade at Axtell ISD. During her distinguished career, she had the profound privilege of touching the lives of over 3,000 children. Her retirement in 2003 did not mark the end of her passion for education; she continued to inspire students as a substitute teacher at LaVega ISD. Jean was a firm believer that teaching was her true calling, and her love for molding the lives of young learners was evident to all who knew her. Her warm and engaging personality created a classroom environment where children could flourish. 

A proud graduate of Baylor University, Jean earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education. She moved to Axtell from Eddy as a young bride, upon marrying Happy Swaner in 1951. Together they built a life filled with love and community involvement. As a devoted member of Axtell Baptist Church, Jean found joy and purpose in her faith. She cherished volunteering at Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Hospital’s gift shop, where she made a lasting impact through her kindness and service. Jean also had a passion for the beauty of nature, enjoying her flowers in the yard, and she delighted in baking for church functions and neighbors, particularly during the holiday season. 

Jean is survived by her children; daughter, Diann Swaner Alden Sutherland and her husband, Tom of Dallas; Fred L. Swaner and his wife, Susan of Axtell; Troy D. Swaner of Dallas; and daughter-in-law, Suzanne H. Swaner of Dallas. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Ryan Swaner and his wife, Adrianne, Lauren Swaner McAlister and her husband, Blake, Jack Alden Swaner, Wyatt Henry Swaner, and Luke Hero Swaner, all of Dallas; and Evelyn Christen and her husband, Matthew, Julianna Steffek, and Emma Steffek all of Waco. She is further survived by her great-grandchildren: Hudson and Logan McAlister, and Ryan M. Swaner, II, of Dallas, as well as Josef, Benedict, and Margaret Christen both of Waco, along with extended family and a host of former students who were profoundly influenced by her dedication. 

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Ara Hamlin; her husband of 22 years, Happy Swaner; her sister, Beatrice E. Garner; her brother, Ralph Hamlin; her daughter-in-law, Betty Swaner; and her son-in-law, George B. Alden, Jr. 

Jean will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to education, her compassion for others, and her enduring love for family. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

Numbers 6:24-26 

The Lord bless you, and keep you; is my lasting prayer for each of you. 

 The family invites you to leave a message or memory of Jean, on her “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.