Tawanna Swinney

Ms. Tawanna Swinney was born in Sandersville, Georgia to Susie Swiney and grew up in Southwest Atlanta, Georgia, where she was a 1987 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, 1991 graduate of Atlanta Metropolitan College and a proud alumna of Georgia State University, where she received her Bachelor’s of Social Work in 1994 and Master’s of Education in 2023. A dedicated educator, Tawanna taught Language Arts at Cedar Grove Middle School, Columbia Middle School, Mundy’s Mill Middle School, and most recently at Freedom Middle School where she served as team leader. She also taught at Oak View Elementary School. She earned certifications in Middle Grades (4-8) Language Arts, Reading (P-12); Reading Endorsement, Gifted In-Field, ESOL Endorsement and Special Education Cognitive and Consultative Level: All Content Areas. She was a sports enthusiast, often watching several games at the same time and officiating from her seat or feet. She enjoyed talking about sports and her favorite radio station was 92.9 The Game. Tawanna was a huge Atlanta Falcons and Braves fan. She also enjoyed reviewing technology and keeping family and friends up to date with the latest gadgets. She was also an avid sneaker collector. Tawanna loved spending time with family and friends and cooking. She often spent her evenings and weekends planning lessons and activities for her students. Tawanna is survived by her mother, Susie Swiney; brother, Eric Swinney; beloved aunt Wylene Swinney and cousin, Felicia Swinney. She will be forever remembered by a host of aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins and longtime friends. She shared a special bond with her friend, Mrs. Karen Bryant. Tawanna had a positive, hardworking attitude, a great sense of humor, and always encouraged students to be their best, believing that reading was the key to success. While she is deeply missed her family hopes everyone will remember her life, legacy, and passion for reading, motivating students and coworkers. Tawanna was preceded in death by her grandparents, Johnny and Susie Swinney, aunt, Mae Frances Swinney, and cousin, Charlotte Swinney. Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Rainbow Park Baptist Church 2941 Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30034. Please express your condolences here on our website. Services entrusted to Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, South Dekalb Chapel 4347 Flat Shoals Pkwy, Decatur, GA 30034.

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Tawanna Swinney

April 20, 1969 - May 14, 2025