GRANBURY – Joan Swaim, age 91, passed away peacefully in her home in Granbury, Texas, on January 18, 2026. A woman whose life was inextricably linked to Texas Christian University, Joan left an indelible mark on the institution and the community she loved. Born on October 2, 1934, in Fort Worth to Elizabeth and Willis G. Hewatt, Joan was part of a multi-generational TCU legacy. Her grandparents, Frank and Georgia Harris, arrived at TCU in 1921 to be stewards for the first TCU cafeteria. Her father served as professor for 42 years with 23 of those years as head of the biology and geology departments, and her husband, Johnny, coached Horned Frog basketball for 21 years. Joan herself earned two degrees from the university, a path followed by both of her children. Professionally, Joan was a pioneer. As head of TCU’s library catalog department, she ushered the university into the computer age by spearheading the massive transition from physical card catalogs to digital records. She also shared her expertise as the library director at TCOM (now UNTHSC) when TCOM was first founded. Joan was an accomplished author and historian. In 1992, she published Walking TCU, the definitive historical account of the university, and recently collaborated on a second edition in 2023. Her love of language and storytelling earned her the title of Honorary Editor by TCU Magazine. Beyond her professional achievements, Joan was a devoted mother and grandmother. She delighted in sharing her knowledge of nature and marine biology with her family-skills rooted in her childhood especially time spent in Puerto Rico. She never tired of explaining the nuances of the natural world or recounting stories of her unique upbringing. Joan was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Johnny; and her sister, Beth Sifford. She is survived by her children, Mike Swaim of Questa, New Mexico, and Susie Swaim of Dallas, Texas; and her beloved grandson, Asher Kurtz, of Brooklyn, New York. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Willis G. Hewatt Scholarship Fund at TCU, honoring the legacy of education that defined Joan’s life. Her personal essays and chronicles of history can be read online at www.joanhewattswaim.com . GREENWOOD FUNERAL HOME Greenwood Funeral Homes – Cremation 3344 White Settlement Road, Fort Worth, TX 76107 817-336-0584
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