Minnie Pearl Swindell

Minnie Pearl Ransom (named after both of her grandmothers) was born December 2, 1932 in Tahuacana Texas (Limestone County) to Doc Ennis and Willie Maude Ransom. She was the first child of six to this union.

At a young age, Minnie and her family moved to Midland, Texas where they united with Alexander Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop J.E. Alexander. At the age of 11, Minnie received the Lord; she was saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost. She was very active in the choir, purity class, sunshine band and many auxiliaries while in Midland. She was an excellent cook with people requesting her fresh rolls from near and far. She also loved to sew; creating something out of nothing. One of her favorite projects was to crochet purses or bags out of grocery bags.

In 1953, Minnie married Caleph Swindell I. This union was blessed with five children with one daughter, Marshia Swindell Ayeni, preceding both parents in death.

In 1963 Minnie and family moved to Albuquerque to pursue better job opportunities. In Albuquerque, they united with Metropolitan Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop W. C. Griffin. Minnie’s cooking was a big hit in Albuquerque as she became the head cook at First Baptist Church and also the University of New Mexico sorority houses.

In 1969, the family moved to Los Angeles, CA. Their first home was bought in Compton, CA where they united with Revival Time Church under the leadership of Rev Charles Bennett. Mother (Minnie) Swindell was active in the church with the youth department. She was involved in the Purity Class and was also active as the Revival Time radio announcer. Her famous quote was, “God bless you and may you have a glorious and prosperous week with the Lord.”

Mother Swindell received her missionary’s license when the family moved to Santa Ana, CA. She was very active at Gospel Light Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop W. E. Alexander. She became district missionary of the Santa Ana District; still cooking and sewing along the way. Mother Swindell always believed in paying her tithes and giving to the church. She also drove the school bus for special needs children.

In the mid 1980s when Elder Swindell was called to pastor, Mother Swindell was right there with him doing whatever she could. The members of Miracle Church of God in Christ were very dear to Mother Swindell and most of them have stayed in contact with her.

When they retired in the 1990s, Pastor and Mother Swindell moved back to Midland to enjoy a more peaceful lifestyle. When Pastor Swindell was called home August 16, 2016; Mother Swindell decided to return to Albuquerque and reside with her youngest daughter and son in law, Gilesa and Michael Amos. She rejoined Metropolitan Temple Church now under the leadership of Bishop J L’Keith Jones. She continued working with the church mother’s board, special programs and jurisdictional prayer leader for the women’s department.

Mother Swindell went home to rest in the arms of Jesus on June 7, 2021. She leaves 4 children: Shirlyn Swindell Houston (Louis D Houston I), Pamela Swindell Barrett, Gilesa Swindell Amos (Michael W Amos), Caleph Swindell II (Dorothy Swindell); one son-in law, Tokunbo Ayeni I; 11 grandchildren: Louis D Houston II, Regis J Houston, Jonathan C Houston, Shayla T D Turner (Jessie Turner III), Lanier D Houston (Brandy Houston); Wendell Corey Barrett, LeSean M Amos, Dr Tokunbo Ayeni II, Caleph Brandan Swindell (Iris Swindell), Jetaime F Swindell Fisher (Bart Fisher), Nathaniel A Swindell; 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; three sisters: Bobbie Washington of Apple Valley, CA, Dorothy Holland of Dallas, TX and Ruby Vines of Fort Worth Texas. She also leaves a host of Swindells, Ransoms and Glens; nieces, nephews, brother-in-laws, sister-in laws, aunts and uncles along with the Saints that she loved to pray with on and off the telephone. She loved you dearly.