Calva Jean Swift Edwards

Calva Jean Swift Edwards was born on May 11, 1962, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to the late Calvin Sharp Swift and Catherine Louise Swift. At an early age, she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at Lane Chapel CME Church and baptized at Macedonia Baptist Church in Muskogee, Oklahoma. She later became a faithful and devoted choir member of New Bright Star Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas under the spiritual guidance of Pastor C.W Robbins Sr.

Calva Jean graduated from Muskogee High School in Muskogee, Oklahoma, in 1980. She continued her education at Connors State College. She later relocated to Houston, Texas, where she was employed by Hermann Memorial Hospital for over 35 years, demonstrating dedication and commitment throughout her career.

On March 21, 2026, Calva Jean peacefully answered the Master’s call, surrounded by her loving family. She was a woman of unwavering faith, which continued to strengthen throughout her life. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, kindness, humility, and quiet strength.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Calvin Sharp Swift and Catherine Louise Swift; her brothers, Joseph Anthony Swift, Sr. and Osie Winn, Jr.; and her beloved husband, Leroy Edwards.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Gary Hicks, Jr. and Chris Hicks; her granddaughters, Serenity Gabrielle Kay Hicks and Shalimar Delores Harris Hicks; her grandsons, King Hicks and Gary “ Kash” Hicks lll; and her siblings: Reverend James (Joyce) Harrison of Muskogee, Oklahoma; Shirley Winn (Warren) Roy of Las Vegas, Nevada; Sheila Woeger of Erie, Pennsylvania; Reverend Jeremiah Swift of Muskogee, Oklahoma; Dr. Francine Swift of Austin, Texas; Kathryn (Tommy) McGriff of Muskogee, Oklahoma; and Sharon Swift-Russell of Las Vegas, Nevada. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Cheryl Swift of Allen, Texas, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and cherished friends.