She is like the merchant ship, bring her food from afar…She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. "Proverbs 31:14, 17.

On April 25, 1929, Billye Margaret was born to her proud parents Cleophus and Ethel Tyler in Hearne, Texas.  She was the younger of two daughters.  Billye attended public schools graduating from Booker T. Washington High School in the Longhorn State of Texas. After graduation from High School, Billye obtained certification from Beauty School.  She was an excellent beautician. She was also a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Billye accepted Christ as her personal Savior at a young age.  She knew by professing her faith in Him she would receive everlasting life.  "Show me thy, LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. "  Psalm 39:4

Upon her arrival to Lansing, Michigan, Billye united with Friendship Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. E. Gladstone Scott.  She had a gift for ministries.  For many years Billye was a doorkeeper in the House of the Lord, member of the Nursing ministry, Sunday School Teacher, and Baptist Training Union.

In 1948, Billye united in holy matrimony to Alonzo Swanson, Jr.  To this union, two children were born, Bruce and Angela Swanson in Lansing, Michigan.  While raising children, taking care of the household, Mrs. Swanson was an employee of the State of Michigan until retirement.  She was also a faithful member of the Eastern Star. During her relaxing moments, Mrs. Swanson loved to read, write beautiful poems, and make lives of the sick and shut in a little brighter by sending cards.

Mrs. Billye Swanson was preceded in her Homegoing by her parents, Cleophus and Ethel Tyler; husband, Alonzo Swanson, Jr.; daughter, Angela Baldwin, and her beloved sister, Cleo Marshall. In the sunlight of Saturday, December 3, 2016, Mrs. Billye Swanson received her just reward. Many wonderful memories will be shared by her son, Bruce Anthony (Los Angeles, CA); grandchildren, Kevin Swanson (Los Angeles, CA), Bruce Anthony Swanson II (Lansing, MI), Mark Swanson (Alexandria, VA) and Christopher Baldwin (Pontiac, MI); great-grandchildren, Laurese, Ebonee, Brenton, Halley, Alem, Noah and Christopher, Jr; one great-great-granddaughter, Shaniya; god-daugther, Mae Tanner; special niece, Carol Ollison (Dallas, TX); many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends; including long-time, loyal and dedicated friends, Loraine Watkins and Velma DeMeyers.

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come".  Proverbs 31:25. "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised….v. 30. Sister Billye Swanson remained strong, witty, and sustained her beautiful personality. Now in the days to come, she can rest peacefully in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Mrs. Billye Margaret Swanson will lie in repose Thursday, December 8, 2016 from 1-7pm at Riley Funeral Home, 426 West Saint Joseph Street, Lansing, Michigan. Funeral service will be held Friday, December 9, 2016, 11:00am at Friendship Baptist Church, 2912 Pleasant Grove Road, Lansing, Michigan.  The family will receive friends thirty minutes prior to the funeral.  Memories and condolences may be shared at www.rileyfuneralhome.com .