Sue Swinger, 69, of Caruthersville, died Monday, March 17, 2003 at her home, following a lengthy illness. Mrs. Swinger was born March 11, 1934 in Dunklin County, the daughter of Raymond and Imogene Clayton. She married Dr. Terry Swinger on July 17, 1969 in Caruthersville. A florist and interior decorator, Mrs. Swinger was a life-long mental health advocate who was instrumental in bringing alcohol and drug treatment services to the Bootheel region. She served on the Family Counseling Center board of directors from 1980 until her death, serving twice as board president. In 1981, Governor Kit Bond appointed Mrs. Swinger to a five year term on the Missouri Advisory Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse. Mrs. Swinger also dedicated 16 years of service to the Summer Food Program, providing meals to children in Pemiscot, Dunklin and New Madrid Counties. The United States Department of Agriculture honored her service by awarding her with its Outstanding Achievement Award. She also served on the American Foundation for Vision Awareness, the Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corporation (DAEOC) board, the Private Industry Council and the Bootheel Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission. Mrs. Swinger served as a Pemiscot County Health Center trustee and as president of the Caruthersville Chamber of Commerce. She was honored as Caruthersville Woman of the Year in 1978 and Caruthersville Volunteer of the Year in 1979. Mrs. Swinger was a 1951 graduate of Clarkton High School and attended the University of Houston and the Benz School of Floral Design. She lived in Texas, Arkansas, and Florida before settling in Caruthersville in the year of 1962. Music and drama were among her many hobbies, and she directed community theater plays in Kennett, Caruthersville and Hayti. Survivors include her husband; one son, Anthony Swinger of Indianapolis, Ind.; and one daughter, Taleigha Clayton of Jackson, Tenn. Mrs. Swinger was preceded in death by her parents, and one brother and sister. Memorial services were held Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at the Eastwood Memorial United Methodist Church in Caruthersville, with the Rev. Dwight Chapman and the Rev. Dr. Paul Currie officiating. The interment service was held privately, with the Landess Funeral Home of Malden in charge of all arrangements. PAID