Mr. Dwain Colie McSwain

On Monday, August 8, 2016 our dearly beloved saint was called home to be with the Lord. On May 13, 1936, Dwain Colie McSwain was born to the late Zebedee and Mary Ellen Reeves McSwain in Richton, Mississippi. Dwain was one of seven children. After graduating High School from Prentiss Industrial Institute in Prentiss MS, he attended Prentiss College. After two years, he attended Jackson State College in Jackson Mississippi, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in the field of Education in 1958. Shortly after college, Dwain married his college sweetheart Cleotha Lee Hunt who preceded him in death. He also enlisted in the United States Armed Forces for a short period after which he was released with an honorable discharge in 1966. The couple relocated in 1963 and resided in Meridian, Mississippi, until his departure. Dwain was father to three children of which one, Ronnie McSwain, preceded him in death. He was a nurturing and responsible husband/father of which this character extended to others in the field of education, in his church, and in his community. He began working in Bay Springs, MS and later began a teaching career in early childhood education in the Meridian Public School System in 1963. He taught various grades in elementary and middle/junior high school. During his tenure, he attended the University of Indiana in Bloomington, Indiana where he received his Masters of Science in Education. After 35+ years of teaching, Dwain retired from Meridian Public Schools in May of 1997. Dwain made a great and positive impact on his students, to the extent that he is still well-remembered by many he has taught in the Meridian school system. ' Dwain was a member of First Union Baptist church where he served faithfully for over 50 years. His service as a Christian put the cause of Jesus Christ above other concerns and he was able to fulfill God's will and design for his life through his personal relationship and his relationship with others in the ministry. He was a devoted leader in the church and served in the following capacities: Deacon, Trustee, Sunday School Teacher/Superintendent, Baptist Training Union Teacher/Superintendent and Choir Member. He participated in the National, Local and State conventions associated with the East Mississippi Baptist association where he served in various leadership/teaching positions. Dwain was a very active member of the Laymen's both locally, statewide and nationally. He received the "Laymen of the Year" award presented by "The East MS Baptist Layman Movement" in recognition of Outstanding Service and Dedication in 2007. He also served as the vice-president of the Layman's at the state-level during 2000 -2008. He was also a leader/teacher in the Second New Hope District Baptist Association where he received an Outstanding Service reward in 2014. Dwain was a leader in the Boy Scouts of America that was sponsored by First Union Missionary Baptist Church. He received the Silver Beaver Award and many other awards from the Choctaw Area Council. He was also a member of the Association of Meridian Educators, MAE, and NEA. There are so many awards and recognitions received by Dwain through-out his years of service that are too numerous to list, but he was so deserving of all of them. He was preceded in death by three brothers: Vaiden, Langston and Bernard Reeves McSwain. Dwain leaves; one daughter: Cheryl McSwain Bridgeforth (Ambric), one son: Vincent McSwain; one step-daughter: Cathy (Larry) Nelson, four grandchildren: Rhonda (Tim) Bunting, Kenya Nicole Bridgeforth, Janae Louise Bridgeforth, Christian Asaph Bridgeforth; three great grandchildren: Kamren, Jamaria and T.J. Bunting: two sisters: Essie Hudson, Mary Vivian Alexander; one brother: Feazell McSwain. Along with a host of relatives and friends.

Mr. Dwain Colie McSwain

May 13, 1936 - August 8, 2016