Bernadette Alice Swann

Bernadette Alice Proctor Swann transitioned on September 15, 2026, at Green Acres Nursing Home. She was born on November 1, 1932, in Pomfret, Maryland, and lived a long life marked by devotion to family, deep faith, strength, and care for others.Mrs. Swann attended Shiloh Elementary in Wayside, Maryland followed by Bel Alton Middle/High school. In her working years, she served as caretaker and nanny to the children for the families of the Deputy Secretary of Defense/ U.S. Secretary of the Navy, a role that reflected the steady compassion and dependability that shaped her life. As she did with all, she loved this family and others she worked for with much love and great pride.

She was an enrolled and active member of the Piscataway Tribe serving as Tribal Elder. She worked alongside her son Chief Jesse James Swann Jr and others to gather documents from family to assist with the Federal Recognition package. Her regret was that she never saw that come to fruition.

Forever cherishing her memory are her siblings Deloris Elizabeth Wilson (Losto, deceased), Alvin Abraham “Ham” (Naomi), Doris Marie Proctor; sons Chief Jesse James (Rosanna) and Dwayne John Sr.; grandchildren, Dwayne John Jr., Jessica (Nashla), Ivan (Lorena), Jessica (Mike), Kyle; great-grandchildren, Treavon, Joseph, Adam, Lucas, and Henry; many nieces, nephews, god-children, and a host of family and friends whose lives were touched by her kindness, prayers, and enduring love.

Bernadette Alice Swann’s life was a testament to faith, resilience, and love. She gave of herself generously, cared deeply for others, and leaves behind a family strengthened by her example and sustained by her.

Friends may visit with the family Saturday, October 3rd from 10 am until time of funeral service at 11 am in The Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, 3439 Livingston Road Indian Head, MD 20640. Interment will be held at Maryland Veterans Cemetery on October 15, 2026 at 9:45 am.

On Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 11:00 am please click the link below to view service online.

The streaming will begin after the viewing has ended and there may be a delay before the service appears on the screen. The volume is located in the lower right corner of the viewing screen where it says "live". As the volume is increased, all the bars should be blue.

https://www.thorntonfuneralhomepa.com/livestream