Betty Mae Harper Cleveland

BETTY MAE HARPER CLEVELAND passed away following a three month battle with cancer in her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born September 19, 1936 and died June 15, 2021. Betty led a long and impactful career as a registered nurse and the former head of the University of Mississippi Medical Center Children’s Ward, a nurse for Drs. Byrd and Godfrey Pediatrics, and serving on the board of the Carson Newman University Nursing School during it’s developing years. Betty retired from teaching HOSA at Jefferson County High School, where she led many of her students to state and national championships. Many of her students went on to become CNAs, LPNs, RNs, and emergency service personnel. After retiring, Betty loved to travel with her husband of 60 years, Earl, visiting all 50 states including Alaska and Hawaii, Nova Scotia, England, Wales, and Scotland. A particular favorite was Canada, which they visited eight times. She was an excellent quilter, participating in numerous quilt shows, winning multiple prizes, and even loaning antique quilts from her personal collection to the Gatlinburg Quilting Show. Betty also loved to read and write poetry. Tennessee Valley Publishing stated that her published book of poetry, Ties that Bind, was the best poetry about a farm family they had ever read. She also loved growing beautiful flowers, landscaping, and decorating her family home where her family enjoyed many life celebrations. Finally, she was a beloved Sunday School teacher for the senior ladies at the First Baptist Church of Jefferson City. Our love and thanks go out to all her friends and fellow parishioners for the prayers, love, meals, and kind support during this time. Preceded in death by her daughter, Catherine Ann Cleveland; parents, Arthur Ray and Winnie Harper; brother, Arthur Ray Harper Jr. (Sue). She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Dr. R. Earl Cleveland; son, Mark Cleveland (Danielle), and grandchildren, Morgan, Lauren, Matthew and Teddy; daughter, Cindy Cleveland Hubbard (Rusty), grandchildren, Emily and Zach, and great-granddaughter, Paisley; niece, Dawn Harper Ward (Clark); nephew, Trey Harper (Heather); many grand nieces and nephews; and many, many special friends. Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 24, 2021 at Jefferson Memorial Gardens with Dr. Bill Rosser officiating. Friends may pay their respects on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Farrar Funeral Home. Arrangements by Farrar Funeral Home in Jefferson City, TN 865-475-3892 www.farrarfuneralhome.com