Mrs. Cleotha Hunt McSwain

On Friday, November 27, 2015, our dearly beloved saint was called home to be with the Lord. On April 5, 1934, Cleotha Lee Hunt was born to the late Ulies and Catherine Hunt in Newellton, Louisiana. After graduating from Brumfield High School in Natchez, MS, she attended Jackson State College in Jackson, MS, where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in the field of Education in 1958. Shortly after college, Cleotha married her college sweetheart Dwain McSwain and they both relocated and resided in Meridian, Mississippi, until her departure. Cleotha was mother to four children of which one, Ronnie McSwain, preceded her in death. She was a caring, loving, sacrificial wife and mom of which this nurturing character extended to others in the field of education, in her church, and in her community. She started teaching after graduating college and began her teaching career in early childhood education in the Meridian Public School System in 1965. She taught various grades within early elementary levels as she felt this was the most important learning stage for children. After 30+ years of teaching, Cleotha retired from Meridian Public Schools in May of 1993. Cleotha was a member of First Union Baptist Church where she served faithfully for over 50 years. She was a devoted deaconess who loved to visit and care for the elderly and those in need. She taught and extended her love to the children's ministry by serving as a teacher for the Baptist Training Union (BTU) and Sunday School. She also served on various committees such as Food, Anniversary, and Decoration, which was her favorite. She worked tirelessly for many church ministries including the Deaconess Board, the Missionary Society, Sunday School and BTU. She participated in the National Conventional and the East Mississippi Baptist State Convention Woman's Auxiliary consistently for many years. Cleotha was a leader in the Boy Scouts of America that was sponsored by First Union Missionary Baptist Church. She received the Silver Beaver Award and many other awards from the Choctaw Area Council. She was also a member of the Association of Meridian Educators, MAE, and NEA. Cleotha received the "Unsung Hero" award presented by "The Meridian Star" in recognition of Outstanding and Unselfish Service in February, 1999. There are so many awards and recognitions received by Cleotha through-out her years of service that are too numerous to list, but she was so deserving of all of them. Cleotha leaves to cherish her husband of 52+ years, Dwain McSwain; two daughters: Cathy Nelson (Larry), Cheryl Bridgeforth (Ambric); one son: Vincent McSwain; six grandchildren: Rhonda McSwain Bunting, Alanya Kimethia Nelson-Davis, Ivy Danielle Nelson, Kenya Nicole Bridgeforth, Janae Louise Bridgeforth, Christian Asaph Bridgeforth; and six great grand children; Tristian, Trevion, and Tori Davis; Kamren(8), Jamaria (6), and Timothy Jr.(4) Bunting; two sister-in-laws:Essie Hudson and Mary Vivian Alexander; and one brother-in-law: Feazell McSwain. along with a host of relatives and friends.

Mrs. Cleotha Hunt McSwain

April 5, 1934 - November 27, 2015