Lucy Elvira (Copeland) Schwalk was born in Mena, Arkansas, on February 7, 1920, to Jasper David and Sally Vertie Copeland. She passed from this life on October 29, 2024, at the age of 104.
While most of her life was spent living and working on the land her father purchased north of Perryton, Lucy also resided in Arkansas and California during her first few years of life. As a child, Lucy was an avid learner and begged her mother to let her go to school with her sister, Clara.
Lucy started her education in California at the age of four and excelled, completing the majority of her school days in Perryton Public Schools. She graduated high school at the age of 16.
Lucy married Lester J Schwalk December 17, 1939. They had five children: Bob, Janice, Larry, Garry, and Glynes. Lucy and Lester worked together raising their family and farming the land, as well as operating a dairy for many years. After the children left home, Lucy was a sales clerk at Fabric Mart in Perryton. She later opened her own gift shop, New Horizons, with locations in Perryton and Pampa for nine years.
Lucy’s love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was evident to everyone she met. She took every opportunity to share the gospel with anyone who would listen. A long-time member of First Baptist Church in Perryton, Lucy took on leadership roles in teaching children about God’s love for many years. She also held numerous church gatherings in her home through the years, always wanting to serve others.
Her Christ like character was played out as she fed strangers who stopped at her house asking for food, cared for and visited the elderly, and encouraged the sick and grieving people who just needed someone to be a listening ear. Her home was always open to anyone who wanted to gather for games and gatherings. She was well known for quoting chapters of the Bible at every opportunity.
Family was always the focus and heart of Lucy’s life. Her grandchildren were blessed to spend weeks with her during the summers learning to cook, sew, and entertain each other under Lucy’s supervision.
Perryton was well served by Lucy’s contributions to the community. She was a member of the Perryton Chamber of Commerce and the Home Demonstration Club, an Election Precinct Judge, and a leader for the Junior Miss and Lazy Farmers 4H clubs. Lucy was a member of the OchiltreeArtists Association and awarded “Artist of the Month” in September of 1982.
Lucy was preceded in death by her husband, Lester J Schwalk, two sons, Bobby Schwalk and Larry Schwalk, son-in-law Gerald Strate, her parents, two sisters and two grandsons.
She is survived by daughter Janice Strate of Pampa, son Garry Schwalk (Peggy) of Angier, NC, daughter-in-law Emma Lou Schwalk of Burleson, daughter Glynes (David) LaRue of Yukon, OK; 14 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to extend a special thanks to David and Rene Schwalk and caretaker, Courtney Crawford, for their special care these last several months.
Funeral services will be Saturday, November 2, at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Perryton.
Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Perryton.