AUGUSTA SWAIN

Mrs. Augusta Marie Ray Swain was born in Echols, Kentucky, on December 26, 1925.  She was the daughter of parents, Maggie McReynolds Ray and Alex Howard Ray.

Augusta was raised by her great-aunt, Laura Ray, and great-uncle, James Ray, in Rochester, Kentucky until 1931, when she moved to Indianapolis, Indiana to live with her father.

Augusta attended Indianapolis Public Schools #4, #42, and #87. She completed her secondary education at Crispus Attucks High School, where she graduated in 1945. After her graduation from high school, Augusta matriculated at Tennessee Agriculture and Industrial State College, now known as Tennessee State University, in Nashville, Tennessee.                    

Having professed a belief in Christ at a young age, Augusta joined Mount   Olive Missionary Baptist Church in 1952.  She served faithfully and with joy in the Senior Choir for 26 years. She also served as Secretary and Treasurer of the Flower Fund.  Augusta, or “Mrs. Gussie” as she was lovingly known, received her 25-Year Membership Certificate and 50-Year Membership Pin for the church.

Augusta was married to Thomas Blair, (now deceased) and to this union two daughters, Deandra M. Blair, (deceased) and Julia R. Blair Stubbs, were born.

Augusta attended Indianapolis Public Schools #4, #42, and #87. She completed her secondary education at Crispus Attucks High School, where she graduated in 1945. After her graduation from high school, Augusta matriculated at Tennessee Agriculture and Industrial State College, now known as Tennessee State University, in Nashville, Tennessee.                    

Having professed a belief in Christ at a young age, Augusta joined Mount   Olive Missionary Baptist Church in 1952.  She served faithfully and with joy in the Senior Choir for 26 years. She also served as Secretary and Treasurer of the Flower Fund.   Augusta, or “Mrs. Gussie” as she was lovingly known, received her 25-Year Membership Certificate and 50-Year Membership Pin for the church.

Augusta was married to Thomas Blair, (now deceased) and to this union two daughters, Deandra M. Blair, (deceased) and Julia R. Blair Stubbs, were born.

On April 23, 1962, Augusta was united in Holy Matrimony to Charles L. Swain, (deceased). This union produced two children, Howard L. Swain and Anita L. Swain.

Over the years, Augusta’s employment included Methodist Hospital, working in the Dietary Department, and St. Vincent Hospital, working in the housekeeping department.  Augusta also worked at L. S. Ayres and Company as a Stock Clerk, retiring after 20 years of service.

In her spare time, Augusta enjoyed crocheting, embroidery, reading mystery novels and doing word search puzzles.  In 2007, Augusta joined the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., Indianapolis Section.

Mrs. Augusta Marie Ray Swain departed this earthly life on October 28, 2025, at the age of 99 years 9 months and 28 days. Loved ones who preceded her in death include her parents; her infant brother, Howard Larence Ray; both her husbands; daughter, Deandra M. Blair; grandson, James D. Blair; granddaughter, Heather M. Stubbs, and great-grandson, Raymond D. Stubbs.

She leaves to cherish in her memory two daughters and one son, Julia R. Blair Stubbs (Glenn), Anita L. Swain and Howard L. Swain (Shenice); niece, Edith Swain Williams; nephew, Clarence Swain, Jr.; grandchildren, Emily, Shaletta (Stephen), David (Sherry), Glenn, LaDonia (Richard), Kaylen (Jazmel), Kennedy, and Howard, Jr.; great-grandchildren, David, Jr., Deven, Stephen, Zephaniah, Shania, David J., Martel, Rakel, Jabari, LaDonia R., Kiashia, Jayden, Jayla, Levi R., Lai’Lani, Michael, Brandon, and Crystal; great-great-grandchildren, David, III, Kameron, Kaislynn, La’Marques, Juwann, Javanta, Jeveah, Legacy, Honesty, Serenity, Legend, Leo, and Levi; as well as many cousins and friends.

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