Earnest Sweat, Jr.

Earnest Sweat, Jr., age 85, of Terrell, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 3, 1940, in Gilmer, Texas, to Earnest Sweat, Sr. and Catherine Greer-Sweat.

Earnest was educated in the Gilmer Independent School District. He later moved to Terrell, Texas, where he built a life marked by dedication, hard work, and service to others. He was employed at Big Town Mall in Mesquite, Texas, where he faithfully served as Maintenance Supervisor. In addition, he worked as a Maintenance Supervisor for the Big Town Gun Show, delivered flowers for Cheryl Flower Shop in Mesquite, and was a part-time landscaper for over 40 years. Even in his spare time, he enjoyed providing lawn services throughout Terrell. Earnest was known for his strong work ethic and his willingness to lend a helping hand wherever needed.

A devoted man of faith, Earnest served as a faithful deacon at Howard Temple COGIC for over 50 years. He later served under the leadership of Pastor Mequiel Lacy for 10 years before moving his membership to United COGIC under the leadership of Pastor Arvis Miller, where he remained until his health declined. He was deeply loved in the Terrell community, and those who knew him could always count on him for a warm smile, a kind word, or a good laugh.

In 1958, Earnest united in holy matrimony with the love of his life, Lavon Childress-Sweat.

From this union, five children were born: Barbara Ann Thomas, Michael Childress, and Laverne Sweat-Holmes, who preceded him in death; Living children: Tracie Sweat (Floyd) and Jennifer Sweat. He also cherished his dear son, Administrative Assistant Earnest L. Sweat III (Jescena) of Arkansas. Earnest Sweat III serves as Pastor of Mt. Sinai COGIC and District Superintendent of the Conway District, Arkansas II Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.

Earnest was preceded in death by three siblings: Ernestine Bagby, Vernon Sweat, and Mary Garrett. He leaves to cherish his memory his remaining siblings: Flora Whitaker, Juanita Brown, Shirley Hill (Blue), Annie Watkins, Estella Nealy (Billy), Brenda Barrett (Timothy), and Gary Sweat (Dianne). He also leaves a special niece, Judy K. Henry, and a dear cousin, Superintendent R.L. Smith (Mother Katie B. Smith) of Terrell, Texas.

He leaves to cherish his precious grandchildren: Kenric Joiner (Joamallia); Shandra Gardner;

Shon Brown (James); Imariya Sweat; Earnest Sweat IV (Nicole); Braylon; Bryzon; Jescena Sweat of California, and Christopher McCleary II (preceded in death). His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Brookelin, James III, Faith, Earnest Sweat V (Quinn) of Maryland; Jamar, Justice, and Malik.

Though he is no longer with us in body, his spirit, faith, laughter, and love will forever live on in the hearts of all those he touched.

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