[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 75 (Friday, April 30, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E470]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE REMARKABLE LIFE OF DOROTHY M. SWEENY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SCOTT PERRY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 30, 2021

  Mr. PERRY. Madam Speaker, I'm honored and humbled to recognize the 
remarkable life of Mrs. Dorothy M. Sweeney, who left our earthly bounds 
on April 7, 2021. ``Mother Sweeney,'' as she affectionately was called, 
leaves behind an eternal and meaningful legacy not only to her family 
and loved ones, but to the entire York County Community.
  Mother Sweeney's life began on January 16, 1934, born to Eddie and 
Rhoda Hawkins. She was the youngest child--and only girl--in a 
household of older brothers, Edward Jr., Clyde, and Herman.
  Mother Sweeney married Arthur Sweeney in 1951, when they planted 
their roots in York. Together, they raised four wonderful children--
Takanii, Tomoa Tanya, Tanoue Onishi, and Arleta Maria--with a resilient 
sense of love and respect for their legacy.
  After a tragic work-related accident claimed the life of her beloved 
husband, Mother Sweeney was thrust into single parenthood. As obstacles 
were placed along her path, she persevered--like her mother, Rhoda 
Hawkins.
  Mother Sweeney would go on to graduate from York College with a 
degree in Nursing, all while managing a household of four beautiful, 
albeit sometimes unruly, children. She raised her children with a 
strong and powerful image of womanhood. She served as the head nurse at 
York County Homes, and as a private duty nurse while also volunteering 
for the local PTA--later serving as its president for over six years. 
She would go on to accept a position with Lincoln Intermediate Unit No. 
12 as a teacher for special needs children.
  Mother Sweeney made sure that her children knew their elders and 
family history, making sure to surround her daughters with family and 
love, as well as a connection to their roots. Her family soon began to 
grow, as her daughters welcomed children of their own. Her oldest, 
Takanii, had 11 children (Damaine, Tak, TakaKhan, Asaii, Ishni, Kiya, 
Azijah, Adonysha, Zebulon, Masata, and Amasa), Tomoa had four children 
(Angela, Yahselah, Nashon, and Ashir), Tanoue had one son (Emneko), and 
Arleta had five children (Tazaa, Taza Todd, Tyleta, T-Hara, and 
Tynaketa).
  When Mother Sweeney retired professionally, she certainly was kept 
busy with 21 grandchildren--and all the birthdays, holidays, and 
celebrations a large family brings. When asked about the number of 
great-grandchildren she has, Dorothy's response was, ``after 10, I 
stopped counting.'' The branches of her great family tree have 
continued to grow with 45 great-grandchildren--and counting.
  Mother Sweeney was always an energetic and active young lady, serving 
her family, church, and community. As a faithful and dedicated member 
of Emmanuel COGIC in York--of which her mother was one of the founding 
members--she has served under founding pastor Elder Wise until his home 
going. Until now, Mother Sweeney was the only living founding member. 
Remaining steadfast under the leadership of Pastor Leighton McMillan, 
she held various leadership positions, including Sunday school teacher, 
chair of the Pastors Aide Committee, a member of the nurses unit, vice 
president of the Deaconesses, and was appointed as Mother of Grace.
  Civically, Mother Sweeney was an active member of the State 
Democratic Committee, president of the Democratic Club of York, vice 
president of Lincoln Charter School Board, Past Matron of the Queen 
Esther Temple IBPOE, positions in Eastern Stars PJA, Daughters of 
Isis--and numerous other community organizations. Whenever possible, 
Mother Sweeney loved traveling to Florida to be with her ``Sunshine 
State'' family--the Burton/Nealy family, Pastor & First Lady Speed, 
Elder & Mother Combs, Pastor & First Lady Mays, Bishop Theadore and 
First Lady Hall, BAM International Fellowship. During the COVID-19 
pandemic, Mother Sweeney enjoyed being a part of Hurst Chapel AME 
Parking Lot Posse, enjoying Sunday morning service in the church 
parking lot.
  Mother Sweeney was a matriarch, a pillar of truth, and a true shining 
light. With words of wisdom, her strong Christian values, and her 
loving heart, she guided and nurtured her family and her community. She 
took pride in knowing that her beloved family remains strong and ever-
growing, just as she and Arthur had envisioned. Mother Sweeney was and 
will always be all that a virtuous woman should be, and truly sets the 
standard for all to follow.
  With great honor and thanks, I'm humbled to acknowledge the life and 
legacy of Mrs. Dorothy M. ``Mother Sweeney'' of York, Pennsylvania. I 
wish her Godspeed.

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