Former Huntersville mayor Jill Swain died on Thursday. | Diego Lozano/Unsplash
Former Huntersville mayor Jill Swain died on Thursday. | Diego Lozano/Unsplash
People from across the state are mourning the loss of 61-year-old Jill Swain, a former mayor of Huntersville who died Thursday.
Swain was a pillar of community leadership in Huntersville; she served in various roles, starting as a commissioner in 1999.
"I had the opportunity to serve with Jill as a colleague for several years,” current Mayor Melinda Bates told WCNC. “She was a strong advocate for Huntersville and was always willing to roll up her sleeves and work on behalf of the community she loved. She will be greatly missed.”
Swain worked as commissioner for eight years before being elected mayor, WCNC reported. She remained mayor for eight years, until 2015. After that, she was the executive director for the Huntersville Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Her death sent ripples across the state.
"Susan and I are heartbroken to learn of Jill Swain's passing," Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) said on Twitter. "She was a great leader who served Huntersville as both mayor and town commissioner and was instrumental in championing the growth of our business community and shaping Huntersville's development. Her family is in our prayers."
James Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. A service to celebrate the life of Swain was scheduled for Monday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Beaver Dam Event Center.
In lieu of flowers, people are encouraged to donate to Caterpillar Ministries, Angels and Sparrows, or the local humane society, WCNC reported.
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