Fomas Carswell Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Fomas Carswell was born in Cadwell, Georgia on March 14, 1920 to Ira and Eula Carswell. He spent his childhood years in and around the city of Dublin, Georgia, where he attended grade school, and first accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. A uniquely interesting hobby of his as a boy, was to go to the county courthouse, or other municipal buildings, find himself a seat in the racially segregated balcony, and observe legal trials and political debates. Around the time that Fomas turned 21, he left Dublin to seek work in the shipyards of Savannah, GA. After working a period of time in Savannah, he relocated to Detroit, MI, and found employment with the automotive parts manufacturer Thompson Products. At Thompson Products, he served as union (C.I.O) chief steward. (Something he was proud of his entire life.) After working a variety of jobs, including for the U.S. Postal Service, in approximately 1950, Fomas was hired at Michigan Consolidated Gas Company (MichCon). Now known as DTE. For the next 35 or so years, he would work as a clerk, a loading dock attendant, and in various other “do-it-all” type positions at the public utility. In addition to his normal work responsibilities at MichCon, Fomas at times played the role of equal rights/social justice advocate. He often told stories of how black employees there, were not granted many of the same basic rights, as their white counterparts. Even small things, such as time off to observe religious holidays like Good Friday, were denied black workers. But Fomas took the issue to company executives, and in time, persuaded them to change those discriminatory practices. He did the same, as it pertained to company rules, regarding which employees could donate blood, in company sponsored blood drives. In his personal life, Fomas met, then later on August 11, 1951 married, Eloise Motley. From that union two children were born. Argene first, later Donald. His wife and children, would be his greatest devotion, and source of pride, for the remainder of his life. Whereas many men possess hobbies such as golf, bowling, traveling etc…it was apparent to all who really knew him, that Fomas’ favorite thing to do, was make sure that his family was safe, secure, and well provided for. A co-worker at MichCon once asked him, “Hey Carswell. When are you gonna stop doing things for your family, and instead, do something for yourself man?” To which Fomas replied, “Every time I do something for my family, I am doing something for myself. They are me, and I am them.” Fomas was an avid sports fan. Baseball in particular. A baseball related experience, that he loved to recount, was his 1947 road trip to Chicago’s Wrigley Field, to see rookie Brooklyn Dodger Jackie Robinson, play in one of his first ever Major League games. His love of the American pastime continued unabated, throughout his entire life. Nothing seemed to entertain him more. Well into his late 80s, Fomas was also a very accomplished gardener. Friends and neighbors would come from miles around, to accept FREE baskets of tomatoes, mustard and collard greens, and hot peppers from him. Fomas was a man of great faith. He began everyday by thanking the Lord for all of his blessings. He made a practice of reading at least a few scriptures out of his miniature pocket Bible, every day. Until poor health began to slow him, Fomas was an every Sunday, early morning service attendee, at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church. And no matter what health or financial challenge he ever faced, he always expressed his conviction, that God would see him through it. He is survived by his wife Eloise, daughter Argene, and son Donald. Also, by loving nieces Lucille White and Shirley Holliman, and nephew Jeffery Smith. In addition to that, many other family members, friends, and admirers. 102 blessed years, lived well and abundantly. Dexter Avenue Baptist Church Zoom Information click the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2663753159?pwd=VW4ybDlDUkJZcUJjeW03bTlvN1N0Zz09 OR Enter the following in the Zoom app: ZOOM Meeting ID: 266 375 3159 ZOOM Passcode: 13500 OR Telephone Access: Dial into this ZOOM meeting by Telephone: 1-312-626-6799, when prompted enter ZOOM Meeting ID: 266 375 3159 and ZOOM Passcode: 13500

Fomas Carswell

March 14, 1920 - July 26, 2022