Celebrating the life of
Joanne Welty Sweeney
November 05, 1930 - February 26, 2016
Joanne Welty Sweeney, 85, of Savannah, Georgia, passed away on February 26, 2016. Mrs. Sweeney was born in Evanston, IL in 1930 to Duncan and Victoria Welty. She met her husband, John L. Sweeney, now deceased, at Michigan State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in English. .
Joanne was a dedicated housewife (and yes, she was proud of the title) who followed her husband to Washington (see Mr. Smith Goes to Washington) for his work in government (not a bad word back then). They settled on a farm with their four children, horses, dogs, a myriad of cats, a donkey, and a small apple orchard. Joanne had a passion for history, art and antiques. She earned an associate’s degree in art from Montgomery College. She hosted a legendary neighborhood Christmas Party for ten years.
The Sweeneys settled in Ponte Vedra, Florida in 1986 where Joanne became involved with the local art museum, then known as the Jacksonville Art Museum. Joanne worked as a volunteer, then eventually as chairman of the board, and shepherded its move to its current downtown location.
Shortly after the death of her husband, Joanne moved to Savannah to be closer to her daughter Anne and her grandbabies.
Joanne Sweeney is survived by four children, Stephen Sweeney, Anne Butler, John Sweeney and Sarah Watkins; six grandchildren, Eve Brettell, Rachel Dawe, Ben Butler, Ian and Will Watkins and Sam Sweeney, and one great-grandchild, Joshua Brettell.
There will be a private ceremony for family and close friends at Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida at a later date.
To the Sweeney family, we send heartfelt condolences. We mourn the loss of a fun and supportive relationship of over sixty years.
- Lannie and Gery Williams, Savannah, Ga
Met John and Jo when they transferred to Jacksonville with CSX, and instantly loved them both! After a short move to NYC, I missed the beach and returned. John was then instrumental in landing me my job at CSX and we rekindled our friendship. I've missed Jo since she moved to Savannah, but I know she was happiest being closer to her children. Her sense of humor and insights will be missed! Dan
- Dan Elmaleh, Jacksonville Beach , FL
Sending living support to the Watkins family, especially to my friend since high school, Sarah Victoria Sweeney Watkins, on the loss of her mother.
- Marirose, Rockville , MD
Our wonderful, sweet Aunt Jo was loved and treasured by our whole family. Her humor and insight were so important to all of us and we each shared our own unique and valued relationship with her. She was a loving sister to my mother and very special to all of us. We send our love and condolences to our cousins.
- Kandy OBrien, San Diego , CA
Anne, sorry to learn of your Mother's passing. May the Lord be with you and family during this time.
- Carole Groover, Ellabell, GA
I knew Joanne from our work at the Jacksonville Art Museum now tthe Musem of Contemporary Art affiliated with UNF. We served on the Board of Directors together working on many projects and raising money. It wa an exciting time and we were so satisfied to see the Museum found an appropriate home with the the University of North Florida. Joanne was was a very smart and witty woman'who gave a lot to the community. It was a pleasure to know and work with her. I wish I had known she was still living so close by these past years as I thought she had returned to the Washington D. C. area. My condolences to all her family and friends.
- Melissa Weihnacht, Jacksonville, Fl
To the Sweeney family, we send heartfelt condolences. We mourn the loss of a fun and supportive relationship of over sixty years.
- Lannie and Gery Williams, Savannah, Ga
Met John and Jo when they transferred to Jacksonville with CSX, and instantly loved them both! After a short move to NYC, I missed the beach and returned. John was then instrumental in landing me my job at CSX and we rekindled our friendship. I've missed Jo since she moved to Savannah, but I know she was happiest being closer to her children. Her sense of humor and insights will be missed! Dan
- Dan Elmaleh, Jacksonville Beach , FL
Sending living support to the Watkins family, especially to my friend since high school, Sarah Victoria Sweeney Watkins, on the loss of her mother.
- Marirose, Rockville , MD
Our wonderful, sweet Aunt Jo was loved and treasured by our whole family. Her humor and insight were so important to all of us and we each shared our own unique and valued relationship with her. She was a loving sister to my mother and very special to all of us. We send our love and condolences to our cousins.
- Kandy OBrien, San Diego , CA
Anne, sorry to learn of your Mother's passing. May the Lord be with you and family during this time.
- Carole Groover, Ellabell, GA
I knew Joanne from our work at the Jacksonville Art Museum now tthe Musem of Contemporary Art affiliated with UNF. We served on the Board of Directors together working on many projects and raising money. It wa an exciting time and we were so satisfied to see the Museum found an appropriate home with the the University of North Florida. Joanne was was a very smart and witty woman'who gave a lot to the community. It was a pleasure to know and work with her. I wish I had known she was still living so close by these past years as I thought she had returned to the Washington D. C. area. My condolences to all her family and friends.
- Melissa Weihnacht, Jacksonville, Fl
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
