Mary Elizabeth Cleveland

Mary Elizabeth Cleveland peacefully lost her 25- year battle with breast cancer at home with family members by her side on Friday, Nov. 11, 2005. Funeral services will be Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church currently meeting at Waco Baptist Academy, 6125 Bosque, Waco, Texas. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial North. Visitation with the family will be Monday, November 14 from 6-8 p.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, 6101 Bosque. Mary was born May 2, 1927 in Pottsville, Texas to Edwin C. and Elva L. Lund. She was baptized as an infant at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Pottsville, and as a teen was confirmed at Immanuel by Rev. H.A. Stroebel. Mary graduated as Valedictorian of her class from Pottsville High School, and obtained a degree in Home Economics from the University of North Texas. She married George G. Cleveland of Hamilton, Texas on May 31, 1947, and they moved to Waco in 1950. George and Mary have been married for 58 years. Throughout her working years, Mary worked in a variety of positions. Her career began as a Home Demonstration Agent in Burleson County. She then worked at the Texas Employment Commission, March of Dimes, American Bank, and Baylor University. Mary also worked as a substitute teacher at Waco I.S.D. for many years. Mary enjoyed being involved as a volunteer for a variety of organizations. She proudly served as a Texas Silver-Haired Legislator, and most recently was a volunteer for Waco Welcome Corp. and Friends for Life. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League LWML, and Lutheran Braille Workers. She loved working in her yard and flowerbeds, and was a member of the Native Plant Society. For a time, George and Mary also enjoyed Square Dancing. Mary was extremely proud of her 3 grandchildren, and she enjoyed going to their activities as often as possible. For the last 20 years, she has also loved spending time at her family farm in Hamilton, Texas. Always ready and willing to help others, she will be remembered for her faith, spirit, and smile. She has always served as an inspiration to others. Mary was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 58 years George Cleveland, son Curtis and wife Susan Cleveland of Waco, daughter Carol and husband Cody Kuehl of Robinson, grandchildren Emilie Kuehl Browning and husband Matt of Austin, Amy Kuehl of College Station, and David and wife Maggie Cleveland of Ft. Worth. In addition she is survived by her brother Kenneth and wife Marilyn Lund of Anacortes, Washington, sister-in-law Fannie Cleveland of Hamilton, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Pall bearers will be O. E. Blythe, Billy Davis, Richard Karr, Mike Abel, Jody Kuehl, Steve Reesing, Leonard Witte, and Walter Schoenfeld. Honorary Pall Bearers will be Dr. Harold Sills, Bill Becker, Cecil Kauitzsch, Cecil Krueger, and Horace Claire. In lieu of flowers, Mary and family have requested that memorials be made to Trinity Lutheran Church Building Fund 200 Factory Dr., Waco, TX 76710, M.D. Anderson Medical Center, or Providence Hospice. The family would like to say a special Thank You! to Judy, April, Karen, and all of the staff of Providence Hospice for your loving care during this time. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com WILKIRSON-HATCH-BAILEY