Jessie Cleveland

Jessie was born October 10, 1955 in Austin, Texas. She was the third of four children born to Mr. and Mrs. AC Cleveland, Sr.
At an early age, she confessed her hope in Christ and was baptized by Rev. J.H. Penn of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. She was a charter member in the organization of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, where she faithfully served in the choir and Mission II Auxiliary under the leadership of Rev. A.R. Hargrove.
Jessie graduated in the Class of 1973 from Pflugerville High School where she earned the distinguished title of Co-Salutatorian. Although Jessie's GPA was clearly higher than her counterpart, during these times of covert racism, she had to share her title as Salutatorian because the margin of difference in GPA's was considered de minimis. Today we honor Jessie Cleveland, Salutatorian, Class of 1973.
Jessie earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas in 1977, where she majored in Spanish and minored in English. After graduating from UT, she worked at the Internal Revenue Service for many years. After leaving the IRS, she joined Planned Parenthood of Texas, where she started her career in the Round Rock clinic. In that clinic, she mentored staff members who admired her fairness, guidance and leadership along with her genuine love for clients. Jessie envisioned great opportunities for professional growth and longevity with the Organization. Opportunities arose for advancement and she began working in the Administrative office in the East Austin and Rio Grande offices. She finished her career, after 19 years in the South Austin Health Center where she played an integral role in the development and operations of the facility. Jessie was highly regarded by many who worked side by side, under and over her. Her commitment to the Organization never wavered.
Jessie's last two working years were spent at a nearby Walgreens in case she needed to render care to her parents. She allowed her introverted nature to disappear as she would greet regular customers by name. Oftentimes, customers would visit the store just to see her smiling face. She also impacted the lives of her coworkers and managers who all admired her dedication and willingness to go that extra mile.
Jessie was loved by many, many people. She was an active member of Adah Chapter #5, O.E.S. and Deborah Grand Chapter for 41 years.
Jessie is survived by daughter Jessica Townsend (Maryland); son John Hargrove (Austin); parents AC Cleveland, Sr. and Addie Cleveland (Austin); brothers AC Cleveland, Jr. and Ronnie Cleveland (Pflugerville); sister Carolyn Powell (Le'Otis Powell - Hutto) and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, uncles, aunts and friends.

Services provided by All Faiths-North

Services provided by All Faiths-North