MURFREESBORO, TN - Much of the Murfreesboro community is grieving the February 8, 2024 passing of a beloved figure, whose influence extended far beyond the confines of her family's businesses.

She once called Florida home... And while attending high school, she met the love of her life - as reported by WGNS' Steve Thornton...

Flo married Joe in 1959... As the duo began their next chapter in life, Joe's father Clifford was planning his retirement. Part of that retirement included Clifford selling his family-owned business, that was located in St. Petersburg, Florida, to his youngest son Joe.

Shortly after Joe took the reins of his family business, which originally started above a Wilcox, Pennsylvania grocery store in 1935, he decided the company needed to relocate from Florida, to Tennessee... The move to Murfreesboro strategically placed Swanson Christian Products in a centrally located area that is within a 2.5 hour drive to more than 12 million Americans today.

Location helped the Swanson business, which started almost 90-years ago as a manufacture of Christian materials and gifts, ultimately growing it into Swanson Developments. But without Flo, the dreams realized by her husband Joe would not have been possible. And without those dreams, the move from Florida to Tennessee over 60-years ago, would not have happened.

Now a third generation company, Swanson Developments oversees more than 120 commercial properties, which also include neighborhoods in which some of our listeners call home.

From raising their four children to teaching Sunday school classes and imparting valuable life lessons to future leaders in the community, Flo's impact resonates deeply across Murfreesboro and beyond.

Flo Swanson passed away at the age of 84 this past Thursday. Her legacy of leadership, philanthropy, and dedication to family and community will leave an indelible mark on the fabric of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County. Woodfin Memorial Chapel are in charge of arrangements for Florence Patricia (Hicks) Swanson - See the full obituary HERE.

Services: Visitation with the family will be Wednesday, February 14, 2024 (Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday) from 11:00-1:00 PM at Woodfin Memorial Chapel in Murfreesboro. Funeral service will begin at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Pastor Paul Smith will officiate.