Carmen Marjenia Godwin Swindler, 72, of Columbia, died at home on Saturday, January 31, 2026. Born in Columbia, SC, on May 10, 1953, she was a daughter of the late George Mayfield and Doris Hoopaugh Kinard.
Carmen worked as a business consultant for over 35 years with CSC (Computer Sciences Corporation) which later became PMSC (Policy Management Systems Corporation) and eventually DXC Technology. She retired from DXC in September of 2021. Her coworkers, and family, remember her as a bright light that could always make your day better just by her presence.
Her retirement gave her the opportunity to do more of what she already enjoyed, which included spending time with her family. She was always excited for an opportunity to visit the mountains or the beach, particularly Destin, FL.
Survivors include her husband, Joseph M. “Joe” Swindler; daughter, Alesha Denise Henderson; son, Larry Wilton Godwin II (Suzanne); grandchildren, Kayla Henderson, Wesley Henderson, Payton Godwin Brown (Shon), Jairen J. Esther and Jaxson J. Sutton; brother, John David Hoopaugh; mother-in-law, Delcie Swindler; sister-in-law, Laurie Swindler Pineda (Hector); cousin, Gail Cook Corn (David); childhood friend, Mary McLean Emmerling (Steve). In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Jessica Lyn “Jessy” Swindler; son-in-law, Steve Henderson; and father-in-law, James R. Swindler.
The funeral service for Mrs. Swindler was held at 2 o’clock, Friday, February 6th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, with Mr. John Fogle officiating. Burial followed in Crescent Hill Memorial Gardens. Visitation was be held prior to the service at the funeral home beginning at 1 o’clock.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the nurses and medical team with Prisma Health Hospice as well as to Gail Cook Corn and Witshell Montgomery for the love, support and care shown to Carmen.
Serving as pallbearers will be Shon Brown, Welsey Henderson, Keith Parker, Harrison Pineda, Charlie Stevenson and Justin Swindler.
Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704,Hagerstown, MD 21741; or to ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place,Memphis, TN 38105.
Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.
