Rev. J. D. Cleveland Obituary (1925 - 2017)

Reverend Joe Dan Cleveland was born on March 8, 1925, in Fiskville, Texas. He was the second child born to the late Reverend Willis S. Cleveland and Mrs. Josephine Manor Cleveland and was educated through Travis County Schools. He was baptized at an early age at the Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church. At the age of 16, he accepted his call to the gospel ministry under the late Reverend E.M. Franklin. On March 17, 1945, J. D. was united in Holy Matrimony to Sallie Easley, by the late Reverend Will Brown. The family moved to the St. John's community, in February 1947, and built the home where they would live and raise their ten children. They were married for 71 wonderful years. Reverend Cleveland completed his basic training at Fort Sam, San Antonio, Texas. Shortly thereafter, he was sent to California, Fort Louis, Washington, and later to Portland, Oregon before departing for overseas. He was ordained in April 1946 in Yokohama Japan, and served as Chaplain in the U.S. Army. During World War II he served as Chaplain Assistant, counseling soldiers who like him were so far away from home and family. Following the completion of his tour of duty, he took classes and earned a diploma to work as an Auto Mechanic, a Licensed Barber, and eventually employment as a construction worker. Reverend Cleveland was also employed with Burnup & Sims Construction Company of Austin (formerly E.E. Stuessey Construction Company) where he retired on March 8, 1990. During his ministry he served as pastor of 4 churches: Saint Paul Kimbro Baptist Church, Kimbro, Texas for 6 years; Pear Valley Baptist Church, Coupland, Texas for 22 months; Union Lee Missionary Baptist Church, Manor, Texas for 60 years, and Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Utley, Texas for 58 years. In July, 1983, he was elected Second Vice-Moderator of the St. John Regular Baptist Association. While he raised 10 children, he dedicated himself to care for so many more, including his grandchildren, Ray, Kay, Trina, and great-grandchild Perry as if they were his own. Reverend Cleveland was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years Mrs. Sallie Cleveland, his father and mother, Reverend Willis S. Cleveland and Mrs. Josephine Manor Cleveland, son, Willie James Cleveland, daughter, Beverly Faye Johnson, Sisters: Beatrice Pearson, Alma Jean Thomas, Marie Washington, Brothers, William Black, Charles Cleveland, Leroy Cleveland. He quietly slept away Tuesday, December 26th, with his family by his side. While he will be dearly missed, he leaves to cherish his memory Sons: Charles Moore Jr. (Anamaria), Joe David Cleveland (Linda-deceased), Randolph Cleveland (Portia), Howard (Sharon). Daughters: Cynthia Holliday (James-deceased), Cellestine Williams (Ronald Sr.), Doris Hill (Columbus), Vickie Hillard (Willie). 42 grandchildren, 101 great-grandchildren, 25 great-great grandchildren. Special family friends, Francis (deceased) and Otis Freeman along with their daughter Charlie Mae. Deacon and Sister Dave Lofton. A host of relatives and friends along with the Union Lee and Union Hill Church Families who will miss him dearly.