Donovias Thomas Sweatt, Sr.

Donovias Thomas Sweatt, Sr. was born in Davidson County, Nashville Tennessee on September 10, 1959, the third of six children to the late Barbara Cleo Craighead Sweatt and John Thomas Sweatt.  He transitioned from this life on Sunday, January 28, 2024. Donnie as he was affectionately known, grew up in Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church and accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior in his young adult life at Glen Tabernacle United Baptist Church. Here he served faithfully in several capacities over the years until his death: Pastor’s Assistant, Deacon, Overseer of Building & Maintenance and the Financial Committee.

Donovias received his education in the Nashville Davidson County Public School System and was a graduate of Maplewood Comprehensive High School, Class of 1978. He was very athletic and was a member of the football team. The Maplewood Panthers had a powerhouse squad his senior year in 1978 making it to the second round Class AAA Football Playoffs.

Donovias was a hard-working man. After graduating high school, he worked briefly for Metro Schools as a custodian at Caldwell School.   Donnie was a skilled painter and after 25 plus years he retired from Tennessee State University. He also worked in the evenings at American Federation of Musicians (AFM) for 30 plus years as their custodian.  He later owned and operated his own company, D & B Professional Painting Company.

Donnie was predeceased by his wife, of 31 years, Barbara Ann Fisher-Sweatt and to this union was born a son, De’Mario Sweatt.  Donnie loved his family and loved having a good time with friends. He was the life of the party; if the music was playing his feet were moving. Just as much as he loved a fun atmosphere, he also loved the solitude of nature. On any given day you could find him fishing or hunting, then at the end of the day he fired up the skillet and grill so everyone could enjoy the feast. He was full of wisdom and shared the good news of God’s Word with all he knew.

Donnie leaves to cherish his memories two loving sons, Donovias Sweatt, Jr. and De’Mario (Fiance’ Deserae) Sweatt, Nashville, TN, Step-daughters: Kathy Barnhill, Twana Fisher, Charlotte Charlsie Parker, Step-son: Curtis (Latesia)Appleton Parker, deceased, Grandchildren: De’Mario Sweatt, Jr., De’Aira Sweatt, De’Anna Sweatt, De’Riyah Sweatt, Siblings, Brothers: Micheal (Fran) Sweatt, Gary (Tara) Sweatt, Sisters: Sherrill Sweatt, deceased, Dale Sweatt, Wendy (Von) Sweatt-Davis, All of Nashville, TN, Best Friends: Steve Blair, Charles Hill and Dana Owens. A host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and beloved cousins.