Juanita Pearl Swain, age 89, of DeKalb, Texas, passed away on February 11, 2026, at a hospital in Longview, Texas.
Juanita was born on September 12, 1936, in Simms, Texas, to Harm and I. V. Barnett Tidwell.
She spent many years serving others as a Certified Nursing Assistant, a role that reflected her compassionate heart and lifelong desire to help those in need. Juanita was a devoted Pentecostal, strong in her faith and generous in spirit. She was always willing to lend a helping hand and especially loved assisting in her father’s leather shop, where her work ethic and kindness were evident to all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Swain Sr.; one daughter, Jaynice Swain; sisters Golda Faye Obenosky, Mary Harris, and Norma Lee Brewer; grandsons Jesse P. Swain III and Peanut Swain; and great-grandson Hunter Ray.
Juanita is survived by her two sons and daughters-inlaw, Jesse P. Jr. and Michalene Swain of Jefferson, Texas, and Lewis and Charlotte Swain of Tulsa, Oklahoma; two daughters, Janice Kizer of Gilmer, Texas, and Mary Nunley of Gilmer, Texas. She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, all of whom were a tremendous joy in her life.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Bates Family Funeral Home in DeKalb, Texas, with Brother Edmond Miller officiating. Interment will follow at Woodmen Cemetery in DeKalb, Texas.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., also at Bates Family Funeral Home in De Kalb, Texas.
Juanita Pearl Swain will be remembered for her servant’s heart, steadfast faith, and the love she poured into her family and community.
Online registration is available at www.batesfamilyfuneralhome. com.
