Mary Sweeper

Held as the matriarch of her family, Mary Sweeper rose to life on October 2, 1939 in Eutawville, South Carolina to the late Corine Gathers and John Goodwin Sr. “May,” as she was called by her loved ones, resided in South Carolina until her early 20’s when she relocated to New Jersey with her late husband Paul Sweeper. Always dedicated and committed to her family, “May” diligently worked at States Athletics Factory to help her mother, father, and siblings relocate to New Jersey. Following her passion of helping others, Mrs. Sweeper transitioned into the health care industry, where she worked as a Nursing Assistant until retirement. A mother, teacher, and provider of wisdom, Mrs. Sweeper birthed and raised two daughters, Adriane Darlene Sweeper, and the late Beverly Sweeper. Always referring to her granddaughter, Sable Tempest Sweeper, as “My baby,” the prideful grandmother and granddaughter duo built an everlasting and loving bond. The celebration of Sundays was a ritual for Mrs. Sweeper. She spent her Sundays cooking soul food dinners and playing gospel music while creating memories and laughs with her life partner Celestino “Ace” Rivera, family, and friends. A spiritual and social butterfly, Mrs. Sweeper enjoyed sitting outside with her Aspen community family, playing “Pick-its,” and scratch-offs. As Mary Sweeper enters the eternal gates of heaven, she will be remembered for her strong faith in Christianity, wisdom, strength, and positive spirts through every life obstacle. Mrs. Sweeper wholeheartedly believed with prayer, faith, and hard work; anything could be achieved. In her last words, the beloved matriarch wanted her loved ones to know: “I will be okay.” “May” leaves behind everlasting memories and laughs to be cherished with her life partner, Celestino “Ace” Rivera, daughter Adriane Darlene Sweeper, her “baby,” Sable Tempest Sweeper, five sisters, Lula Goodwin, Alice Goodwin, Theresa Goodwin, Joyce Nancy Goodwin, and Annie Askew, one brother, David Goodwin, three Godchildren, Latrice Bunting, Eddie Washington, and Lawanda Minick, a host of nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. Mrs. Sweeper has been greeted in the heavenly afterlife by her late husband, Paul Sweeper, mother, Corine Gathers, father, John Goodwin Sr., daughter, Beverly Sweeper, two sisters, Pearl “Pun” Robinson and Jannie Mae “Mat” Wade, two brothers, John Goodwin Jr. and Roosevelt Goodwin, and her best friend Ms. Norma. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Sweeper (Goodwin), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Mary Sweeper

October 2, 1939 - October 1, 2019