Rev. Eddie B. Swans

Rev. Eddie B. Swans, 86, of Covert, passed away Saturday, October 24, 2020 at Spectrum Health Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph, Michigan. He was born June 12, 1934 to Frank Swans and Elizabeth Cage in Helena, Arkansas where he also received his education.

After moving to Covert, he became a member of Gospel Tabernacle under the Pastorate of Rev. Willie Lewis over 40 years ago. Rev. Swans was a dutiful choir member, served as a deacon, until the Lord called him to the ministry and he was ordained to the ministry April 27, 1997.

Rev. Swans faithfully served under Pastor Lewis and continued to serve faithfully under Pastor Allen until he could no longer do so. Rev. Swans was also a member of the J. W. Hood Lodge 043 of International Masons of the State of Michigan in Covert for many years.

Rev. Swans and Mary were united in marriage on February 8, 2003 at Gospel Tabernacle.

He was employed at National Motors in South Haven for 30 years, later Southwest Michigan Action Agency, South Haven Tribune and the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home in South Haven.

Rev. Eddie was a great lover of fresh flowers, traveling with his wife and friends, eating steak and, of course, the love he had for all of his children.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters - Geneva Prewitt, Hattie Mae Swans, sons – Nicholas Lyles, Eddie and Edward Swans and one grandson.

Rev. Eddie is survived by his wife – Mary; children – Brenda and Lavonne (Bonnie) of Holland and Beverly Swans of Buffalo, New York; three step-children – William and Diane Ivory of Holland and Cathy Carter of Virginia Beach, Virginia; brother – Robert Swans of Hampton, Virginia; thirteen grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and special friends.

Wake will be held from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM on Friday, October 30, 2020 at the Gospel Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Covert.
Funeral services will follow the wake at 1:00 PM with Pastor Henry Allen officiating. Rev. Swans will be laid to rest at Covert Cemetery.