Ethel Mae Swinney

Ethel Mae (James) Swinney, 80, entered into her eternal peace on Friday, February 27, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on April 10, 1945, in Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Ethel Mae was the daughter of the late John Bradley James and Margaret (Tedder) James. She was a dedicated and hardworking mom, grandmother, partner and friend. She worked for several companies throughout her career, and ultimately, retired as a machine operator in Waterbury, Connecticut.

Ethel Mae’s greatest joy was her family. She found happiness in the simple, beautiful rhythms of everyday life—cleaning the house until it sparkled, cooking meals that brought everyone together, dancing with everybody watching, and turning every room into her stage. She would hop in the car at a moment’s notice for long rides or short rides. The distance never mattered. As long as she was with her family, she was ready to tag along.

Nothing, however, brought her more happiness than time spent with her daughter. That bond was her heart’s greatest treasure.

Ethel Mae was known for uplifting the mood of everyone around her with her sassy dance moves and radiant spirit. There wasn’t a single person who she met that she didn’t encourage to dance. She had a remarkable way of turning ordinary moments into celebrations, filling rooms with joy, laughter, and warmth wherever she went.

Ethel Mae is survived by her life partner, Charles T. Connor; her beloved daughter, Yolanda James (life partner, Leo Willis); and her cherished grandsons, Tyriq James-Ireland and Jacqueem Council. She also leaves behind her godson, Darren “DJ” Miles, Jr., all of Waterbury, Connecticut.

She is further survived by her sister, Gale E. James of South Carolina; her brothers, John Henry James, Billy James, and Alfonzo James, all of South Carolina, and John Kirby James of Colorado; along with a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

Ethel Mae was predeceased by her brothers Lenny James, Otis James Sr., Robert James Sr., Alfred James Sr., James E. James, and her sister, Willhelmenia James.

A Home Going Celebration of Life for Ethel Mae (James) Swinney will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 12 p.m. at Colonial Funeral Home, 270 West Main St., Waterbury, CT. Viewing from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Burial will follow at New Pine Grove Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at Colonialfunerals.com.

James R. Sanders - Funeral Director