Verta Lee Bosarge Swetman

Mrs. Verta Lee Bosarge Swetman, 89, of Biloxi, passed away Wednesday, April 19, 2006 in Biloxi. Mrs. Swetman was born February 1, 1917 in Biloxi and has remained a lifelong resident of Biloxi. She was a graduate of Biloxi High School. Mrs. Swetman was U.S. Deputy Clerk in charge for the Southern Division of the Southern District. Her work in courts spanned forty-eight years, both State and Federal. During that time she also served as a U.S. Commissioner before being replaced by Federal Magistrates. It was during her tenure as a U.S. Commissioner that she issued the search warrant for the recovery of the bodies of three Civil Rights workers killed by the Klu Klux Klan in Philadelphia, MS August 1964. Upon her retirement J.T. Noblin, Clerk of U.S. District Court Southern District said, "Verta Lee has always had the courage to say and do the things that are right and honest. There is only one version of Verta Lee, cordial, candid, genuine". She was a founding member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church and School. Her greatest love was her family and friends. She will be remembered for her willingness to always help friends and family in time of need. Mrs. Swetman was preceded in death by her husband, J. T. Swetman; a daughter, Mary Gail Swetman, and a son Tommy Swetman. Mrs. Swetman is survived a daughter, Susan LeBatard and her husband Michael; five grandchildren, Brandi Swetman, Grant Swetman, Justin Swetman, Misty LeBatard and Beau LeBatard; and a great-grandchild, Josh Swetman. The family prefers memorials to Our Lady of Fatima St. Vincent DePaul Society 314 Jim Money Road Biloxi, MS 39531, Our Lady of Fatima School and Mercy Cross High School Scholarship Fund 870 Nativity Drive Biloxi, MS 39530. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, April 22, 2006 at Noon in Our Lady of Fatima Church where friends may visit two hours prior to service time. Burial to follow in Biloxi City Cemetery.