Obituaries

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Psalm 23:6

What a day of celebration it was when heaven dispatched Allen Cleveland, Jr. to commence his earthly journey on Saturday February 12, 1949. He was the first of six gifts from the Lord born to the parental stewardship of Allen and Bessie (Whittington) Cleveland in Oneida, Arkansas.

Junior was educated in the public school system of Helena-West Helena, Arkansas where he attended North End Elementary School in Helena, Arkansas and graduated in 1969 from Eliza Miller High School in West Helena, Arkansas. Upon his graduation, he entered the work force and was a laborer for Barron Construction and Richardson Landing Slab Field. Junior also worked with the children at Mid- Delta Head Start as a Teacher’s Aide and delivered meals to senior citizens and other homebound residents for Mid-Delta Community Services.

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Ephesians 4:11–12

Reared under the umbrella of Christian inspiration and influence, Junior secured his eternal destiny in the tender years of his life by accepting Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized at the Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Helena, Arkansas, under the pastorate of Rev. A.L. Woodson. He committed himself to Christian service and served in various ministries.

Junior later united with the Galilee Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Jessie King. He was a devoted student of the word of God and loved teaching the Bible. He served as a Deacon, Superintendent of the Sunday School, and a Sunday School Teacher. Junior loved gospel music and joyfully sung with the church choir and the Male Chorus.

A man with a gigantic smile and a generous heart, Junior was a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend. He had a quiet nature about himself, yet he was a very compassionate person and always wanted to help anyone in need. He loved reading, gardening, and keeping records of events that would one day prove to be of historical significance.

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6–8

On the eve of Wednesday February 26, 2020, Junior stood on the shores of eternity, his heart singing “Oh I want to see him, look upon his face; there to sing forever of his Amazing Grace; on the streets of glory, let me lift my voice; cares are past, home at last, ever to rejoice.” It would be a day of celebration, a family reunion, as he entered the eternal presence of the Lord, reunited with his parents Allen and Bessie Cleveland, Sr. and three siblings: Esau Ware, Teresa Ware – Knox, and Alice Marie Cleveland.

Among those who remain to cherish his memory are four siblings: Barbara Ellison of South Bend, Indiana; Roxie (William) Siddon of West Helena, Arkansas; Essie Cleveland of Conway, Arkansas; and Sherry (Freddie) Richardson of Helena, Arkansas; nieces, nephews, extended family members and a host of other relatives and friends. We take comfort in the certainty of our glorious reunion with him in eternity!

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58