Lelia Mae "Goldie" Sweet's Obituary
Lelia Mae Sweet left this world to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 8, 2023. She was 86.
Lelia was born in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, on May 16, 1936, to Ben and Laura Howard. It was there that she met her husband Norton while he was serving in the military at Ft. Chaffee. Their military experience took them to several Army posts within the United States and overseas.
Lelia raised six children, bestowing on them a quiet strength that characterized her personality. When her husband was engaged in two tours in Vietnam, Lelia kept the family structure intact, guiding her six high-energy children, keeping them on track and providing them the moral foundation, the example, that they followed. Her quiet demeanor was never mistaken for weakness, as she had the “look” that she could employ—her kids knew what that meant!
Lelia worked as a Special Education Para-Professional for the Tacoma School District, from 1972-1998. Her Christian faith showed, as she served the students selflessly. In addition, Lelia served as a Steward at Allen AME Church in Tacoma, Washington and was a faithful volunteer in their food bank, bringing a light into the lives of so many others.
Lelia enjoyed spending time with family, preferring to listen to the stories of her grown children, or to watch the grand and great grandkids interact with one another. Listening to Gospel Music, reading, and studying her Bible, and reading, listening to or writing devotionals also gave her comfort. Her faith was the key to her essence and was the sole reason why she was not one to get overly worked up about any situation. She put all in God’s hands and that gave her that quiet peace she shared with others.
While Lelia was not interested in being at the center of the lives of her children, she knew that they saw her as a superstar. She took joy in their accomplishments, their awards, and the service-oriented lives they led, never truly appreciating that she was their inspiration and the source of their individual strengths and skills.
It was the element of Service that is one of the lasting legacies of Lelia Mae Sweet. Whether to her family, her work with Special Education students, her Church family, her community neighbors, and her various volunteer endeavors—Lelia was all about serving the needs of others. Quietly, without pretension, Lelia led by example. She will be missed in body, but her spirit will live on.
Lelia leaves to cherish her memory her sister Thelma, 4 sons, JD-Jerome (Elizabeth), Norton (Elizabeth), Wayne (Karen), Marcus (Janice) 1 daughter, Sheila, grand and great grandchildren, also a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends are left to mourn her passing.
Lelia was preceded in death by her husband Norton, a son, David, her brother “JW”, and sisters Sue and Wanda.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to Doctors Without Borders.
Service
Jan 21st, 2023 - Allen AME Church, 1223 M.L.K. Jr Way, Tacoma WA 98405
Internment
Mountain View Funeral Home, 4100 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
Pallbearers
Jason Joyce
Omar Sweet
Mario Sweet
Damien Swift
James Sweet
Kenny Sweet
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