Earnest Dean Oggs

In Loving Memory of Earnest Dean (McCowan) Oggs, who passed away on June 30, 2024, at the age of 73. Dean was a beloved wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Born in Niota, Tennessee. Dean graduated from Cook High School. She was an active member of Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Later she joined her husband at First United Church of Christ, where she served on the mother board and was lead singer in the choir.

Dean’s family brought her immense joy, especially her role as a grandmother. She treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren and showed unwavering love to everyone she encountered. Her empathetic heart never allowed her to turn her back on those in need, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her.

As a seamstress at Hosiery Mill, Dean had a passion for creating wedding dresses. In 1998, after obtaining her cosmetology license, she opened the first black-owned business in Sweetwater, TN on Front Street. Her entrepreneur spirit eventually led her to open the Lenoir Family Restaurant at the Ramada Inn Hotel in 2004 and in 2006, Dean earned her associate’s degree in ministry from the International Ministry College. She was also a member of the Eastern Stars.

Dean is preceded in death by her parents Timothy McCowan (Father), Clemmie Hurst McCowan (Mother), Siblings, William Houston, Frank Edward, Timothy Clemmie, Hubert Ray, Charlotte Josephine, Willie Frances, Clara Mae, Julia Ann, Eula Mae, J.L., Edna Mae Simpson, Anna Shields and Helen Rucker, Daughter, Angela Letrice Oggs, and Grandson, Jimiese Lequann McDermott.

Her legacy lives on through her husband, Melvin Oggs, grand-daughter, Jasmine Oggs, great-grandchildren, Jayden Lequann Knox, Zaylen Tashon McDermott, Aliyanna Sharee McDermott, Kyleigh May Lowry, Jackson Thacker and Javion Lyric Oggs, sister, Pauline (Jackie) Mayotte, brothers, Chester McCowan and Robert (Mattie) McCowan, brother-in-laws, Chester Smith Sr., Jimmy Simpson, Donald, Michael, Dennis(Santoshia) and Richard Oggs, sister in laws, Debra (Wayne) Edwards, Margaret (Jimmy) McCowan, Gwen (James) Shields, Tracy (Darryl) Latham, and Judyann McCowan, goddaughter, Vanea Oggs, godson Tevin McDermott, and a host of nieces, and nephews.

Dean will be remembered for her strength, her loving heart, and her enduring spirit. She will be deeply missed but forever cherished in our hearts.

Home Going Celebration services will be held Monday, July 8, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at First United Church of Christ in Sweetwater, TN with pastor Rev. Nicholas Jones officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the church from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow the service at Sweetwater Memorial Garden.