Esther Lee Cleavland

January 2, 1927 — March 22, 2024

Lubbock

Esther Lee Cleavland, 97 of Lubbock, peacefully ended her journey on Friday, March 22, 2024. Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 11 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Peaceful Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Griffin Mortuary. Visitations will be held Friday, April 5, 2024, at Griffin Mortuary from 4 to 6 p.m. Esther Lee Cleavland affectionately known as “Coo-Cooley” was born on January 2, 1927, in Madisonville, TX to her parents Willie B and Eva G. Ross. She was the 4th born of ten children. She attended Madisonville School District.

Esther Lee married the love of her life, Horace T. Cleavland on October 9, 1950, and 7 children were added to this union.

Esther’s Christian journey began under the leadership of the late Elder Towings pastor of St. John’s Baptist, from there she went to Church of God in Christ under E.L. Carrington and became more visible in the ministry under the tutelage of the late Supt. M.J. Alexander, pastor of Alexander Chapel Church of God in Christ. Esther was a devoted servant of the lord. She served in many areas of the ministry. She was a Sunday School Teacher, usher, ordained Deaconess, just to mention a few. She was affectionately called “Mother Cleavland” and will be remembered by the noted phrase “Keep you focus up."

Mother Cleavland served faithfully at A.C. under the leadership of Bishop Williams Watson, III until her health declined.

Mother Cleavland is preceded in death by parents Willie B and Eva G. Ross, husband. Horace Cleavland, Sr., Sisters Matte Lee Goodwin, Vivian Johnson, and Eva May Mack, brothers Leslie Joe Ross, James A. Ross, Willie B. Ross, Jr., and Johnnie J. Ross.

Mother Cleavland leaves to cherish her memory, her daughters Rose M. Wheeler, Estelle Cleavland, Barbara Cleavland, and Rita Cleavland, sons Horace Cleavland (Glenda), J.C. Cleavland (Fannie), and Robert Cleavland (Lena), sister Dorothy McDowell, brothers Wesley Ross and Kenneth Ross, 24 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren, 9 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Funeral Service

Saturday, April 6, 2024

11:00am - 12:00 pm (Central time)

New Hope Missionary Baptist Church

2002 Birch Ave, Lubbock, TX 79404

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