Obituary for Martha Swims (Samples)
Martha Swims, age 80, of Cumming, GA passed away on Saturday, July 16, 2022 in her home, with her husband, Mickey, and her daughter, Mia, at her bedside. Mrs. Swims was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. She was also a compassionate neighbor, a friend to all who knew her, and the absolute love of Mickey Swims’ life. Mrs. Swims was affectionately known as “Nama,” a nickname coined by her grandchildren.
Mrs. Swims, born Martha Samples, attended Forsyth County High School (now known as Forsyth Central). There, she was a part of the 1959 state champion girls’ basketball team. This accomplishment landed Mrs. Swims in the Forsyth Central High School Hall of Fame, where she was inducted in October of 2016. Mrs. Swims and Mr. Swims married in 1961; in the early years of their marriage, Mrs. Swims owned a beauty salon while Mr. Swims ran a grading business.
Mr. and Mrs. Swims started their six decade racing career with Cumming Dragway. They also owned and operated Rome International Speedway, Dixie Speedway, and West Atlanta Raceway. Until her diagnosis in September of 2021, Mrs. Swims was still handling payroll, inventory, and race night office operations for both Dixie and Rome Speedways. It is no wonder that she is widely regarded as the matriarch of dirt track racing.
Mrs. Swims was a devoted Christian and an active member of First Baptist Church Woodstock. The only thing second to her faith was her family. She loved cooking vegetables for those she loved, and she always made sure everyone had their favorite dessert. She especially loved hosting special events like Thanksgiving, the annual Samples’ Christmas Dinner, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day, any birthday, and her favorite holiday, Easter. Her goal was always to make every event a special gathering for all.
Mrs. Swims also loved and supported her community of Woodstock, GA, where she was a resident since 1988. She was a frequent donor to local organizations as well as larger nonprofits like St. Jude’s. She also enjoyed attending church, the color blue, flowers, having coffee on her screen porch, doing word searches, reading Southern Living, and watching sports, especially the Crimson Tide.
Mrs. Swims was incredibly proud of the home she built with her husband and her family. Her favorite thing in the world was to be in the comfort of her home with all the people she loved most. And although our home is less bright without her, her love lives on. We aim to forever honor her by embodying her spirit of selflessness and give “Nama” hugs that say not “Here I am,” but “There you are.”
"KEEP ON PRAYING"
In Honor of Miss Martha's request, the family will be hosting a Private Burial.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at South Canton Funeral Home.
She was preceded in death by, Parents: George Bradford Samples and Bessie Rebecca Samples, Siblings: Allan Samples, Hilda Samples Streetman, Son: Michael Douglas Swims
Survivors include: Husband of 60 years - Mickey Swims
Daughter - Mia Swims Green (Marshall)
Grandchildren - Chase Swims, Breanna Swims, Macy Green and Marla Green Sister - Sandra Samples Johnson (Harold)
Daughter-In-Law: Debra Swims
Several Nieces, Nephews, Family and other Friends also survive.
South Canton Funeral Home, dedicated to the families we serve, 770-479-3377. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.thescfh.com
Mrs. Swims, born Martha Samples, attended Forsyth County High School (now known as Forsyth Central). There, she was a part of the 1959 state champion girls’ basketball team. This accomplishment landed Mrs. Swims in the Forsyth Central High School Hall of Fame, where she was inducted in October of 2016. Mrs. Swims and Mr. Swims married in 1961; in the early years of their marriage, Mrs. Swims owned a beauty salon while Mr. Swims ran a grading business.
Mr. and Mrs. Swims started their six decade racing career with Cumming Dragway. They also owned and operated Rome International Speedway, Dixie Speedway, and West Atlanta Raceway. Until her diagnosis in September of 2021, Mrs. Swims was still handling payroll, inventory, and race night office operations for both Dixie and Rome Speedways. It is no wonder that she is widely regarded as the matriarch of dirt track racing.
Mrs. Swims was a devoted Christian and an active member of First Baptist Church Woodstock. The only thing second to her faith was her family. She loved cooking vegetables for those she loved, and she always made sure everyone had their favorite dessert. She especially loved hosting special events like Thanksgiving, the annual Samples’ Christmas Dinner, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day, any birthday, and her favorite holiday, Easter. Her goal was always to make every event a special gathering for all.
Mrs. Swims also loved and supported her community of Woodstock, GA, where she was a resident since 1988. She was a frequent donor to local organizations as well as larger nonprofits like St. Jude’s. She also enjoyed attending church, the color blue, flowers, having coffee on her screen porch, doing word searches, reading Southern Living, and watching sports, especially the Crimson Tide.
Mrs. Swims was incredibly proud of the home she built with her husband and her family. Her favorite thing in the world was to be in the comfort of her home with all the people she loved most. And although our home is less bright without her, her love lives on. We aim to forever honor her by embodying her spirit of selflessness and give “Nama” hugs that say not “Here I am,” but “There you are.”
"KEEP ON PRAYING"
In Honor of Miss Martha's request, the family will be hosting a Private Burial.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at South Canton Funeral Home.
She was preceded in death by, Parents: George Bradford Samples and Bessie Rebecca Samples, Siblings: Allan Samples, Hilda Samples Streetman, Son: Michael Douglas Swims
Survivors include: Husband of 60 years - Mickey Swims
Daughter - Mia Swims Green (Marshall)
Grandchildren - Chase Swims, Breanna Swims, Macy Green and Marla Green Sister - Sandra Samples Johnson (Harold)
Daughter-In-Law: Debra Swims
Several Nieces, Nephews, Family and other Friends also survive.
South Canton Funeral Home, dedicated to the families we serve, 770-479-3377. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.thescfh.com