Patricia Swaim Dunbar

Patricia Swaim Dunbar, beloved wife of Childs Edwin Dunbar, Jr. for 73 years, joined Jesus and many loved ones in Heaven on October 11, 2024 at the age of 96. She peacefully passed away at her daughter’s home in Powder Springs, GA. Patricia, fondly known as Pat or Patsy, was born in New Orleans, LA to the late Frederick and Anna Swaim on June 19, 1928. She was preceded in death by her brother, Frederick Swaim Jr. (Mary Ann) and her son, Childs E. Dunbar, III (Mary Jo)., both of whom she dearly missed. 

Patsy started her working career in New Orleans as a Bell South telephone operator. Once she married her loving husband, Childs, she became a homemaker and mother to her two children, Childs E. Dunbar, III and Jean Anne Dunbar Chambers. After her children were grown, Patsy became the secretary for her husband’s company, New Orleans Marine Services.

Patsy knew the importance of living for the Lord and, with her husband, she was a charter member of Aurora United Methodist Church in Algiers, Louisiana. She had a passion for helping others. Her service to the Algiers community included being a Sunday School teacher, a Girl Scout leader, a PTA volunteer, a hospital volunteer, and a member of the Propeller Club Women’s Organization. 

Patsy was blessed with a kind and compassionate nature that touched all who had the joy of knowing her. She was a true southern lady who lived life with grace and love. She loved her daily walks at the Oakwood Mall with her friends, Mary Margaret Daigle and Mary Vidrine. As a big LSU Tiger fan, she and Childs could be found enthusiastically tailgating and attending the LSU home games. Patsy and Childs both loved being involved in Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans, and they especially enjoyed attending the Krewe of Alla ball each year. She was a great cook of New Orleans cuisine and made delicious crawfish and shrimp etouffee. She loved mystery books, puzzles, Godiva chocolates, and treats from Haydel’s Bakery, all of which she would lovingly share with her grandchildren. Pasty’s love for God’s animals cannot go unmentioned, especially her love for dogs. She loved her pets as a protective mom would love her children. 

Patsy looked for the good in everything and in everyone and was a genuine source of unconditional love. She treasured every gift she ever received because to her it was given with love. For Patsy, there was no greater gift than her family, to whom she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was so precious to her. She is survived by her husband, Childs E. Dunbar, Jr, her daughter, Jean Anne Dunbar Chambers (David), her daughter-in-law, Mary Jo Dunbar Walker, five grandsons: Childs E. Dunbar, IV (Tia), Corey E. Dunbar (Ellen), Brian D. Chambers (Julie), Jeffrey M. Chambers (Meagan), and Christopher L. Chambers, as well as 10 great-grandchildren: Caden, Cale, Carter, and Ruby Dunbar, Cooper, Georgia Kate, and Tess Dunbar, Cami and Addi Chambers, and Jackson Chambers. 

We are left with holes in our hearts, but we are so grateful that Patsy was blessed with a long and happy life, and that she shared her life with us.

Heartfelt thanks for the loving care of Patsy to her caregiver, Lovonia of Home Instead.

A Celebration of Life service and burial will be held in Patsy’s hometown of New Orleans, LA at a later date.