The Obituary of Barbara Mae Cox Swain

2 Corinthians 5:1 – “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.”

Barbara Mae Cox Swain, affectionately known as Barbae, Momma, Mommie, and MiMi, transitioned peacefully into the arms of our loving God on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 9:35 PM. Born on September 30, 1948, to the late Milton and Thelma Cox White Sr., Barbara was raised in Edgard, Louisiana, where she was educated in the St. John the Baptist Parish School System. She graduated from Second Ward High School, Class of 1966, and later earned an associate degree in Business Administration from Spencer Business College in 1969.

Barbara was baptized at an early age by the late Clarence Washington at New Jerusalem Baptist Church (NJBC) in Edgard, LA. She served faithfully as a deaconess under the leadership of Rev. Flora Johnson, and later Rev. Dr. Joseph Johnson Jr. In 1996, following her beloved mother’s passing, she became Head Deaconess at NJBC. When Rev. Johnson was called home, Barbara leaned on her unshakable faith and chose to continue serving the Lord by joining New Vision Christian Community Church (NVCCC) under the spiritual guidance and leadership of Rev. Dr. David E. Rhodes, Sr. There, she established the Deaconess Board and served joyfully as Head Deaconess. Barbara’s faith was unwavering. She was a true prayer warrior, covering her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and extended family in constant intercession. She taught those around her the power of prayer, how to call on the name of Jesus, and how to plead the Blood of Jesus in every season of life. Her prayers followed her family wherever they went—she was known for always “sending the angels” before every journey.

Barbara moved to Avondale, Louisiana, where she lived with her sister Dot and brother-in-law Henry, who loved her as their own. It was during this time that she met and married the love of her life, Carl Swain, on May 26, 1973. Their beautiful union brought forth two daughters, Shannon and Schantel, who consider themselves forever blessed to have had Barbara as their mother.

A devoted provider, Barbara worked at Sears Credit Central beginning in 1970, where she excelled as a supervisor and credit manager. Her dedication and excellence were recognized with numerous awards and certifications. After Sears closed, she joined Ross Dress for Less as an Asset Manager, where she worked diligently for over 15 years until her retirement in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Barbara was the heart of her family. With God as her foundation, she exemplified unconditional love, compassion, and generosity. She was a devoted wife to Carl—always nurturing and caring for him. As a mother, she instilled in her daughters the values of honesty, hard work, tithing, and putting God first. She reminded them often, “You are one of the smartest women I know. You can accomplish anything you put your mind to.” Shannon and Schantel grew up knowing—without a doubt—that they had the best momma in the world. She was “Mommie”, a role she treasured more than words can express. Her love for her grandchildren was immeasurable, and her joy reached new heights when her great-granddaughter Harleigh was born. Barbara said that with Harleigh, her life had come full circle. She loved to hear Harleigh say, “That’s my MiMi!”

Barbara had the kind of spirit that lit up every room. Her laughter was contagious, her smile unforgettable, and her presence comforting. She loved her garden—her peaceful sanctuary—where she nurtured flowers with the same care she gave to the people in her life. She inherited her green thumb from her father and her joy of cooking from her mother, skills she passed lovingly to her daughters. She was a nurturer, a listener, a giver of wise counsel, and a quiet strength in times of uncertainty. When it came to her daughters, Barbara knew when something was wrong without it ever being said; she said she could hear it in their voice. Her love poured out in prayers, hugs, phone calls, and home-cooked meals. Barbara lived her faith boldly and taught it through action. Her life was a ministry of love, encouragement, and unwavering devotion. She showed us how to be God-fearing, how to live with grace, and how to trust in God's plan even through difficult seasons. Her life was a beautiful example of what it means to be a servant of God.

On this day of her homegoing, Barbara's life speaks for her. Her love remains deeply rooted in the lives of those she touched, and her legacy of faith, family, and compassion lives on.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Thelma Cox Sr.; her beloved sisters Mildred Cox White, Eldoris Cox Adams, and Marsha Cox Johnson; her son-in-love Rev. Dr. David Rhodes Sr.; brother-in-law Henry White Sr.; best friends Carol Pounds and Patricia Gaudet; sisters-in-law Enola Cox and Sonia Cox; nieces Judy Johnson and Gail Cox Ceaser; and her parents-in-law Clyde and Helen Mealey Swain.

Barbara leaves behind a legacy of love to be cherished by her husband of 52 years, Carl Swain; her two daughters Shannon Swain Rhodes and Schantel Swain Dalcour, son-in-law Frank; her grandchildren David Rhodes Jr. (Renee), Brihonor Alcorn, Lauren Rhodes-Charles (Thomas), Hailey Alcorn Jackson (JaMaul), and Tyler Alcorn; great-granddaughter Harleigh E. Jackson; a bonus granddaughter & great granddaughter Brenna Washington & Kali A. Kilday; six brothers Milton Cox Jr. (Dolores), Leroy Cox, Larry Cox, Allen Cox (Evangeline), Terry Cox (Brenda), and Michael Cox (Melanie); three sisters Janice Cox Lathan (Lee), Sundra Cox Scott (Bernard), and Mary Span; her godchildren Patrick Johnson Sr. and Rajanne Scott-Dillon; her best friend Patricia Parker; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to her outstanding care providers Georgette Aldrete, RN; Valerie Miller, LMSW; and Brittanie Harrow, LMSW, of Care Associates.

Although Alzheimer’s stole her memory, Barbara’s family made a sacred promise to “Remember for you. I will remember for you.” When we told her “I love you,” her response never changed: “I love you more.”

Relatives and friend of the family, Pastors, Officers and Members of Mount Calvary International Worship Center, New Jerusalem Baptist Church, Edgard, LA and all neighboring Churches are invited to attend the Celebration of Life Services at 10:00am on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Mount Calvary International Worship Center, 1600 Westwood Drive, Marrero, LA 70072. Apostle Terry Gullage, Sr.-Host Pastor and Pastor Norman Edmonds, Sr. of Beulah Baptist Church, Gibson, LA.-Officiating. Visitation 9:00am until the time of service at the above-named Church. Interment Restlawn Park Cemetery and Mausoleum, 3540 US-90, Avondale, LA 70094. Final Arrangements Entrusted to Patrick H. Sanders Funeral Home & Funeral Dircectors, LLC. 605 Main Street, Laplace, LA 70068. 985-359-1919. "Providing Care & Comfort is Our Highest Mission."