A funeral service to celebrate the life of Edythe will be conducted at 2:00 PM Monday afternoon, May 21, from the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, 200 West Trade Street, Charlotte, NC, officiated by the Senior Associate Pastor Katherine Cooke Kerr.
Edythe was the daughter of the late Bob Fleenor and Carrie Stone Fleenor. She was born April 12, 1926 in Welch, West Virginia and spent her childhood in the nearby town of Davy. Edythe studied the piano from a young age and played in many local and college concerts. She spent her senior year of high school in Cleveland, Tennessee at Bob Jones College and then graduated from Virginia Intermont College. While attending Virginia Intermont, Edythe was invited to attend the Interlochen Music Camp where she studied with other musically gifted students from all over the country. Edythe also placed First in Beauty at Virginia Intermont as judged by the John Robert Powers Modeling Agency of New York. The agency asked Edythe if she was interested in pursuing a modeling career but she respectfully declined.
Edythe met Jasper Clyde Sweet, in Abingdon, Virginia, fell in love, and they were married in March of 1948. Jasper and Edythe enjoyed 54 years of marriage before Jasper passed away in 2002. Jasper’s job required moving the family to several locations in New Jersey and Virginia before they settled in Charlotte in 1966. Edythe’s Christian beliefs and faith, instilled in her by her Mother back in Davy, guided her throughout her life. Edythe and Jasper quickly found that First Presbyterian Church was going to be their family’s church in Charlotte. Edythe loved First Presbyterian and was an active member there for over 40 years.
Edythe was a very self-sufficient person. While Jasper traveled five days most every week, Edythe cared lovingly for their three children at home. She always found ways to encourage and nurture their individual talents. During these years, Edythe still found the time to teach the art of playing the piano to many aspiring young students, including several of her own children. She loved the classical music genre. We can well remember Edythe’s beautiful rendering of Clair de lune on the piano that could be heard throughout our home.
In 1972, on the advice of a friend, Edythe began her career in real estate when Charlotte was a much smaller city. She quickly earned her NC Broker license along with other associated credentials. She excelled in the business all through the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Along the way, she met many wonderful people and helped them find just the right home. Many of her customers extolled her knowledge of the business and her ability to navigate through the buying or selling process as she endeavored to leave no stone unturned.
Perhaps one of Edythe’s most distinctive character traits was her strong sense of right from wrong. It all started in the little town of Davy, but she lived the rest of her life illuminating these choices in all she said and did, making the perfect role model for her children and grand children. Edythe was never comfortable talking about her accomplishments or her sacrifices for her family. We hope that she will forgive her children for writing of this now. Rest in peace Mother, Granny, and Maw Sweet. We love you so.
Her sisters Mildred Fleenor James and Irene Fleenor Clevinger predeceased Edythe.
Edythe is survived by her children, Brant and Kim Sweet, Philip and Barbie Sweet, and Julie and Bill Rayner. Five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren survive her: Ashley Sweet Younginer, Carrie Sweet Harbinson, Jarred Brant Sweet, Davy Grace Rayner, Elizabeth Lure Rayner, Audrey Sweet Harbinson, and Ann Hughes Younginer. Several nieces and nephews also survive her.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation for the many years of loving care provided to Edythe by the staff and caregivers at The Stewart Health Center.
Memorials may be made in her memory to First Presbyterian Church, 200 West Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18