Saundra Gilley Swift

Saundra Gilley Swift, age 73, passed away in the early morning of March 22, 2025 at her home in Tallahassee Florida surrounded by her family. She was born March 6, 1952 in Marianna, Florida the daughter of Virginia Nell Gilley and William Robert Gilley. Education was very important to her. After graduating from Sneads High School, she enrolled at Troy State University on a George C. Wallace leadership scholarship graduating in 1974. Shortly after graduation, she met the love of her life, Henry Robinson Swift, Jr. They were married in Stuart Florida in 1976. They moved from Florida and subsequently lived in five other states. In 1984, she enrolled in Vermont Law School, where she was active in the Student Bar Association, graduating in 1987. Shortly after graduation, they moved to Maine where she was admitted to the Bar in 1988 and opened her own law practice. They moved back to Florida in 1993 where she was admitted to the Bar in 1995. After a brief stint in the Public Defender’s office, she opened her own practice, specializing in criminal defense and family law until her retirement in 2014. Tiny in stature, she had an oversized personality. Those who knew her remember her sharp intellect, fierce advocacy for those less fortunate, fearlessness, and strong common sense. She was a voracious reader, a gardener who loved arranging her flowers, and a wonderful cook who loved making traditional southern dishes. She will be dearly missed. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Nell. She is survived by her husband of 49 years Henry, brothers Bob Gilley and Ashley Gilley (Krystal), two sisters Robin Carnley (Rick) and Melody Toole (Steve) and dozens of nieces and nephews. A celebration of her life will be held in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made to Big Bend Hospice are encouraged. Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

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Saundra Gilley Swift

March 6, 1952 - March 22, 2025