Johanna Sweat

Born in Mexico City, Mexico on August 9, 1956

Departed on January 16, 2021 and resided in Fairview, Tennessee

Our beloved, Johanna (Carol) Sweat, passed away peacefully early afternoon on Saturday January 16th 2021. She is survived by her husband Joseph V Sweat, children Sarah Williams and Patrick Micklewright, granddaughters, Brooke Williams, Eleanor Micklewright & Baby Hazel Micklewright, brother and his wife Brian and Olinda Spitzer, sister and her husband Marcia and Tom Davenport, sister Janine Spitzer-Orr and John Orr, brother Kelly Spitzer and sister-in law Patty Spitzer. Johanna was preceded in death by her father James Frances Spitzer and her mother Bertha Jean Spitzer, and brother John Spitzer. She was dearly loved by her husband's family the Sweat's - Joseph Alton Sweat, Mary Jo, Stephen, Michael, Cindy and Linus, Brandon and Shelly, and grandchildren Madelyn and Zack.
Johanna was born in Mexico City, Mexico where her father, James F. Spitzer (Chief Master Sergeant of the US Air Force) was stationed. She and her family lived in many parts of the world and she often told wonderful stories of Hawaii and frightening stories of a typhoon that occurred while they were living in Guam. The family settled in Colorado Springs where her older brother, Brian, attended and graduated from the US Airforce Academy and became an F15 pilot, of whom Johanna was immensely proud. Johanna attended and graduated from St. Mary's Catholic High School in Colorado Springs and then went on to continue her college education at University of Santa Fe. Johanna raised her two children Sarah and Patrick in their younger years in Colorado Springs until their move to Nashville. They were the light of her life. Johanna also deeply admired her own mother and often spoke of her mother's artistic abilities, courage, gentle nature and unwavering stamina over the years, as the family moved to set up a new home in so many different locations. Her parents were hero's in her eyes.
Johanna was a singer, songwriter and guitar player and was loved by her fellow musicians in the Nashville area and in Colorado. From a young age she was determined to follow her passion for music, alongside her younger brother and musical partner Kelly Spitzer. She grew up playing often at Catholic folk masses in Colorado with her brother Kelly and they both subsequently moved to Nashville to pursue their musical dreams in 1989. She and Kelly played at many local clubs over the years. After moving to Nashville Johanna met the love of her life and best friend, Joseph Sweat. They were married on May 16th, 2002 and were inseparable from then on. She had found her "finish line" and who she often referred to as her "prince charming". He too shared her love for music and played the drums at festivals with her angelic voice filling the ears of all those that had the joy of listening. Johanna had numerous close friends with whom she often talked with for hours on the phone as they shared their lives, prayers, laughs, sorrows, struggles and joys. Johanna was a calming, spiritual force and never left a conversation or encounter with a loved one without them knowing the love she shared for each of them.
Johanna was an avid crystal, mineral and rock collector. Her husband called her a "rockhound" and was he often stunned with her knowledge of all the stones she had accumulated. She often knew the precise scientific names, chemical composition, energy each piece encompassed and their unique mineralogy. She loved her little dog Mia (Chihuahua), who slept with her and made us all laugh each day. Most of all Johanna loved the LORD, her family, her husband, her children, and grandchildren. They were all the beat of her heart, the joy in her smile, the pride of her life and what brought her true happiness every single day of her life on this earth. She left this earth peacefully and in no pain.
Johanna was a bright light to so many in an often, dark world. She displayed true loyalty, faith, love, and kindness towards the ones she loved. She will forever be deeply missed by her family, husband and children and everyone who knew her beautiful heart and spirit.
A memorial to honor her will be held on Sunday, January 31st at 1 PM at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home and Gardens off Hwy 100 in Nashville, TN. She was cremated in accordance with her wishes and "rests in love" in the most beautiful Himalayan Salt Crystal that there ever was - just as she would have chosen for herself. Her honorary gathering will be held at the Harpeth Hills Pavilion, which sits next to a small lake with fountains. The large indoor room has large slide up doors, will be opened if weather allows, to assist in air ventilation and show off the breathtaking view. The Pavilion is truly a beautiful and peaceful setting and Sarah and I knew right away when we saw it that Johanna would have loved it also.
We are very mindful of the vast distances that separate many family members and loved ones and the safety concerns created by the CIDID-19 virus. For those who can attend, we will have virus-related protocols in place (temp check, mash and gloves available, social distance, etc.) and we would note that short visits are fine to help limit virus transmissions. We kindly discourage congregating closer than 6 ft in groups, where the likelihood of transmission is increased.
Later in the year we will return Johanna's remains back to Colorado Springs which she loved so much - perhaps around her birthday (August 9th), to her sons Patrick home and do a gathering at his home (music, food, memorials) and then we want to leave a few ashes at Garden of The Gods and/or similar spots dear to Johanna but those details can be decided later. We know she would want her ashes to be back near the Rocky Mountains where her heart always called ‘home'.
We really appreciate all the support and prayers everyone has given our family from near and far - it is really overwhelming and amazing the number of people who loved her and the lives she touched on this earth - many have sent their love and support and it means the world to us all as we lay our wife and mother to rest. The contact info for Harpeth Hills Funeral home follows below and thank you all for the love, support and respect you have shown Johanna! She is smiling down from Heaven, for this we are sure.