Sarah Marie Swain

Sarah Swain Obituary Remembering Mommy: Sarah Marie Swain (Murray Ali Brown) was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on June 15, 1945, to Ella Mae Swain. Vibrant, outgoing, energetic, caring, loving, exuberant, a bright smile and quick and infectious laugh--all describe her personality and character, which were as beautiful as she was fashionable. From the stories we have heard, our mother was a good student and a majorette at Old Stanton High School, from which she graduated in 1963. Two short years later, following a whirlwind romance with a young preacher, she married Ernie Lee Murray on May 9, 1965. Following the wedding, the couple moved to Sanford, Florida, where Rev. Murray assumed the pastorate at Calvary Baptist Church. While adapting to the new role of "First Lady," Sarah also gave birth to her three children: Sarah Marie (1966), Ernie Lee, Jr. (1967), and Sendy Maria (1970). She was also a participant in the Civil Rights Movement, becoming one of the first African-Americans hired by the BellSouth Telephone Company. After five years in Sanford, Pastor Murray was called to shepherd Mount Olive Baptist Church in Jersey City, New Jersey, and Sarah transferred to the telephone company in New Jersey. Not satisfied with her achievements, however, she pursued higher education, graduating in 1980 from Montclair State University with a bachelors degree in Education. As the First Lady of Mount Olive, Sarah was unparalleled in her warmth, compassion, and willingness to serve, particularly in organizing luncheons and cooking classes. However, Sarah was well-known for her style, elegance, and sophistication, utilizing these traits to produce well-attended fashion shows, even, at times, lending her talents as a gifted seamstress and tailor. As a result, Sarah was lovingly referred to by some as the "Queen of Grace and Style." Sarah began her teaching career at Lincoln High School in Jersey City, where she quickly became a favorite teacher. Her loving energy enriched the lives of her middle to high school students, with a particular focus on those with exceptional needs. And, of course, the whole time, she was a loving, caring, devoted, and nurturing mother and wife. When Pastor Murray was called to St. Thomas Missionary Baptist Church, Sarah returned to Jacksonville in her continuing role as First Lady. She also continued teaching, at Duval County schools Kernan Middle, Landmark Middle, and Edward H. White High Schools. Sarah reveled in teaching for over twenty years before a decline in her health brought a premature end to her career. Mommy was loved and cared for by each of her children, but she spent her last years with her eldest daughter Sarah, where she passed away peacefully at home. Sarah Swain leaves to grieve her lossand celebrate her lifeher children, Sarah Terry, Rev. Ernie Murray, Jr. (Renee), and Sendy Brown (Kwesi); her siblings Robert and Barbara Jean McCray; her grandchildren Rodney, Sidney, Joshua, Charrisse, Shalonda, Ashley, Elizabeth, Tarah, Jamal, Sekou, Semira, Diarra, and Damali; and eighteen great-grandchildren. Sarah was predeceased by her siblings Moses, Annie Ruth Jordan, and Jimmy Swain. Services Visitation Friday February 11, 2022 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Cleo Williams Burns Memorial Chapel 3031 Moncrief Road Jacksonville, FL 32209 Funeral Service Saturday February 12, 2022 10:00 AM Cleo Williams Burns Memorial Chapel 3031 Moncrief Road Jacksonville, Florida 32209