Darla Clarice Swanner

Darla Swanner, 62, of Abilene, Texas, passed away September 21, 2022, at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene. Memorial services will be held at Lytle South Baptist Church on Monday, September 26, 2022, at 4:30 pm. Rodney Watson will be officiating the services which are under the direction of the Hamil Family Funeral Home.

Darla Clarice Patton Swanner was born in Snyder, Texas, to Curtis and Gladys Patton on April 14, 1960. She went to school in Abilene ISD and Cypress Fairbanks ISD, then after a move back to Abilene, graduated from Abilene High School in 1978. She graduated from Hardin Simmons University in 1982.

Darla taught English for 18 years at Cooper High school and earned a master’s degree in counseling and education from HSU and then became a Licensed Professional Counselor. She returned to Wylie in 2007 and became the lead district counselor in 2020.

She was married to Joe Swanner for 33 years. She is survived by her husband, as well as her daughters, Rebecca Swanner of Amarillo, Christina Hopes and husband Tiyoshi Hopes of Abilene, her sister, Debbie Foster and husband Rick Foster of Princeton. She is also survived by a grandson, Tiyonn Jae Hopes to be born in January of 2023. Additionally, Darla is survived by a niece, Lisa Brackin and her husband Adam Brackin of McKinney, Josh Patton and wife to be, Aimee Gunkel of Crowley, and Jonathan Foster and wife, Camila Schuh of San Diego. 

Darla was preceeded in death by her parents, Curtis and Gladys Patton and a sister, Donna Patton.

Darla was a special person who loved everyone she knew. Her life reflected the love and grace of Christ. We give thanks for the blessing of knowing and loving Darla Swanner.