Bernice Rosalie "Bee" Swartz

Bee Swartz (better known as Bee, Sis, or Sissy), 91, of Manassas, Virginia, died Sunday, September 22, 2024, at her home at Arbor Terrace Sudley Manor, surrounded by her family. Born on May 10, 1933 in Whitmer, West Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Harold M. and Lucy N. (Thompson) Lambert.

Bee grew up in Wiley Ford, West Virginia and graduated from Ridgley High School in 1951. After graduation, she moved to Washington, DC and was employed by Geico where she met the love of her life, Joe Swartz, Sr. They were married on April 16, 1955. After raising her children, she returned to work at C.L. Barnes Furniture in Vienna, VA as the office manager until her retirement in 1988. Bee and Joe moved to Surfside Beach, South Carolina in 1993. Although Bee never moved back to West Virginia, her beloved state remained in her heart forever.

Bee was a loving, generous and kind person who was happiest when with her family and friends. Being the eldest of eight children, she enjoyed buying special gifts for her siblings. Along with her husband, they welcomed them into their home in Vienna, VA so they could start their careers. She loved being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and was overjoyed when they all gathered at her home, whether in Vienna, VA or Surfside Beach, SC.

Bee and Joe enjoyed life to the fullest, traveling around the country in their motorhome. Bee traveled to all 50 states. They were also avid Western Square Dancers and eventually, Joe became a square dance caller. They were involved with many clubs in the DMV area and when they moved to South Carolina, they continued their involvement in Square Dancing. After Joe’s passing, Bee continued supporting square dancing and her husband’s club, The Dixie Diamonds. In 2016, she received the Distinguished Service Award from the South Carolina Square and Round Dance Federation for her dedication to service and unselfish contributions.

Bee was a devoted, long-time member of the Oakton Church of the Brethren where she served as a Deacon, Sunday school teacher, a member of the Stewardship Committee, and was active in the Women’s Fellowship. She co-chaired the Mature Adult group, coordinating fun activities for the retirees. While living in South Carolina, she attended the Surfside Beach United Methodist Church and served as the Joy Circle Vice-chair and Chair.

An avid sports fan, Bee was passionate about the Washington Commanders, Washington Senators/Nationals, and West Virginia University.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph D. Swartz, Sr., brother, Elwood Lambert and brothers-in-law, Jerry Twigg and Roy Miller. She was a devoted and loving mother to Joseph D Swartz, Jr. and wife Linda of Louisville, Kentucky, Melanie Kim Ferrari and husband John of Fairfax, Virginia, and Chris D Swartz of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. She is survived by her grandchildren: Jason and wife, Melissa Ferrari, Karen Swartz, Debby and husband, August Marchetti, Brent Collum, and Paige and husband, Allen Milbourne and Great-Grandchildren Gabriella and Victoria Ferrari, Skylar Lankford, Hunter Reese, Kylie Milbourne, Emma Collum, and Jimmy, Jenny, and Josie Marchetti. Also, surviving is a special uncle, Donald Thompson, and siblings: Wilma Twigg, Dwight and Betty Lambert, Frank and Lynn Lambert, Phyllis and Eddie Litton, Brenda Miller, and Karen and Richard Jewell, sister-in-law Gail Lambert and many special nieces and nephews.

When Bee returned to Virginia in 2019, she moved into Arbor Terrace Sudley Manor Assisted Living. The family would like to thank the staff for their love, care, and compassion of their “Miss Bee”. You truly provided a wonderful, safe home environment for our mother and she loved living there.

God also sent us an angel when Folake “aka Helen” Ukpe became Bee’s caregiver. They had a special bond. She loved Bee as much as her family, providing outstanding care and ensuring excellent quality of life. Folake will always hold a special place in our hearts and forever be a part of the Swartz/Lambert family.

The family would also like to thank her doctors: Dr. Arun Gupta, PA Karen Olmo, Dr. Richard Swift, Dr. Hoda Hachicho, Dr. Merdod Ghafouri and Vitas Hospice for their care, guidance, and compassion shown to Bee.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Bee’s memory to the Oakton Church of the Brethren, 10025 Courthouse Rd., Vienna, VA 22181