2000s

Christi Redd, ’00, of Murphy, TX, died January 21, 2017, after an intense battle with anaplastic thyroid cancer, leaving behind her husband of 23 years Jeff, daughter Jenni and son Blake.

Steven Michael White, BSEd ’03, passed away Thursday, January 24th, 2019 in Webster, Texas at the age of 37. Born on June 15th, 1981 at Galveston County Memorial Hospital in Texas City, Texas to parents Michael and Brenda White.  From a very young age Steven’s interests revolved around sports, more specifically Baseball.  He graduated summa cum laude from Clear Creek High School in 1999 and went on to further his education at Baylor University on both academic and athletic scholarships.  Steven was a member of the Baylor Bears baseball team from 2000 to 2003 and graduated with his Bachelor of Science-Education.   He was selected in the 4th round of the 2003 MLB draft by the New York Yankees.  Steven played in the Yankees organization from 2004-2008. During this time, he helped lead the Tampa Yankees to win the Florida State League Championship in 2004 and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees in the International League Championship in 2008.  Steven pitched for Team USA Baseball in the CONCEBE Olympic Qualifier tournament in which Team USA went undefeated.  Steven was also added to the New York Yankees 40-man roster in 2008.  Unfortunately, throughout 2009-2010 he underwent two shoulder surgeries that ultimately ended his professional baseball career.  In 2010, Steven took employment as a Sales Rep for Zimmer Biomet.  His job entailed providing medical devices to orthopedic surgeons and assisting them in the operation room by providing insight to help ensure maximum implant performance.  Even while trying to start a new career, his passion for baseball still thrived.  After a few years in the medical field Steven left the industry to pursue work as a private pitching instructor.  Steven wanted to give back to a game that had given him so much through the years.  He fell in love with coaching.  Helping local youth further develop their mental and physical skills on the baseball field was something he truly cared for.  Steven was a beloved husband and father. Family was everything to him and he always dreamed of the day he would have one of his own. Although his death was untimely, the love he had for his family will never go forgotten.  He was preceded in death by his Mother; Brenda White, Grandfathers; Paul Edward White and Walter Bednorz, Grandmothers; Ann Patrolia and Eulalia Bednorz, Uncles; Paul Welling White and Sam Bednorz, Aunts; Connie Dunn and Jane Shipley.  He is survived by his Wife; Jamie White, Daughter; Ellie White, Stepchildren; Ryder and Lilly, Father; Mike White, Stepmother; Susan White, Stepsister; Brittany Melton and Husband Adam, Stepbrother; Jered Bush and Wife Kellie, Grandmother; Sue White, Aunt; Janet White, Uncles; Jake White and Wife Carrie, Scott White and Wife Delia, Danny Dunn, Jimmy Bednorz and Wife Barbara, Joe Shipley and Wife Becky, Randy Shipley and Wife Becky, Great Aunt; Linda Lamb and Husband Joe along with many other cousins and friends who loved and cherished him dearly.

Dr. Betty Sue Zuspann, ’03, of North Richland Hills, TX, died Apr. 26. The span and magnitude of the work and life, Betty’s PHD in Cellular Nutrition and a Professional Lobbyist was the catalyst for her being awarded Honorary Marine. Serving at the request of both President Bush and President Clinton on the Panel for Gulf War Illness and the National Institute of Health Study on Gulf War Illness. Betty's extensive volunteer work with 9-11 and Hurricane Katrina. A graduate of Grapevine High School, McLennan County College and Baylor University. Betty is survived by husband of 31 years Gary Zuspann, Son Aaron Ingram, Daughter Bernadette Ingram. Son Brent Weast, wife Tamara, Daughter Emily Weast Harvey husband Johnny. Sister Kathryn Jackson husband Mike, Grandson Samuel Weast, Granddaughters Emma and Avery Harvey. Neice,Great Aunts,and Great Uncle, many cousins. Preceded in Death by Father and Mother Bob and Helen Faglie, Sisters Linda Faglie and Barbara Faglie. Grand Parents Sam and Novella Faglie, Myrtie Denton Lewis and Husband Virgil Lewis.

Lisa Lynn Gruben Seigler, BSFCS ’05, of Van Alstyne, TX, passed away April 9, 2019 at Medical City Dallas. Lisa was a dear, beloved wife, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, survived by her husband Adam, her mother Joann, and her kitties Remus and Jackson. She was preceded in death by her father, John. Born April 28, 1983, in Dallas, Texas, Lisa grew up on a farm in Bonham, Texas. She graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelors in Child Development and the University of North Texas with a Masters in Counseling. Lisa moved to SC in 2009, where she worked as a loan officer at Southern First Bank. After a blind date with Adam at Hominy Grill they became inseparable, each finding their other half. They were married on October 17, 2015 initially residing in Charleston, SC, and moving to Van Alstyne, Texas in April 2018. Lisa was a kind, gentle soul with the brightest smile whose strength radiated. Blessed are those who knew her, continue to feel her presence, and will carry on her legacy. There will be a celebration of Lisa’s life at her Bonham home on Sunday, April 14th at 2pm. There will also be a celebration of her life in Charleston, SC on her birthday, Sunday April 28th at 2pm, location TBD. To convey condolences or sign the online registry please visit: coopersorrells.com. Donations in her name may be made to the Vasculitus Foundation: VasculitisFoundation.org

Betty T. Oliver, BSEd ’07, of Richardson, TX went to be with the Lord on April 24, 2019. She was 84. Betty was born March 1, 1935 in Mars Hill, NC to Shannon Otis Trentham and Ina Davis Rankin Trentham.  Betty was the youngest of six children, including Helen, Lee, Bill, and Jean (all of whom have proceeded her in death) and Margaret. Betty moved to Abilene, TX during her high school years and met the greatest love of her life, Bobby Jack (Bob) Oliver.  Betty and Bob were married on June 4, 1954 in Sherman, TX.  Betty was a loving and devoted wife and was the mother to Lisa Oliver Eaton (deceased), Becky Pair, and Bob Oliver, Jr. In 1957, Betty suffered a near-fatal auto accident that caused her life to change dramatically.  Once an active and athletic high school cheerleader, she became encumbered by a body that would not allow her to easily experience life.  However, her grit and determination to fully participate with her family was on display as she would snow ski and play golf despite being in constant pain.  Her determination was further exemplified when she went back to college after almost 50 years to complete her education and earn her degree from Baylor University. Betty loved many things including her dogs, sewing, quilting, cooking, flowers, butterflies and watching sports.  She especially loved her grandchildren and enjoyed a special and unique bond with each of them.  Betty was a committed Christian who loved the Lord and was a faithful servant who frequently gave away a book called “The Faith-Rest Life” as her way of sharing her testimony to others. Betty is survived by her sister, Margaret Tankersley, her children Becky Pair and Bob Oliver Jr. and her grandchildren Michael and Melissa Pair and Hunter, Ava, Drake, and Jackson Oliver. Funeral Services will be held at 12:30 PM on Friday, April 26, 2019 at Restland Funeral Home. Funeral arrangements for Ms. Betty T. Oliver have been faithfully entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery, which is located at 13005 Greenville Ave., at the intersection of Restland Road, Dallas, Texas 75243, and can be reached at (972) 238-7111.

The Vail Valley (CO) and the world lost the sweetest soul, Lauren Mutter, BA ’10, Saturday, March 9, 2019. She passed from a medical emergency that resulted in a car accident on Highway 6 in Edwards. Lauren was only 31, but she lived her life to the fullest and touched more lives than some who live to 100. On May 20, 1987, the world was blessed with a smile that began in her heart and touched everyone who saw it. Lauren was born in Evanston, Illinois. In 1995, Lauren’s parents, Michael and Terry Mutter, and her little sister, Caitlin Mutter, moved from Michigan to the Vail Valley. She graduated from Vail Christian High School as a highly decorated varsity athlete, prom queen and student council president. She continued her soccer career at Concordia University in Nebraska for two years. She transferred to Baylor University and finished her college degree as a Baylor Bear, sic ’em! Lauren and Caitlin couldn’t stay apart for too long. They were reunited at Baylor from 2008-2012. At this time Lauren obtained her master’s degree online in Academic Advising from Kansas State University. She returned to the Vail Valley where the Mutter family was back together again. Immediately, Lauren began to serve at Vail Christian High School; a school that the Mutter family has always loved and supported! Lauren’s journey at Vail Christian High School began with coaching volleyball and soccer. Her role quickly evolved from assisting with academic advising to Director of Admissions and then Director of Student Life. Lauren’s love for the school and students along with her role in Young Life began her legacy of mentoring youth throughout the valley. For those who met her and knew her, her smile and laugh were infectious. Lauren had a way of making everyone feel like they were her best friend and so special. She was a member of The Vail Church. However, if you talk to several leaders in the faith community they would want to claim her as a member of their church. Lauren’s life lived out the gospel, loving everyone as they were. She was the most selfless and kindest person. If you met her once or more, you were very likely in her prayers. Lauren personified joy. Lauren is survived by her parents, sister, aunts, uncles and cousins spread around the nation. She had a special way of loving people, and her “family” embraces those well beyond that. There are several local families, students, friends, and colleagues who would consider her a sister. Though so many grieve on earth, they find hope knowing that Lauren is in heaven; laughing and smiling with Jesus! Lauren will be missed by so many. A celebration of Lauren’s life is scheduled for 4 p.m. Friday in the Vail Christian High School auditorium.

Brittney Nichole Swanson, BS ’10, was born on April 22, 1988, in Austin, Texas. She transitioned to eternity with her Lord on February 18, 2019, in Dallas, Texas, at age 30. Brittney graduated from North Garland High School in 2006. She went on to attend Baylor University where she graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. She enjoyed a career as a medical technician at a psychiatric hospital. Brittney continued her education and would have graduated with her nursing degree from Brookhaven College in May of 2019. Affectionately regarded as "Britt Britt" by her friends and family, Brittney enjoyed life. Among many hobbies, she delighted in reading and traveling. She also enjoyed intramural sports during her time at Baylor, especially basketball and club pool. Brittney served as a member of Grace Word Fellowship under the leadership of her uncle and aunt, Pastor Jeff Brown and Lady Adrienne Brown. Kind, respectful, funny, honest, and grateful with an "old soul", Brittney will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Johnny Gardner. Those left to cherish precious memories include her mother, Pamela Banks; father, Dean Swanson; siblings: Tiara Banks, Tyler Swanson, Sydney Swanson, and Flavia Swanson; grandmother, Frances Gardner; paternal grandparents, Norman and Mary Swanson; nephew, Jaydan "JJ" Banks Spencer; fiancé, Ryan Fowler; uncles and aunts: Sherilynn Wesson and her husband, Juan, Adrienne Brown and her husband, Jeff, Michelle Stettnichs, and Carmen Heikens; godmother, Vivian Ledbetter; and a host of cousins and friends.

Shelby Lynn Schumacher, BSN ’13, of Montgomery, TX, died May 6. Shelby was born October 19, 1990 in El Paso, Texas to Leo and Robin (Brickey) Schumacher. She graduated from Burnett High School in Burnett, Texas in 2009 and earned her BSN RN at Baylor University in 2013. Shelby married David William Swetnam in 2013 and their son, Russell Lloyd Swetnam, was born February 12,2014. Shelby was loving and kind, generous and caring, funny and smart. She followed in her grandmother Marie’s footsteps, becoming a nurse, and was most happy caring for the elderly; it was her way of honoring and maintaining her connection to her Grandparents. Shelby was a devoted mommy and Russell was the center of her universe; everything she did revolved around him. She literally spent every waking moment with her son Russell, and she counted every minute they were apart. She may have…spoiled…Russell just a little bit, but now we know she needed to show a lifetime of love for her son in five short years, and we know her “little nugget” will miss his Mommy desperately. Her parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends will remember her love of family, her commitment to her patients, and her devotion to her son, and all will miss this beautiful young lady. Shelby’s untimely demise is a bright, shining life, and a promising future, gone in a flash. Shelby is survived by her son, Russell Lloyd Swetnam; her father, Leo J. Schumacher, Jr., and his wife Diane; her mother, Robin B. Stevenson and her husband, Jeff; and her brother, Casey Walter McNamee. Shelby was preceded in death by her grandparents, Leo and Marie Schumacher, Sr., and Darrell and Adia Brickey. The family will receive friends from 5-8 PM Tuesday, May 14,2019 at McNutt Funeral Home in Conroe, with a Rosary at 6:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2 PM Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Conroe. Interment will follow at Conroe Memorial Park.Shelby was a generous and giving person. In lieu of flowers, please make a gift in her memory to St. Vincent de Paul in care of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Conroe.

James D. Cotter, a junior electrical and computer engineering major at Baylor, passed away March 24. Visitation with the family will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 31, at Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church, 7127 Bee Cave Road in Austin. The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at afsp.org. James was an involved leader on our campus. He was founder and president of the Virtual Reality Club, a past student leader with Welcome Week, Baylor Line Camp and Peer Leader program, a mentor in the School of Engineering and Computer Science, a member of American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Engineers with a Mission and Institute of Electrical Engineers, and an intern with ExxonMobil.