Beloved Judy Beshears Swanson, 76, of Springfield, Missouri passed away on Friday, August 16, 2019, surrounded by love with her husband, John, and daughter Heather by her side.

Judy was born on June 24, 1943, in Springfield, MO, to James Keith and Mildred Fern Beshears.  Her father's career with the Frisco Railroad led the family through many communities—Ozark, Chaffee, and St. Louis, MO; Fort Smith, AR; Birmingham, AL; and Armory, MS—before they returned to their home in Springfield.  Judy graduated from high school in St. Louis at Webster Groves High School in June 1961 and attended one year of college at Gulf Park College for Women in Gulf Port, MS.  It was during that time that Judy met and married a young man in officer training at the U.S. Naval base in Pensacola, FL; George C. Parkerson.  George and Judy had two children, Geoffrey Robert, and Heather Anne, and ultimately made their home in Omaha, NE.

Judy's zest for life, and dream of creating a beautiful life and home for her family came to being during her time as a young mother.  Judy was "bigger than life" as many say, lived every moment fully and filled her time and heart with beauty, creativity and joy.  Judy will be remembered for her generosity, her hospitality, her adventurous spirit, and her infectious, beautiful smile, that she shared with everyone around her.

Later in life, Judy was blessed to meet the love her life, "Darlin'" John Swanson. They married in 1983, and the two were a team from the start.  John and Judy shared a unique and special love of so many things, including boating and entertaining, business ventures, and travel.  The two deeply loved their family and friends that surrounded them in all they did, but they best enjoyed their time as a couple with many sunsets, water views, babbling brooks and cocktails in their memories.  John and Judy celebrated their 36 ^th wedding anniversary on February 12, 2019.

One of Judy's greatest roles was that of Nana.  Judy will be missed by her grandchildren, who she giggled and played with for years.  She was a loving presence, for certain, in each of their lives.  Nana was sure to make all things special for each child, as if she were a grandmother just for them—what a gift.

Judy is preceded in death by her parents and sister Jeri Gayle Harris, of Springfield, MO.  She is survived by her loving husband, John R. Swanson; her son Geoff (Judy) Parkerson of Holt, MI; Heather (James) Carroll, of Fort Lauderdale, FL; stepsons Trey (Rachelle) Swanson, of Omaha, NE; Matt (Angie) Swanson, of Parker, CO; as well as grandchildren, Melissa, Ashley, and Mimi Parkerson; Lauren Anne and Patrick Carroll; Emma, Jack, and Ethan Swanson; Savannah (Adam) Finnefrock; Tanner (Tanner) Swanson; Ellie (Cooper) Fiedler, Sadie Swanson; and one great-grandchild Peyton Pahl.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 24, 2019, at 10:00 a.m., at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 East Seminole, Springfield, MO, 65804.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Glioblastoma Foundation, www.glioblastomafoundation.org