Jewell C. (Jackson) Sweeney, a longtime resident of Salem, Indiana, passed away on April 12, 2025. She was 90 years old. She was the daughter of Sherman and Frowe (Duke) Jackson of Bedford, Indiana, and was preceded in death by her husband, David L. Sweeney, whom she married on January 1, 1955.
She leaves behind three children, Marti (Sweeney) Colglazier and Scott Colglazier of Bloomington, Indiana, Vicki (Sweeney) Dowling and Shayne Dowling of Salem, Indiana, and Joe Sweeney and Marla Sweeney of Otisco, Indiana.
She had eight grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.
Additionally, she had one great great grandchild. Jewell grew up in a large family with eight siblings. Her oldest sister, Myra Lee Shipman, is the only remaining sibling and lives in Bedford.
Jewell was known and respected throughout the Salem community. In addition to being a supportive wife and mother, and an active member of the Salem High Street Church of Christ, she also worked in the Superior Court Clerk’s office from 1973 – 1991.
She then was the manager of the Division of Motor Vehicles in Salem from 1991 – 1999.
She treasured her time as a public servant, always going out of her way to be helpful to people. Her combination of intelligent competency and good humor made her a reliable pillar in the community.
She loved baking, reading, playing euchre with friends, and of course spending time with her many great grandchildren.
After her retirement she enjoyed walking with friends and then sharing coffee at H&R Bakery. She was a regular participant in a Purdue “Extension” group and was also active in a “farmer’s club” with her husband David.
Her sharp wit, intelligence, and affable personality brought great joy to her family and friends. Even in her last years, she continued to hop out of bed, dressed herself, and was ready to go should anyone call. To say the least, Jewell was a doer and quick to say “yes” to a daily adventure.
As she grew more frail over the past few years, Jewell was lovingly supported by all her children who provided considerable care and attention. Throughout her life she offered warm hospitality to friends and family.
As her family was growing up, Jewell put together a weekly
Sunday meal after church services, and that dinner table became a place of stories, raucous laughter and conversation. For decades she hosted a Christmas morning breakfast for her family. She was never flustered when making room for one more person at the table.
One of her greatest joys was to see all three of her children become quality adults, each one successful, happy and making contributions to the world.
In keeping with her exemplary Christian faith, services honoring
Jewell’s life will be held on April 18, 2025 at Dawalt Funeral Home in Salem.
Visitation at the funeral home is 10:30 am to noon. A memorial service will be held at noon, with burial to follow in Crown Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Washington County Community Foundation.
