Willie Mae Arnold Sweeney, age 98 of Winchester, TN. passed away Wednesday December 6, 2017 at Sheltering Arms Home in Palmer, TN. She was the fourth child of Will J. Arnold (1876-1939) and Willie Mae (Toney) Arnold (1888-1971), both preceding her in death. She was born in the Liberty Community, Winchester, TN. February 1, 1919 and grew up attending the Owen’s Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Willie Mae was athletic and enjoyed participating in sports including tennis and was on the Winchester Central High school basketball team. After graduating from high school (1937), she received her business training from McKenzie Business School, Chattanooga, TN. It was here she met, her husband, Guy Sweeney. Guy was a mechanical engineering student attending UTK under the co-op program and worked in Chattanooga. Willie Mae was employed by the Interstate Life & Accident Insurance Company as a cashier and secretary, and later worked for the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Willie Mae and Guy were married on July 3, 1942, and they raised their sons, Toney and Randy near Chattanooga, where they became members of the Tyner Methodist Church.
She enjoyed being outdoors and was an avid gardener, scout den mother, loved antiques and, with Guy, bought and refinished furniture. After Guy’s death in 1989, Willie Mae moved back to Winchester where she joined the First United Methodist Church, was blessed with many good friends in her hometown. In 2007 Willie Mae moved to Southern Manor where she enjoyed many friends and activities. She moved to the Sheltering Arms Home in October 2017.
Mrs. Sweeney is preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Guy Martin Sweeney; siblings, Catholene Arnold Thompson, Ernest C. Arnold and Terrell Bostick Arnold (1921-1922). She is survived by her sons, Toney Martin Sweeney of Rohnert Park, California, Walter Randall “Randy” and wife, Linda Sweeney of Gruetli Laager, TN; and brother Carl J. Arnold of Chattanooga, TN; grandchildren: James (Colleen) Sweeney, Anne (Aaron) Gross, Audra Baney, Brent (Nicole) Sweeney, Brandon (Casey) Sweeney and Jessica (Davy) Ruehling; great grandchildren: Mateo and Jonah Sweeney, Emma, Lucy, and Finley Mae Gross, Bryce (Shelby) Baney, Kylee (Skyler) McCarthy, Cole, Luke and Levi Sweeney; great great grandchildren: Wynona and Raylan Baney, and Lily Mae McCarthy; step great-great grandson, Taylor Anderson.
The family will receive friends Saturday December 9, 2017 from 12 noon-2 p.m. at Watson-North Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. in the Roy B. Watson Chapel, officiated by Rev. Dr. Steve Angus, and Rev. J.D. Spencer. Interment will follow at Owen’s Chapel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Willie Mae, may be made to Winchester First United Methodist Church or Owen’s Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Online condolences may be sent to www.watsonnorth.com .
Funeral arrangements by Watson-North Funeral Home 405 Sharp Springs Road Winchester, TN. 37398
