MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Former Memphis City Council member Barbara Swearengen Ware died Thursday morning. She was 82-years-old.
Her niece, Memphis Council member Jamita Swearengen said she passed away due to COVID-19 complications.
Swearengen Ware was a member of the City Council for nearly two decades. She was first elected in December 1994. In 2000, she served as Chairman of the City Council.
She resigned from her City Council position in 2011 after being accused of official misconduct. She entered into a diversion agreement with prosecutors, which lead to the dismissal of the charges.
Swearengen Ware graduated from Douglass High School and attended LeMoyne Owen College.
Prior to being elected to the Memphis City Council, she worked for the U.S. Postal Service, where she retired after 28 years. She was the first black female customer service representative in the Memphis Post Office, a position she held for the last ten years of her postal career.
She was also an ordained minister. She served as an evangelist and bible study teacher at First Baptist Mt. Olive Church.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Tennessee House Minority Leader Karen Camper on the passing of long-time Memphis City Council member Barbara Swearengen Ware: “For 16 years, I watched and admired Barbara Swearengen Ware as she fought for the people of her district during her tenure on the Memphis City Council. I knew her to be a tireless advocate for her community and a passionate person of faith. She will be missed. This is another tragic loss due to COVID-19…I urge everyone to stay safe during these times.”
