Mary Ola Sweat (née Brown)

Obituary: In Loving Memory of Mary Ola Sweat Mary Ola Sweat was born to Hickle and Annie Brown on March 17th, 1934 in Featherston, Oklahoma. She was the oldest daughter of four children and came to California with her family in 1945. She grew up in Lamont, California and attended Mountain View Junior High as well as Arvin High. Mary met and fell in love with Jasper (Jay) Sweat when she was 16. They were married on June 23rd, 1951. Together, they raised 3 children, had 8 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren: Regina, Mark, Thomas, Kim, Montgomery, Thomas Jay, Laurie, Henry, Alexander, Kimberly, Tracey, Corbin and soon to be born Violet. Mary was a full-time mom, and wife. She taught her daughter, granddaughter, and many of her friends' daughters how to embroider, knit, crochet, sew and quilt. Every child, grandchild and great-grandchild has received at least one handmade quilt by Mary. The last quilt she made was a beautiful baby quilt that she made with loving care for her soon to be born great-granddaughter Violet. In her life time, Mary made many precious handmade gifts to give to friends and family. She was a wonderful cook. This talent she also shared with her children and many of the neighborhood kids. Mary had so much fun in the kitchen, and loved helping her boys earn their scout badges by showing them how to bake cookies and cakes. Jay especially enjoyed all the pies and cobblers that Mary made for him. Her fried chicken was a family favorite, as well as the dressing she made for the holidays. Mary and Jay were married for over 62 years. She was always there to help Jay with any of his career choices, or business endeavors. While he worked full-time, went to night school, and managed apartments, Mary worked hard to support him where he needed it. She answered phones, showed apartments to potential renters, and cleaned apartments. Mary did all of this in addition to taking care of her own home, and being the primary care giver for her children, grandchildren and her aging mother. Mary Sweat was a wonderful person who will be missed very much by her family and her friends. She was loving, generous, accepting, creative, patient, and kind. She was home and surrounded by family and friends when God called her home on November 8th, 2013. Mary will be laid to rest at the Bakersfield National Cemetery, and Jay will always think of her as he drives by on Highway 58 on his way up to Keene.