Celebrating the Life of Mother Gloria Swint

Mother Gloria Dean Swint was a woman of unwavering faith, deep love, and enduring strength. A devoted wife, nurturing mother, proud grandmother, and friend to many, she lived a life marked by compassion, community, and spiritual devotion.

Born to the late Ervin Russell Sr. and Minnie Avery Russell, Mother Swint was the heartbeat of her family, a guiding light whose presence brought warmth and joy to all who knew her. Her home was a haven of music, filled with gospel melodies and the comforting aroma of home-cooked meals that became the backdrop of countless cherished memories.

She had a contagious love for life — from indulging in shopping and pampering herself with manicures and pedicures, to cheering on her favorite TV shows like The Bachelor and The Steve Harvey Show. She also found joy in bingo nights and her time with the senior group W.A.T.O.E.S., where she formed cherished friendships.

Mother Swint's spiritual journey was profound and expansive. She ministered with her presence, her praise, and her holy dance in churches throughout the community, including:

• First Church of God in Christ (COGIC) under Elder Finney and Elder Linton

• Pentecostal Temple COGIC under Elder Lee Knucklos

• St. Paul COGIC, where she was part of one of the founding families, under Elder Wright Byrom

• Life Ministries, led by Pastor George (Robyn) Dunwoody Jr., where she was a proud member of the Ladies Rock

• Deliverance Christian Church, first under Pastor Warren Chavers, and currently under Pastor Gabriel Chavers, where she sang and praised with all her heart

Throughout her life, Mother Swint was a pillar of strength, faith, and wisdom. Her presence was comforting, her prayers powerful, and her laughter unforgettable. She was the one others leaned on — a spiritual matriarch whose legacy will continue to inspire generations.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Swint; her parents, Ervin and Minnie Russell; and her siblings: Abner "Bitty" Russell, William "Bones" Russell, Harvey Russell Sr., James Russell, Ervin Russell Jr., Mary Ann Russell Richardson, Elizabeth "Sis" Russell Gale, Ruby Russell El-Amin, and Julia B. Russell-Curtis.

Also preceding her in death were her beloved children: Edward Swint, Lenora Lucius, Fredrick Swint, Timothy Swint, and Jewel Swint.

Mother Swint leaves to cherish her memory her loving children: Eugene Swint (Brenda) of North Carolina, Alexander Swint of Canton, Ohio, Jonathan Swint (Tammi) of Canton, Ohio, and Zipporah Swint (Sam) of Canton, Ohio.

She also leaves behind her grandchildren, whom she and James lovingly raised: Tyreia Grimes, Deneia Swint, Travis Lucius, and Angel Lucius.

Among those she helped raise with a grandmother's love are her great-grandchildren: Latoyia Grimes, Brittany Weatherspoon, Shaquanna "Weebay" Grimes, Brianna Grimes, Kavon Grimes, Christopher Lucius, Christian Woodson, Darshanae Lucius, and Myzaha Lucius.

She will be fondly remembered by her cherished nieces and nephews: Dawn Curtis-Freeman, Phyllis Brown, Wanda Butler, and Daniel Steward.

Mother Swint also held a special bond with treasured friends: Mother Dixon, Sister Collier, Sister Lee, Sister Lewis, and Kathy Lightfoot.

To us, Mother Swint was more than a family member or friend. She was our rock, our confidante, and our guiding star. Her faith, her love, and her strength will live on in all of us.