Kenya Dionne Swain

Funeral services are at noon Saturday at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church for Kenya Dionne Swain, 39, Gadsden, who died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012. The Rev. Roderick Thomas will officiate. Burial follows at Rainbow Memorial Garden, Rainbow City.
Kenya Dionne Swain was born on the beautiful day of April 11, 1973, to Phyllis Swain and Johnathan Reeves in Gadsden, Ala.
Kenya confessed Christ at an early age and united with and was baptized at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church by the late Rev. H.L. Spruill. Later, she was united with the Cornerstone Baptist Church, where she was the Ladies Ministry leader.
Kenya was married to Donovan Martin. Of this marriage, she was blessed with two beautiful children, Raveen Samoan and Donovan Vernall.
Kenya was a wonderful mother, nurturing her children, teaching and training them in the way of life, instilling in them the love of God and respect for others with her profound ways. She taught them the values of life.
Kenya received her early education in the Gadsden school system, graduating in 1992 from Gadsden High School. She also attended Gadsden State Junior College and Alabama A&M University. She was enrolled at Jacksonville State University, pursuing a degree in child psychology.
Although Kenya had a long medical history, beginning at age 6, she was always a "soldier." When you asked her how she was feeling, her reply was, "I am alright," when you knew she was in pain.
Kenya transitioned to her Heavenly home on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, when summoned by her Heavenly father. Amen! Amen!
Kenya was preceded in death by her grandfather, her mother, two sisters and one brother.
Kenya leaves to cherish her memories her lovely children, Raveen and Donovan Martin; her father, Johnathan (Norma) Reeves, Huntsville, Ala.; her stepdaughter, Doneshay Densmore; her grandmothers, Shirley Hawkins and Kathryn Reeves; her sisters, Naquitta Knight and children and Jailain Reeves, Huntsville; her brothers, Jawara (Brittany) Knight and Robert Knight, Gadsden; her aunts, Valancia Hawkins, Christalan Threatt, Pamela Perry, Nona Herring and Frances (Chester) Williams, Gadsden; her chosen daughter, Keyonna Jenkins; uncles, Juan Hawkins, Rickey (Aileen) Reeves, Victor Reeves of Atlanta, Anthony (Fay) Reeves; children she cared for on a daily basis, Madison, Ella, Mikayla, Jalen and Kingsley; her foster daughter, Kianna Brown, Huntsville; Imani Taylor, god-daughter; and her lifetime friend, Shanell Darlene Taylor; as well as many loving relatives and friends.
The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. today at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church.
Watson & Sons Funeral Home is in charge.