MILTON BARNSWELL

Milton Barnswell was born July 2, 1947, to the late Queenie Barnswell Bryant and Earl Barnswell, Jr, in Marietta, Ga. He transitioned into the presence of the Lord on July 6, 2025. Milton accepted Christ as a young boy and was baptized at Old Friendship Baptist Church in Powder Springs, GA. When Milton relocated to Chicago, Illinois, he became a member of New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church, where he attributed his spiritual maturation to his “biblical teaching” pastor, Reverend Stephen J. Thurston, Sr. Milton was educated in Cobb County, where he attended Austell Elementary and graduated from Lemon Street High School. Growing up, Milton worked the fields with his granddaddy, affectionately called “PaPa”, and Uncle Robert, who was his big brother and best friend. He worked for Pro Black Top Paving Company for over 45 years. The first 10 years, Milton worked in Chicago in the spring/summer, and Georgia in the winter/fall. Then he weathered the seasons, met Sabini, and worked in Chicago year-round until earlier this year. Milton and Sabini were married November 23, 2000. Milton loved his family. His children and grandchildren were the sparkle in his eyes. Milton enjoyed fishing, hunting, cooking, drinking a cold Miller High Life, and hanging out with family and friends. There was never a dull moment in his presence because he kept you laughing with his “junk” talk and telling jokes. Milton was preceded in death by his sons, Timothy Bradfield and Barry Barnswell; his brothers, Sherman Barnswell, Richard, Kenneth, and Bernard Bryant; and his sister, Martha Kellings. His legacy and memories will be cherished by his wife, Sabini S. Morris-Barnswell; two sons, Richard (Patricia) Lancaster (Dallas, TX) and Daryll (Kimberly) Wilson (Temple, GA); daughter, (Chris) Valecia Appleby (Douglasville, GA); seven grandchildren Darren Wilson, Barry Cash, Deon Wilson, Tenecia Appleby, Jesika Lancaster, Tavaris Appleby, Tymesha Mobley; twelve great-grandchildren; two brothers, Stevie Barnswell, and Sidney Bryant; two sisters, Sandra (Edward) Gaines, and Sharon Bryant; brother-in-law, Sigmund Morris; sister-in-law, Lashora Morris; aunt, Peggy Few; uncle, Robert (Nell) Hembree; four bonus daughters, Shakeya Nolan, Laquanna Evans, Tennille Jeter, and Charmane Evans; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

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