The publication is reproduced in full below:
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.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 75
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