Shipps Funeral Home, Inc. | Sylvester, GA

Obituary For Wilda Terrell Cleveland

The funeral services for the late Mrs. Wilda T. Cleveland, who departed this life on Thursday, April 11, 2024, will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. from the Greater St. Luke Baptist Church in Ashburn, Georgia. Reverend Samuel Gaines, Pastor, will deliver the Eulogy. Burial will follow in the Westview Memorial Cemetery in Ashburn, Georgia. Services may be viewed Facebook Live from the “Shipps Funeral Home” Facebook page or by clicking the Video Stream link on this site's Home Page.

Mrs. Wilda Terrell Cleveland was born July 30, 1920 in Rebecca, Georgia to the parentage of the late Mr. and Mrs. Walter and Mary Black Terrell. She was one of twelve children. All have preceded her in death.

Mrs. Cleveland was educated in the Turner County Public School System at that time. She attended Albany State College (now University) in Albany, Georgia and received her B.S. Degree. Her career in education began in 1942 in her hometown of Rebecca, Georgia, where she started teaching in churches, such as Piney Grove, St. Luke, and Shaw. Later in life, she transferred to Ashburn, Georgia and taught at Eureka High and Elementary and at Sycamore Elementary until she retired in 1984.

Mother Cleveland had great faith in the Lord and joined the St. Luke Baptist Church in Rebecca, Georgia, under the leadership of the late Reverend L. W. Whipple, at an early age. She loved going to Union and Association Meetings. She taught Sunday School at Greater St. Luke Baptist Church for many, years and she was an inspiration to all. She served as Mission Auxiliary President, a member of the Pastor’s Aide Club, taught Youth Auxiliary Programs, and served as Mother of the Church.

She was united in Holy Matrimony to Mr. Leroy Cleveland, Sr. This union was blessed with several children.

These loving, wise, caring eyes that have seen and witnessed many things for over 103 years closed to Eternal Rest on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her family. Her parents, her siblings, her husband, a son, Leroy Cleveland, Jr., and two daughters, Rachel Cleveland, Verdine Cushion, have all preceded her in death.

Mother Cleveland leaves to cherish her memories her daughters, Brooksie Ponder of Albany, GA, Betty Brown, Sarah Smith, both of Ashburn, Georgia; ten grandchildren, twenty-nine great grandchildren, nineteen great great grandchildren; a son-in-law, Samuel Brown; a special great niece and nephew that she loved as grandchildren, Afra Brown and Sameeh F. Brown; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Guest Book

Sending love & prayers for peace & comfort to the Terrell & Cleveland families. Mrs. Cleveland was my teacher for the first five years of school in Rebecca, Ga when we attended school in churches. Before that she was my mother's teacher(Bernice Lewis Aplin). I am eternally thankful for the impact she had on my life & all that she poured into me. May she rest in heavenly peace. Sincerely...Bernice Aplin Lee & the Aplin Family.

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Prayers and sympathy to the Cleveland Family. Savannah Weston and family

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My deepest condolences to the family. Mrs. Cleveland was my teacher. May God bless you all. Rosa Burgess Smith and family. Athens, Ga.

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To the Cleveland & Terrell Family: Sending love, prayers, and sincere condolences in the loss of a beautiful spirit. May she rest peacefully with the Heavenly Father & be forever beautiful. With Love, Christine Travick & Family

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Sending heart felt prayers and condolences to the family. Mrs. Cleveland was a lifetime member of Beth Eden #63 Order of Eastern Stars Fitzgerald, Ga.

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My Condolences to the Family. Mrs. Cleveland was my teacher. God bless🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾Lynette

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Mrs. Cleveland was a neighbor, a teacher, and a very good friend. My condolences goes out to the family. Remember to smile that how she was every time you saw her.

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She tought a lot of my family back in day nice woman sorry for loss

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Our love, prayers, and condolences go out to the family of Mrs. Claveland. My brother and I always remembered the impact she made on our lives as our grade school teacher. We will never forget such a wonderful sole. Rev. Mary L. Bartell, Liberty, North Carolina

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My condolences to the family. Mrs. Cleveland was one of our church's prized possessions. With love Marshale Ewing.

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Sending heartfelt condolences to the Cleveland and Terrell families. This precious jewel will live on in our hearts. I always enjoyed talking to her, where ever I would see her. God bless you on your journey home, Ms. Cleveland

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You have made an impact on so many lives and you will be truly missed. My sincere condolences to the Cleveland/Terrell family. Love, Queen Carithers

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To the Terrell/Cleveland Family, We share in your loss, of family member, Aunt Wilda. She will be greatly missed. Gone from our sight but not our heart. Rest on Aunt Wilda. Job well done. Love, G. Carithers-Davis

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My condolences to the family. My great uncle's wife. David Wiley.

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My condolences Charles Leary.

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My condolences to the most wonderouse soul ever to come to this world peace & joy on your return home.

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Sending my condolences & prayers for one of the sweetest souls to come to this world, peace and glorious joy on your return back to your eternal home.

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Sending our Condolences and Prayers to the Family. Sylvia Chatfield & Family

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Sending our Condolences and Prayers to the Family. Sylvia Chatfield & Family

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Shipps Funeral Home, Inc. | Sylvester, GA