George Swain Sr-9-12-2025

George Lee Swain, Sr., was born on January 31, 1953, to Mary Swain and Robert Thomas, in Lees Mill, North Carolina.  George moved to New Jersey when he was approximately 5 years old. In 6^th grade, he set sights on the “new girl in school—Marjie,” In high school, Marjie decided that this George was indeed “ok,” and in 1973, a year after graduating, George and Marjie married.

George began working in Lakewood Schools in custodial maintenance.  He was well-loved and respected by staff, administrators, students, and parents. He took pride in his work, and gained compliments of all, including the State. When Lakewood Schools privatized, George was hired by Oceanport Schools, his reputation having preceded him. He also worked in Howell Twp. Schools, Tinton Falls, Asbury Park Charter School, and the Soup Kitchen of Trinity Church, Asbury. George also did construction work, and up to this current year, he would peruse the neighborhood, checking on the construction crews. George was an avid Steelers football fan, as well as a Yankees fan; and could converse about any football, basketball, or baseball team. He also enjoyed playing 500 Rummy cards, starting in 5^th grade—and no matter how bad of a hand he was dealt, he was practically unbeatable.

George gave his life to the Lord in 1972. He became a member, and later part of the ministerial dais, of Bethel Church of God in Christ, Lakewood, under the pastoral leadership of the late Rev. Louis O. Rogers. He graduated from Eastern Bible College, and loved to study God’s Word.

In 2017, George retired from his 41-year long career; and in 2018, George and Marjie moved to Dover, Delaware.  They later began attending Calvary Church of Dover, which he absolutely came to love. He became an avid reader, and purchased many copies of Dr. David Jeremiah’s book, “The Great Disappearance,” which he gave to everyone he could—and eagerly anticipated feedback after they had read it cover to cover.

George loved his family deeply, and if you had him as a friend, you had a friend. He had an uncanny sense of humor—and some “for real Dad jokes.” He also had favorite sayings, such as “Whatcha’ take and do…,” when instructing or planning, which earned him the fond household handle of “Take and Do.”  George was a great planner, and sole orchestrator of those plans.  Everyone knew when he began planning, be prepared—to have your plans interrupted. He always succeeded.

George leaves to mourn his wife of 52 years, Marjorie; his sons, George Jr. (Tawana) and Corey (Dawn); daughters Kara, Faith, and Hope; his mother Mary; brothers Ervin and Willie, New Jersey, brothers Ricky, William, and Michael Arrington; a sister Jean Arrington, all North Carolina, and Martin who predeceased him; a blessed abundance of grandchildren, several great grandchildren, a host of nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. Although he will be greatly missed, we know that we have not lost him—he is rejoicing in the presence of the Lord, and is most likely telling the angels, “Now, what you take and do is…”