SUSA M SWEENEY

Susa Mae Cunningham Sweeney died at home Thursday March 19th. She was 96 years old.The passing of Susa Mae Cunningham Sweeney ended a generation of Cunninghams. Susa Mae, born August 2, 1918 , was the last of eight children, and the only girl, born to Smith Eldridge and Susa Anna Cunnigham. She confessed her belief in the lord at an early age and remained steadfast in her belief throughout her life. A woman of great character, she leaves a history rich in faith, family, stewardship and a constant pursuit of knowledge. Having graduated from high school at 16, Susa Mae attended West Kentucky Industrial College in Paducah which she completed in 2 years. After graduation she entered Kentucky State College (now university), where she completed what was suppose to be a four year bachelor's degree program in Home Economics in two years. Both her mother and grandmother had been teachers and Susa chose to follow their lead. She taught home economics in several areas of the the Commonwealth including Hopkinsville and Richmond. As was common at that time, she pursued other occupations during her summer hiatus from school. Thus, while working as a dental assistant in Hopkinsville, she met and married Dr. P.O. Sweeney, a prominent Louisville dentist landowner and civil rights leader. They eventually had 4 children. Dr Sweeney died in 1960 leaving her with young children..She was instrumental in guiding them with love and patience into adulthood. Because she knew the value of education she made enormous sacrifices to ensure that her children could pursue their educations to the fullest. She took great joy in the fact that all of them completed college. In addition to raising her children alone, after Dr. Sweeney died, Susa Mae had to manage the 312 acre dairy farm near Louisville they bought early in their marriage. She oversaw the completion of the first modern milking parlor in Jefferson County. She became an expert in dairy cows and raising tobacco as well as anything else that needed to be done to ensure the survival of the farm while her children were growing up. Later, with her input, the farm became the Locust Creek Community. Words that best describe Susa Mae Sweeney include courage, strength, determination, dignity,faithfulness, compassion,and humility. She cared deeply for people and found great joy in anticipating and meeting the needs of people she met. She performed many selfless acts during the course of her life, working tirelessly to help others. She also gave her time and resources to aid the American Cancer Society, the National Heart Association and other charities. She also enjoyed gardening, canning sewing and spending time with family and friends. She was a devoted Christian who also found joy and satisfaction in serving God. She was a longtime member of Muirs Chapel CME Church where she served as stewardess,and was on the board of trustees and the usher board. She was also a member of the Kentucky Negro Education Association , The Eastern Area Ministerial Coalition and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She was preceded in death by her parents, her seven brothers, Smith E., Oliver, Perry, Lloyd, Tandy, Adolphus, and Shirley, her husband Pruitt O. Sweeney and son Deryl L as well as her stepchildren Florence Warders and Pruitt O. Sweeney Jr. She leaves behind three children, Cheryl(Keith) Phyllis, Maurice(Jannette), ten grandchildren, two great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. She will be deeply missed by those whose lives she touched. Visitation will be 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at A.D. Porter & Sons Southeast, 4501 Bardstown Road.The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Brown Memorial CME Church, 809 W. Chestnut St. She will be interred in the Cunningham Family Cemetery in Cadiz Kentucky. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Kentucky State University or The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation ℅ Deryl Sweeney II, 9105 Cedar Wood Drive, Peewee Valley Kentucky 40056.

SUSA M SWEENEY

August 2, 1918 - March 19, 2015