Meet First Lady Josephine Swift: Standing for Alabama Women

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Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa with the Tuscaloosa Thread, Praise 93.3, 92.9 WTUG, 95.3 The Bear, METV 97.5, Catfish 100.1, Tide 100.9, ALT 101.7, and 105.1 The Block are proud to present the 2024 Women Trailblazers of Alabama in partnership with the Junior League of Tuscaloosa.

During Women’s History Month, we are called to celebrate the remarkable impact of Alabama women in shaping the state's identity and progress. It's a time to honor their resilience, amplify their voices, and acknowledge their invaluable contributions that have profoundly enriched our community.

By sharing the stories of these extraordinary trailblazers, we recognize their achievements and inspire future generations to continue the legacy of empowerment and equality.

Women Trailblazers of Alabama – First Lady Josephine Swift

Josephine Swift hails from Okolona, Mississippi, and is a proud alumna of Siggers High School in Shannon, Mississippi. Her academic journey led her to Mary Holmes College in West Point, MS, as well as Stillman College and The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL, where she earned her college degrees. With a background in education, Josephine dedicated her career to serving as a special education teacher for the State of Alabama.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Josephine has been deeply involved in her community through various roles. She has contributed as a board member for the Advocacy Committee at the Taylor Hardin Secure Medical Facility, the Cultural Diversity Task Force of Alabama, the Weaver Bolden Branch Library, and the Advisory Council Board Area Agency on Aging of West Alabama. Presently, she continues to serve in numerous capacities at the local, state, and district levels.

In her church community, Josephine has taken on multiple leadership roles, including coordinating the Julia Tutwiler Prison Ministry and serving in various positions within the Northwest District State Convention and the NABD (National Association of Baptist Deaconesses) Women’s Auxiliary. Notably, she has been recognized for her service as a Queen Contestant in the Women’s Auxiliary Ministers’ Wives Division of the NBC USA INC.

Within Elizabeth Baptist Church, where her husband Rev. Dr. Vernon Swift serves as pastor, Josephine is actively involved in counseling, ministry leadership, teaching, and coordination of church activities. They have served the church for 41 years. She oversees ministries such as the Red Circle/YWA Ministry and Matron’s Ministry #2, while also managing various church programs and initiatives.

Josephine finds her greatest joy in her faith in Jesus Christ and her commitment to kingdom building. She passionately spreads the Word of God through speaking engagements across Alabama. Her love for God, family, and humanity is evident in her dedication to making a positive impact, particularly through her work with children and senior citizens.

Married to Rev. Dr. Vernon Swift, Josephine is a devoted mother to two adult children and a loving grandmother to six grandchildren. Her life is a testament to her unwavering faith and her tireless efforts to serve others in the name of love and compassion.