Madelon Elliott Sweat

Madelon Elliott Sweat passed away peacefully at the age of 90 in Tallahassee, Florida. Born in Shreveport, LA to Jean Logan Elliott and Joseph Evans Elliott, Madelon’s journey was one of boundless love, adventure and service.

Madelon grew up in Shreveport where she developed childhood friendships that she held dear throughout her life. She attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri for a year before transferring to Southern Methodist University in Dallas where she received a BA degree in Costume Design and cultivated more lifelong friendships as a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. After graduating, she brought her artistic talents to Neiman Marcus in Dallas where she was proud of her work as a window set decorator. She continued to express her love of fashion throughout her life with a fun and colorful wardrobe.

Her life took a serendipitous turn when she met her future husband, Bob Sweat, on a flight from Dallas to Shreveport in 1956. After a six-month, long-distance courtship, they married. Their chance encounter grew into a wonderful life together spanning 58 years and marked by joy, companionship and unwavering devotion. They spent their early years in Deland and then Jacksonville, Florida before settling down in Tallahassee and raising three children, Jim, Linda and Brandon. Family activities brought Madelon immeasurable joy and regularly included camping trips and deep-sea fishing adventures.

Madelon was positive and outgoing with a zest for life. She received great pleasure from entertaining and socializing with family and friends. She loved to "cut a rug" with Bob and enjoyed singing happy songs. She was an avid bridge and tennis player for many years and later enjoyed golf with Bob. Her creative spirit and artistic talents were expressed in many ways including painting, basket weaving, knitting. pottery, various forms of needlework and other crafts. She loved nature and wildlife and had a passion for travel. She and Bob created many cherished memories traveling the globe and spending summers at their North Carolina mountain home in Burlingame Country Club near Cashiers.

Madelon’s passion for the arts was also evident in her involvement as a member of the Le Moyne Art Center Board and the Violet Garden Club, where she shared her talent for painting and appreciation for nature. She was a dedicated member of the Junior League of Tallahassee, finding joy and laughter while entertaining others with the “Loonies” skit group. Some of her favorite memories were created sharing her passion for art and nature as a Den Mother for Brandon’s Cub Scout Pack.

Madelon’s faith was a guiding light throughout her life. She was an active member of Faith Presbyterian Church where she served as President of the Women of the Church, Deacon, Elder, Sunday School Teacher and Stephens Minister.

Finding immense enjoyment in the company of family and friends, Madelon embraced every moment with warmth and enthusiasm. She leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter, a testament to a life well-lived and heart well-loved.

Madelon is survived by her three loving children: Jim (Caryn), Linda Elliot (Jared) and Brandon (Stephanie); six grandchildren: Lauren Shoemaker (Brian), Connor Sweat (Megan), Logan Elliot (Taylor), Tanner Elliot (Caroline), Carter Sweat and Christian Sweat; three great grandchildren: Elliott Shoemaker, Oliver Shoemaker and Jack Sweat; and her sister Elaine Geiger (Claude). She was preceded in death by her loving husband Bob, her brother Joe Elliott, and her parents Joseph and Jean Elliott.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024, at two o’clock in the afternoon at Faith Presbyterian Church, followed by a reception in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Presbyterian Church or the Le Moyne Art Center in her name.