Rena Elaine Sweeney, 87, of Wilmington NC, died on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

She was born on December 5, 1938, near Vicco, Kentucky to the late Elihue and Minerva Thomas.

Rena grew up in the Appalachian Mountains. A coal miner's daughter, her spirit of independence, was absorbed from that wild place and its people. She married a fascinating military man, Boyd Gray Sweeney.  Together they lived the gypsy life of a military family, moving from coast to coast more than once.

Rena graduated from the University of California with a B.S. in Social Work.  She was a Social Worker in Robeson County and the Director of the Willie M. Program.

Rena was loving, patient, and fun.  She cultivated a light and joyful attitude and spread that to family and coworkers.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her sister Ramona Evangeline Vining and a grandson Dalton Thomas Griffith.

Surviving are her children, Lesa Sweeney Griffith (Stephen), Jonny Renee Sweeney, Seth Thomas Sweeney (Terri), and Boyd Gray Sweeney Jr.  She was "Nana" to her grandchildren, William Minnich Lide, Thomas Grey Sweeney, Thomas Wells Lide, Ian Jackson Sweeney, Tyler Renee Griffith, Cadey Elaine Sweeney and to her great-granddaughter, Darcy Grey Sweeney.

The family will receive friends and loved ones prior to the service on Thurs day, May 21, 2026, from 5:00-6:00 PM at Floyd Memorial Chapel, 809 E. 5th Street in Lumberton, NC. Following the visitation, a memorial service will be held at 6:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, Rena would be delighted if you sent support to the Robeson County Animal Shelter: https://rchsociety.weebly.com.