Cleveland Williams

In Loving Memory Of Cleveland Williams A Reminisce of a Life Well Lived In 2015, Cleveland requested that I write his obituary. Caught off guard, I scoffed. "Why me?" I inquired. His answer was simple. "65 years is a long time to know someone. You've known me longer than anyone. He said it would be an honor to have me do it. As of October 10th 2017, with a saddened heart, I will honor that request. On January 17, 1936, in Madison, MS, a son was born to the union of Bernice Lillian Johnson and Cleveland Williams. With open hearts, his parents loved and cared for many children, including his cousin Floyd, who was raised as his brother. He lost his father at a relatively young age of 20, lost Bunch in 1991. After graduating 8th grade from Madison Rosenwald School and experiencing an unexpected growth spurt, he enrolled at the Tougaloo-Preprartory, an extension of the historically black Tougaloo College, where he excelled as a phenomenal athlete. In recognition of his talents, the Chicago Cubs came a calling with the Harlem Globetrotters on the other line, they were both put on hold, all this while crossing the sands to become an outstanding Alpha Man. Coach Braxton advised him to stick with being a "family man". So he did, because on August 25, 1957 he had married his high school & college love, Geraldyne Deloys Smith. This union produced a son and daughter, Craig Kimberly and Sallece Lauree'. Unfortunately, after 20 plus years, the marriage dissolved. His employment history included, but was not limited to, Educational Systems in Mississippi, the Chicago Transit Authority, Chicago Board of Education, and educational book publishing companies where he excelled with his knowledge of the educational system and his love of the children that benefitted from it. After retirement, he honed his genuine talent for bowling, joined several leagues, and eventually twice obtained perfect 300 games. Another hobby was Vegas and the local casinos. The big pay day was just one penny, nickel, dime, quarter, dollar away. Being a spiritual individual, as a youth he attended Pilgrim's Rest in Madison, Ms, and as an adult Trinity Church of Christ in Chicago, Il, where he sang in the choir and served on the Deacon Board. When his health declined, he received loving care and devotion from his longtime companion, Dr. Rollie Outlaw Jones, and his very, very best friend, Bobbie Jean Polk. Others who will also miss him dearly: His 7 grandchildren, (Megan, Kimberly, Craig Jr, Cleveland III, Steven, Élan and GeraLynne: 17 great-grandchildren, 3 nieces, 1 nephew, Floyd Williams, other relatives, a host of friends. And me, Geraldyne Deloys Smith Williams. Goodbye, Old Friend