Donald L. Swift

Deacon Donald L. Swift was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to Clara M. Roberts and Lawrence Appleton on May 7, 1942. The Lord came to receive Deacon Donald L. Swift into eternal life on the evening of July 1, 2022.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; Psalms 37:23 Donald was a man of honor, great integrity and true to his word.  He rendered a life of service to the Lord, his family and the community.  One of his many pearls of wisdom shared is “Let your walking do your talking.”  Donald’s action spoke much louder than his words.

From his childhood, Donald was always helping to organize the church for the service of the Lord.  As a young teenager Donald would setup chairs in his grandmother’s living room preparing a place for the members to worship and praise the Lord.  As time moved forward Donald was ordained as Deacon of the Universal Christian Holiness Church.  Some of his many responsibilities included being the treasurer and overseeing the maintenance of the church building, both inside and outside.  The church had the best manicured lawn in the neighborhood. When members of the congregation needed a ride to and from service, both in and out of town, Deacon Donald would help to provide transportation.   Deacon Donald rendered many contributions to the service of the Lord and the Universal Christian Holiness Church family.

Donald was educated in the Indianapolis Public Schools.  He moved forward to Crispus Attucks High school and excelled in academics and basketball. After graduating from Crispus Attucks, Donald attended Tennessee State University.

Donald’s choice of sports were bowling and basketball.  Although Donald was an excellent bowler, he excelled in basketball. He was built for the game. His moment of fame and glory came in 1959 when he hit the winning shot to send the Crispus Attucks Tigers to the State Championship.  Had it not been for the final and winning shot of the game from Donald Swift, the Crispus Attucks Tigers would not have won the game becoming the State Champions.  “Go Donald!!”

He was employed with the Ford Motor Company.  When his mother became ill, Donald accepted an early retirement to care for her.  He provided home healthcare for his mother until she went home to be with the Lord.

Donald lived a full and rich life providing an example of how we should love and serve each day.  A life of service is a ministry and honor unto the Lord, your family and the community.  Donald remained a faithful lifetime servant to the Lord, Universal Christian Holiness Church and his fellow mankind until his homegoing.

One of Donald’s many joys was spending time traveling, cooking and shopping with his daughters and grandchildren.  Donald had a heart of gold.  He also had a passion for gardening and would often share fresh vegetables with his church members and neighbors.

Deacon Donald L. Swift, a loving and dedicated son, father, grandfather, brother, cousin and friend, departed this life on Friday, July 1, 2022 at the age of 80 years.

He leaves to cherish his memory daughters, Karma Reid and Tayne Craig; stepdaughter, Nichole Moody; four grandchildren: Vandee Swift, Daveon Reid, Jasmin Weathington and Andrew Lee; brothers, Lawrence Appleton Jr. and Darryl Appleton; stepsister, Mary Anne Hayden; a host of loving cousins and friends.

Deacon Donald was preceded to his final destiny of eternal life by his mother, father, grandparents, aunts, uncle and cousins.

We will always love and miss you Deacon Donald L. Swift.