Former Huntersville Mayor Swain has passed away
April 28. Former Huntersville Mayor Jill Swain has passed away at 61. Swain, who was also founder and executive director of the Huntersville Chamber of Commerce, served as town commissioner for eight years and mayor for eight years.
She also served as chair of the North Carolina Metro Mayors Coalition and as co-chair of the Transit Finance Working Group and has served on a variety of regional and local boards.
JILL SWAIN
She lost to John Aneralla in 2015, ran again last year but lost to Melinda Bales, the current mayor of Huntersville.
Sources said she passed away at the hospital after a brief illness.
Tributes pouring in
—”I know we were competitors, but I also know that she always had Huntersville’s best interests at heart. My thoughts are with her family at this difficult time,” Aneralla said.
—Cornelius Mayor Woody Washam said she was a “political legend” in the community. “She was a strong leader as she championed her beliefs which were at times considered controversial. My prayers are with her family,” Washam said.
—Former Cornelius Mayor Jeff Tarte said he was in “literal shock” at the news. “Having worked side-by-side as mayors and being friends I know Jill loved her community and loved her family. She leaves an amazing legacy and will be missed by many,” Tarte said.
—Mayor Rusty Knox of Davidson said this is a “huge loss” for North Mecklenburg. “I am saddened to hear the news. I’ve known Jill for a long time and there are very few folks that you run across with the drive and passion Jill had in whatever she was involved with,” Knox said.
—Mecklenburg County Commissioner Pat Cotham said she was devastated by the news of Swain’s passing. “Jill Swain cared about the people of Huntersville and she was always proud to welcome me to town events. She will be missed. May she rest in peace.”
James Funeral Home in Huntersville is in charge of arrangements. Two grown children survive her.
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Very sad news! Prayers for her family.
I am saddened to hear of Jill’s passing, and send prayers for courage and comfort to her friends and family, even as I say Halleluja’s for her Eternal Life.
I had the honor and pleasure of knowing Jill, meeting her in 2000 during that election cycle for Town Commissioner. We served together for four years and had many discussions and debates, on issues we agreed upon and on where we were opposed.
She always was thoughtful in her arguments for a course if action, and after serving, when I would run into her, she was always energetic, smiling, and focused on her next project.
Jill was always a strong champion for Huntersville, a tireless organizer, and a devoted mother, and we will miss her.
I am so sorry to hear this! She always had a smile on her face!
Sad day! Jill was an ambassador for the entire Lake Norman area. She will be missed greatly….
Very sad news. I was shocked this morning when I received the news from a mutual friend. Jill and I served on many regional boards over our time together and she was wonderful to work with. She really loved her Huntersville community and the Charlotte region. She has definitely left our region and world a better place. Thoughts and prayers for her and her family. She will truly be missed.
Jim Taylor
former Mayor of Matthews, NC
I so enjoyed working with Jill while we both served as Mayor of our respective communities. Jill was honest and a giver. She looked not for what she would receive but what benefit there would be for the present and future citizens of her community. This world is a better place for Jill having been here.
Lee Myers
Mayor – Town of Matthew 1991 – 2009
I hope you edit this article to highlight a few of her MANY achievements and dedication to our community, rather than focusing on the races she lost.
Jill was a force of nature, sometimes controversial, always deeply caring about our community and those who live and work in it. She will be deeply missed.
I couldn’t agree with you more!!! She was always offering to help me and my business as well as so many other local businesses in the area! She will be missed by so many.
Oh I am so shocked and saddened by this tragic news. She was a wonderful light in our community. I’ve known her as a friend for years and I will miss her very much. God bless her family.
Jill Swain was beautiful inside and out. I was shocked to hear of her passing. Prayers being sent up.
Jill set my wife and I up on our first date at Kansas State as they were sorority roommates. We owe Jill much love and gratitude.
God’s speed JM!
A huge loss for the community. Jill was a fine person and a dedicated public servant. She was mayor for Huntersville during 8 of the 15 yrs we lived there. Prayers to the family.
I am grateful and blessed to have known Jill. She was a dear friend of mine, who I trusted wholeheartedly. Those closer to her and immediate family, please know that you can call me directly at 704-502-5189 for assistance with ANYTHING. I am serious. I don’t say that lightly and I don’t mean it as a cliche. You call, IF you need or want me for ANYTHING.
My deepest condolences to the Swain family. We live in Huntersville and my daughter just met Jill a few wks ago while working at Main Street Coffee. Jill introduced herself and they made friends instantly. She was so very kind and thoughtful
This is a loss for the entire community
My condolences and deepest to the Swain family. Jill always did her part as a community leaders and bridged many gaps throughout this Pandemic and beyond. May her work and legacy carry forward successfully in honor of her memory.
In prayer
Dr. Kelli “Brooklyne” Knight
Founder
Maggie May Cares Foundation
Greensboro NC
What does Woodie W mean by his statement:
Cornelius Mayor Woody Washam said she was a “political legend” in the community. “She was a strong leader as she championed her beliefs which were at times considered controversial. My prayers are with her family,” Washam said.
I thought she was gay friendly and an advocate for the homeless? What were her beliefs which were at times considered controversial mean? She sounds amazing!