Betty Jean Cleveland's Obituary
Betty Jean Applewhite Cleveland—beloved mother, wife, grandma, greatgrandma, and sister—finally rests in the arms of her Savior, having departed this world on Monday, November 28, 2022. She was born August 30, 1932, in Hazlehurst, MS, to Nellie Mae and JC Applewhite and moved to Jackson as a young girl. There she met Mr. “32,” aka Jim Cleveland. They married on December 20, 1952, and raised four children together.
Motherhood was clearly her love and passion—she excelled at cooking, homemaking, and sacrificially loving not only her own four, but many others who found themselves residing in her home from time to time. Anyone who knew her knew she had the spiritual gift of giving. She freely gave her time, her talents, her resources, her heart, and her love to all.
Passionate about her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, she desired all who encountered her to know Him. Even though Alzheimer’s robbed her of the ability to communicate clearly, the staff who cared for her knew without a doubt she deeply loved Jesus. During her final days, many expressed gratitude for her testimony and her prayers for them. The family wishes to thank the loving care-partners and staff of the Terrace at Tradition Assisted Living for their wonderful attentive care.
Betty was preceded in death by her son, David Cleveland, and husband, Jim Cleveland. She is survived by her son, Dick Cleveland, and his wife, Joni; her son, John Cleveland, and his wife Beverly; her daughter, Tami Kirkland, and her husband Wayne; eight grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren, with two more arriving in January.
A private memorial service will be held on Friday, December 16, 2022, in the Wildwood Chapel. Memorials may be directed in her name to First Baptist Church, Dallas.
Funeral arrangements for Betty Jean Cleveland have been faithfully entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery, which is located at 13005 Greenville Ave., at the intersection of Restland Road, Dallas, Texas 75243, and can be reached at (972) 238-7111.
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