Obituary for Rita Marie Cleveland
Rita Marie Cleveland was born in Leesville, Louisiana on July 16, 1962 as the third daughter of Stancil and Joy Cleveland. She passed from this life into eternity on July 22, 2023 at 61. Rita was one of the six Cleveland girls. The hearts of her five sisters are truly broken and changed forever. She will be missed more than words or emotions can ever express.
Rita loved being an aunt and took great pride in her nieces and nephews and their many adventures and accomplishments. She was a friend to many. She cherished her lifelong friendships from her early school years and through her years as a teacher and mentor. Most recently, she was blessed with new friends in her home at Bailey Place.
Rita graduated from Pickering High School in 1980. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree from Northwestern State University. She was a teacher for Vernon Parish Schools and Newton ISD for a total of 36 years. Rita found great joy in teaching elementary students. She truly believed a teacher takes a hand, opens a mind, and touches the future, and she spent her lifetime touching the future.
Rita loved simple things. She enjoyed festivals and concerts and all things Elvis Presley. She took pleasure in painting, reading, and playing challenging games. She was always excited to travel and experience new things and grand adventures. She enjoyed spending time with her greatest companions, her dog, Charlie, and her cat, Mr. Kitty.
Rita was nicknamed Ouiser after the beloved Steele Magnolias character. She loved this name and those that knew her well understood how this fit her fun, loving, but stubborn personality perfectly.
Rita was preceded in death by her father, Stancil LaFate Cleveland, and her beautiful mama, Joy Lou Cleveland.
She is survived by her five sisters and their families: Tammy Cleveland Littleton and husband Larry; Sherry Cleveland Cryer and Bill Dennis; Mary Cleveland Thomas and husband Eddie; Vickie Cleveland Sketoe and husband Fred; and Stacie Cleveland Craft and husband Darron. Her nieces and nephews are Larryn Littleton Bradford, Dakota Cryer, Gett Thomas and wife Leslie, Sami Thomas, Tanner Craft, Raelee Joy Craft, and Vivian Rose Sketoe. Great nieces and nephews are Shelbee Bradford, Sawyer Mount, Wesley Mount, Tyler Cryer, Brooklyn Cryer, Hadley Cryer, Triton Cryer, and Kori Nolen.
Pallbearers include Larry Littleton, Eddie Thomas, Fred Sketoe, Darron Craft, Dakota Cryer, and Gett Thomas. Honorary Pallbearers are Bill Dennis, Tanner Craft, and Tyler Cryer.
In Rita’s last days, she found comfort being surrounded by family. She prayed often and found peace in knowing that Jesus was her savior. The last verse she shared with loved ones was Luke 9:10-11 which says, “So I say to you, ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened.” The last song she sang was “Holy Forever” by Chris Tomlin. Rita’s family finds peace in knowing that she is with the One who is the highest, the greatest, and stands above them all. He is the King of Kings and He is Holy Forever.
Rita’s family wishes to express their gratitude for the prayers and love shown by so many. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made in Rita’s name to the Joy Cleveland Memorial Scholarship Fund at any location of Merchants and Farmers Bank.
Funeral Services for Rita Marie Cleveland will be held at Cooper Baptist Church on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in Cooper Cemetery under the direction of Jeane's Funeral Service.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, from 5:00 - 7:00PM at Cooper Baptist Church.
To plant a tree in memory of Rita Marie Cleveland, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Tuesday
25
Jul
5:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
Cooper Baptist Church
853 Cooper Church Road
Leesville, LA 71446
Funeral
Wednesday
26
Jul
10:00 AM
Cooper Baptist Church
853 Cooper Church Road
Leesville, LA 71446
Cemetery Details
Location
Cooper Cemetery
Cooper Church Rd.
Leesville, LA 71446
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