Erma "Dean" Kingston

Erma “Dean” (Garvin) Kingston, age 93, passed away peacefully Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Newburgh Healthcare. She was born December 5, 1931, in Vincennes, IN to Roy and Goldie (Howerton) Garvin, alongside her identical twin sister Norma “Jean” (Garvin) Blanford.

She was a 1950 graduate of Central High School, where she met and later married her high school sweetheart, Carroll Kingston, Jr. on September 24, 1950, and they were blessed with a large family.

Dean worked at the Vanderburgh County Treasurer’s office before realizing her true passion for nursing. One of her proudest accomplishments was graduating from nursing school in 1976, and going on to thrive as an LPN in geriatric nursing before retiring to focus on her family.

After the passing of her first husband, Dean married Harold Swarts in 1996. She was a proud lifetime member of Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer.

Dean was preceded in death by her first husband, Carroll Kingston Jr.; second husband, Harold Swarts; infant twin brother and sister; half-sister, Carol Brickey; granddaughter, Jennifer Kingston; and her beloved dog, Molly.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughter, Debra Jackson; son, Michael Kingston (Pam); daughter, Beth Hauschild (David); son, David Kingston (Barbara); granddaughters, Heather Autry (Chad), Deandra Jackson (Brad), Brandy White (Ramon), Sarah Pruiett (Kelsey), Alivia Kingston, Jennie Alford, and Lyndsey Netherly (Matt); Grandsons, Brian Hauschild (Amanda), Tony Kingston (Lihn), Shaun Kingston, Alex Kingston (Alexandra), Andy Kingston (Rachel), and Joseph Kingston (Liz); identical twin sister, Norma Jean Blanford; brother-in-law, Ray Swarts; numerous nieces and nephews; 26 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great granddaughter.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, 1811 Lincoln Ave., Evansville, IN 47714 with Pastor Thomas Wenig officiating. Friends and family may visit from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025, at Alexander Funeral Home East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Ave., Evansville, IN 47714 and from 9:30 a.m. to service time at the church on Tuesday. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Her family would like to thank Newburgh Healthcare and Heritage Hospice for the care given to our mother.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, 1811 Lincoln Ave. Evansville, IN 47714 or to any animal shelter of your choice.

Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.