Ann Sawyer Cleland

Ann Sawyer Cleland, 96, passed away on December 26, 2025, at her home in Irvine, California. Born August 25, 1928, to Duke and Zada Sawyer in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Ann received her education at Charlotte Technical High School, class of 1946. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, class of 1950.

From 1950 to 1961 Ann worked as a reporter on The Charlotte News. She became a state and national prize-winning reporter as one of few women at that time reporting straight news, origin features, and in-depth series. In 1959, she won the National Education Writers Award and was invited to accompany The Comparative Education Society on a tour of the Soviet Union to study Soviet life and schools. Her twelve-part series on education was syndicated nationally.

On this 1960 trip to the Soviet Union, she met, and later married Dr. Donald M. Cleland of Van Nuys, California. After their 1961 wedding, she moved to Santa Monica, later living in Los Angeles for 15 years before moving to Irvine in 1981. While raising two children, Ann received a Master's Degree in Journalism from UCLA in 1967.

She and her husband worked for 20 years with Futures for Children, a New Mexico organization devoted to helping Indian children stay in school. They sponsored ve Hopi, Navajo, and Zuni students, all of whom graduated from high school. The sponsorship of these children led to a lifelong interest in the Southwest and Indian art and culture. They counted many Native Americans as close friends.

The Cleland were devoted motorhome travelers, visiting all 49 states, including Alaska, and much of Canada including Newfoundland and Labrador. In 30 years of RVing, they travel over 300,000 miles.

Ann is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, United Daughters of the Confederacy, Daughters of the Union, National Huguenot Society, and the National Society of the United Daughters of 1812.

Although Ann spent 63 years in California, her heart was always in Charlotte. A passionate Tar Heal fan to the end.

Ann is predeceased by her daughter, Susan Ann Cleland; her husband, Donald Cleland; Brother Carl Sawyer and sister-in-law Eva Sawyer. She is survived by her son Robert Lee Cleland and grand-dog Jack; two nephews, Michael and Jeery Sawyer; niece Leigh Ann Cullen; three great-nieces, Carly, Kaylee, and Samantha; great-nephew Colman; and grand-nephews Liam and Aaron.

Ann was buried in a private device next to her beloved husband Donald.

If you would like to donate in memory of Ann, please consider donating to your favorite animal shelter or rescue in her honor.