Annie Pearl Cleveland

Annie Pearl Cleveland was born on June 28, 1944 to the late Mr. James Coleman, Sr. and Mrs. Flendora Coleman in Sawyerville, Alabama. She was the fourth of thirteen children born to this union.

Annie accepted Christ as her personnel savior at an early age, she was baptized at Springfield Baptist Church in Sawyerville, AL., and then joining the choir, she attended services regularly.

She received her formal education at Hale County Training School, where she graduated Salutatorian of her class. After graduating at 16 years of age, she moved to Los Angeles, California with her cousin Beulah Rhone where she pursued a career in nursing.

Annie relocated to Milwaukee, WI in the early 60's and united in Holy Matrimony to Johnny Clyde Cleveland on October 12, 1963. To this union four children were born.

After relocating, she worked at the VA Hospital until accepting employment with the U.S. Postal Service and working there for 33 years until her retirement in 1997.

At the center of Annie’s life purpose was always, family. Letting her love of God lead her path, she spent the years of her adult life pouring into her family and being the mother away from home for her siblings, a devout wife, mother, and sister in Christ to all that had the pleasure of knowing her.

Annie’s talents stretched far and wide – as a teenager, she was coined as the best seamstress in town making all of her own clothes. She loved fashion and looked forward to 'dressin’ for ‘The Lord’ every Sunday with her beautiful suits, matching hats, shoes and gorgeous accessories. Sister Annie was “sharp” but always humble and giving God the praise through worship and song.

Annie absolutely loved to sing for the lord! Joining the church choir as a young girl that love carried forward when she moved north to begin her own family.

After moving to Milwaukee she joined Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, later following the Pastorship of Rev. Justus A. Stovall. She Joined God’s Community Project Church and served in the choir as a faithful member and crusader for God until her passing. Annie never took anyone she encountered for granted or missed any opportunity to be a blessing to those around her.  Her ministry to serve God and her community was not limited to the Church.

Her love for singing summoned her to join a singing group "The Gospel Golden Girls". This group of ladies worshipped at different events across the city or ministered thru song to the shut in at different nursing homes.

For 35 years, Annie was an active member of the International Mason & Order of the Eastern Star Amelia Roper-Chapter 30 and continued her service & sisterhood until her passing.

Furthermore, she was a businesswoman and through the many rental properties around the city that she obtained, she would bless many with low rent or no rent housing and was a resource when people found themselves financially challenged. If she didn’t have a rental property to offer, she’d open her home to just about anyone in need of food and shelter. She always reminded her children, that God’s word says, “If any man should ask, It shall be given" (Matthew 7:7-8). It was a testament to her generosity and desire to please God while blessing those around her.

Annie believed in southern family traditions, big family gatherings, traveling and gardening. All you had to say was "Let's go" and she'll have her bags packed, route plans started and contacted others to join the trip. Through her love and admiration for gardening, she was gifted with growing hands that she used to nurture her family and her soul. She often told us this was her therapy and she took great pleasure and much of her free time planting, weeding, watering, and best of all harvesting! She had several garden plots around the city and was never shy in sharing this gift. While it was required for her children to help with the gardening process, we often gained the support of neighborhood kids, cousins and friends – She was teaching us all the biblical value of ‘reaping what you sow’ and enjoying the ‘fruits of your labor’.

A Matriarch by every definition, our Mother absolutely loved her family & was so proud of all her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James Sr. and Flendora Coleman and three brothers; Allen, Ernest and James Jr. Coleman.

Annie leaves behind to cherish her memories - her children: Mrs. Sandra (Odell) Richmond,  Timothy Cleveland, Stephanie Cleveland and Annie (Kris) Goodrum of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; (4) sisters; Bobbie Jean Biddings of Chicago, IL, Ollie (Donald) Currie and Gladys (Reggie) White of Montgomery, AL., Pattie Coleman of Milwaukee, WI. - (5) brothers; Lee (Sybil) Coleman Sr. of  Moundville, AL, Tom (Sue) Coleman of Milwaukee, WI., Ervin (Linda) Coleman of Oxford, MS., Robert (Veronica) Coleman & Herman Coleman of Sawyerville, AL.; (Her best friend and sister in Christ) - Earlie Wade; (9) Grandchildren - Brianna, Brandon, Brennan, Brielle, Darvin, Calvin, Devin, Kristopher & Kristian; (1) great grandchild - Kamarion. And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

MOTHER - You Always Put Everyone Before Yourself, You Taught Us What Family Means. May All Your Unconditional Love And Kindness Be Your Eternal Reward In Heaven As

You Now Rest In God's Loving Care. AMEN

Services for Annie will be held, PRIVATELY, on Friday April 17, 2020 at 12 NOON. 

To live stream Annie's Funeral Service please use the web address below:

https://www.oneroomstreaming.com/view/authorise.php?k=158706455956118

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