John Henry McSwain

Elder John Henry McSwain was born in Waynesboro, Mississippi July 16,1931 to the late Elder Henry and Idella McSwain.

Elder McSwain took flight to Glory peacefully Thursday October 30,2025 at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He transitioned like a true soldier of the Lord with two of his daughters and two of his grandchildren by his side.

As a young man, Elder McSwain was baptized. He was a lead singing of a gospel group called the Friendly Five. He had fond memories of singing with the group at many churches in Mississippi. When God called him to preach, he pulled away from the group and dedicated his life to teaching and preaching GOD's word alongside his father Elder Henry McSwain.

In 1958, he married the love of his life, Mary Frances Monroe. God blessed them to have 5 children while living in Mississippi. The family relocated to Michigan in1966 where God blessed them with 2 more children.

After moving to Michigan, the family joined Faith Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Pastor John Mathew. Elder McSwain worked diligently and faithfully under Elder Mathew's leadership for many years.

Elder McSwain received his Pastor's Appointment Certificate March of 1979, his Certificate of Ordination October 1980, and Superintendent Certificate of Appointment January of 1981. He was a pastor in Grand Rapids, Michigan for more than 50 years. When his health began to fail, he turned the church, McSwain Temple C.O.G.I.C., over to Pastor Hilliary. Pastor Hilliary renamed the church. It is now called Living Waters C.O.G.I.C.

Elder McSwain attended the C.O.G.I.C Holy Convocation, faithfully, held every November for over 53 years. His dedication to the C.O.G.I.C was truly unwavering.

Elder McSwain enjoyed fishing, hunting small game, baking, working on cars and watching western movies.

Elder McSwain is preceded in death by one of his four sons, Billy Ray McSwain; his parents Henry and Idella McSwain; four brothers George (Edna) McSwain, Roy (Geneva) McSwain, Terry McSwain, and Solomon (Mildred) McSwain; two sisters Blanche (Cleveland) McSwain, and Lucille (Stroy) Fairley; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Elder McSwain is survived by his wife of 66 years; three sons, Johney McSwain, Eddie McSwain and Larry (Laurie) McSwain; three daughters Emma Tolbert, Ruth (Haze) Webster and Mary Ann McSwain; thirteen Grandchildren, Tina Friend, Leopold Jr. Friend, Dennis James, Anthony James, John Anthony McSwain, Shanrika James, Hugh Tory, Raequon Curtis, Quanika (Erik) Couch, Gabrielle Alyce Williams, Bryce McSwain, Breanna McSwain, Kaylee McSwain. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, friends and a special niece, Ida Shields, who was the family babysitter.