Week of December 14, 2016
Maureen Alice Sweetman Luke (affectionately known as “Mo”) passed away December 1, 2016 in Cookeville, TN. She was preceded in death by her son, A.J., and her older sister, Patty Peck. The daughter of the late Alice Evans Sweetman and Joseph David Sweetman, Maureen was born in New Jersey and moved to South Carolina in 1965.
She was the Owner/Manager of Maureen’s Delicatessen Restaurant in Greenville, S.C. for many years. In the mid-1990’s she moved to Charlotte, N.C. to begin a career in Gerontology. She served as the Assistant Managing Director of MerryWood, a Senior Adult Community; the Executive Director of Atria Assisted Living; and the Community Development Director of The Village of Woodridge where she retired. Maureen was also a flight attendant with U.S. Airways for a time, as well as being a Spa & Image Consultant with BeautiControl Beauty Company throughout most of her career. She really loved BeautiControl and enjoyed helping women (and men) look their best.
As evidenced by her diverse careers, Maureen conquered whatever she set her mind to and made an impression upon everyone who had the pleasure to know her. She was celebrated for her beautiful smile and giving nature, but renowned for taking command of any situation, no matter who was involved, and she loved doing just that!
Maureen is survived by her husband, Charles Luke of Cookeville, TN; daughter, Allison Polanco (Edgar); grandchildren, Alexa, Ashlyn, Anabella of Jacksonville, FL, and Michael Underwood of Davidson, N.C.; sister, Karen Traxler (David) of Easley, S.C.; and brothers David Sweetman (Donna) of Dyer, NV; Robert Sweetman (Joyce) of Liberty, S.C.; and Mark Sweetman (Karen) of Sumter, S.C.
A memorial service will be held in her honor at First Church of God, 5300 Albemarle Road, Charlotte, NC on Friday, December 16, 2016 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers please make donations to The Muscular Dystrophy Association; or the charity of your choice.