Minerva Gertrude Eaton, 71 of Hollywood, MD, passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2013. On December 24, 1941, Minerva Gertrude Eaton was born to the late James Virgil Swales Sr. and Mary Ella (Barnes) Swales in St. Mary's County, Maryland. There she was raised as a Christian and completed her education in the St. Mary's County school system.

Minerva was married for 52 years to Marvin Gray Eaton Sr., who affectionately called her "Tootsie." From that union four children were born whom she loved dearly. She was a good mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. Minerva often welcomed her home to those who had need. She retired with thirty-five years of service from Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC.

Minerva had a love for home decor and would often browse through magazines and model homes for ideas. Studying the Bible, shopping and traveling with her husband and family was her most favored past times.  She also enjoyed cooking for the family and friends.

Minerva joined From the Church Ministries in 2008. She served in the Physical Stewardship Ministry until her illness progressed. Despite her personal battles, she never stopped caring for others.

Minerva is preceded in death by her parents the late James Virgil Swales Sr. and Mary Ella (Barnes) Swales, her sister Agnes Rosetta (Swales) Stewart, brothers James Virgil Swales Jr., Joseph Aloysius Swales and James Franklyn Truman Swales.

She is survived by her husband Marvin Gray Eaton Sr., her children, Tisa husband (Curtis), Jacqueline, Kimberly husband (Artie), Marvin Jr., wife (Chirleen); three brothers Philip Ignatius Swales, John Benedict Swales, James Francis Swales; seven grandchildren Faletra, Danitra husband (Giovanni), Nicole, DaiJanae, Carl, Jeremiah and Eboni; great grandson Mathias; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Family will unite with friends on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 for viewing and visitation at 10:00 am until time of service at 11:00 am at From the Heart Church Ministries, 4949 Allentown Road, Suitland, MD. Immediately following the service, family invite friends for fellowship at a repast at the church. After the repast, interment will follow at Old St. Aloysius Church Cemetery, Cemetery Road (off of Rt. 245), Leonardtown, MD, St. Mary's County.

Arrangements by Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home, Mechanicsville, MD.