Biography: Irene Swilley, the name she proudly used, was born on October 27, 1944, in Itta Bena, Mississippi, to the late Walter and Rachel Swilley. She was the fourth of eight children.

Raised in Greenville, Mississippi, she attended Julia L. Armstrong and Weddington Elementary Schools. She graduated from Coleman High School in 1963, where she was awarded the Medal for Outstanding Student.

Swilley earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of New Rochelle in New York and later received a Certificate in Layman Law from City College.

She married Wellington Wynn, and together they were blessed with one beautiful daughter, Shanteil Brown-McMunn.

Swilley dedicated 32 years of service to Harlem Hospital, where she retired as a Hospital Care Investigator.

In 1987, she joined Metropolitan AME Church. A faithful servant of God, she devoted herself to the Sunday School Department, serving as a Substitute Teacher, Superintendent, and Director of Christian Education.

She was also a member and Floor Captain of the 40 West Tenants Association and an active member of the Lenox Terrace Association of Concerned Tenants.

Known by many titles—including Lawyer, Politician, Doctor, Historian, and the “Mayor of Lenox Avenue”—Swilley had a remarkable way with words and a style all her own. She considered herself an educator who loved reading, writing, and sharing knowledge with others. She also loved to travel and was happiest when she was on a cruise.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter Sr. and Rachel Swilley; her beloved husband, Wellington Wynn; her cherished daughter, Shanteil Brown-McMunn; her brothers, Johnell Swilley and Walter Swilley Jr.; and her sisters, Inell Elm and Earline Buchanan.

She leaves to cherish her memory her siblings: Rose Swilley-Houston (Rickey), Lendale Swilley (Janice), and L.C. Swilley (Bessie); her uncle, Joe L. Swilley; a host of loving cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends; and a devoted extended family friend, Alberta Pinkins.