Thelma I. Sweeney

Thelma Irene Clark Sweeney was born on April 18, 1927 in Carroll County, Georgia. She was the 5th child born to the parents of Barney Clark Sr. and Annie Pope Holiday Clark of Whitesburg, Ga. She was preceded in death by Brothers: Barney Clark Jr., Horace Clark and Howard Clark and Sisters: Jessie Clark, Arlene Anderson, and Mattie McCraney. Sister, Lois Maxine Sweeney is her surviving sibling.

Thelma was always said to have had a loving and caring spirit. As a child, she was told she'd probably be a Nurse, because she would care for sick and hurt. She left for Atlanta, early in her life to continue her education and to pursue her dream of being a Licensed Practical Nurse. This goal she achieved and much more. She took employment at Western Mo. Mental Health Center where she worked on the Alcohol /Drug and the Adolescent Units and received recognition for 20 years of service.

After retiring from WMMHC, she continued to work as a L.P.N. In 2006, Thelma received a Prestigious Golden Nurse Award by the Missouri State Board of Nursing for having served the Profession of Nursing faithfully for 50 years. She was always caring for others. Whether it be sickness, injury or just to talk or listen, she was there. All the while, she'd be patting your hand or head, saying, " It'll be alright". She moved in her older sisters and cared for them as their personal Nurse caregiver when they no longer were able to care for themselves. That's just how she was, there for anyone in need. When you thought of a Nurse, she came to mind.

Thelma accepted Christ early in life, and in 1946 she married Arthur L Sweeney Sr. They moved from Georgia to Kansas City, Mo. where they raised their family in the ways of the Lord. She was a loving wife to him for 44 years until his death. Their life included travel and many business ventures. They owned a restaurant and renting houses and rooms and had the old Sweeney's APCOA Service Station on 35th and Jackson. K.C., Mo. She loved to travel and would be on a plane or hop in her Cadillac or little sports car and be on her way. When she wanted to see you, she was there. Thelma loved her family and children. It was not uncommon to see her out of town with 5 or six children including her Grandkids and their friends. She was a mother to 3 daughters, Orangie M. Busby of Kansas City, Sharon (Carmine) Clark-Napolitano of Washington DC, Bonnie E. Clark of Atlanta, Ga. and 3 sons, Chester A. L. Sweeney Jr., Donald Sweeney and Ronald (Octavia) Sweeney of Kansas City, Mo. She was Auntie, Friend, Grand Ma, Great Grand Ma and called "The Great-Great " by her Great Grand Children. She was known as Grand Mommy to Dozens of children, hers and friends of her Grand Children.

She loved her dogs. Faye, Judy, Jessie, Zena and her last dog, Luby, whom she called her Shuppie. It was not uncommon to see Luby sitting on her lap, riding in her car or in her bed under the covers. She even had a Build a Bear made with her recorded greeting to play for Luby. Luby passed just 2 months before her at 10 years of age.

She was a faithful member of Deliverance Temple COGIC under Elder Wilbur Smith and then a faithful member of New Beginnings Christian Fellowship under the Late Rev. Vern Hopkins. She was on the Mother Board and loved being there until her health declined. Thelma was a Kind, Loving and God Fearing woman who showed love to all. She will be greatly missed and fond memories will follow.

Visitation 9AM, with services to follow at 10:30AM, Friday, July 19 at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Rd.; burial in Green Lawn Cemetery.

Visitation 9AM, with services to follow at 10:30AM, Friday, July 19 at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Rd.; burial in Green Lawn Cemetery.