Jean Cleveland

Margaret Jean Cleveland, age 88, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, January 31, 2026. Born in Greenville on September 15, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Barnett F. Cleveland II and Alyce Calder Cleveland.

Ms. Cleveland was a graduate of Greenville High School and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Montreat College. A lifelong educator, she devoted her career to teaching social studies at L. P. Hollis and Parker Middle Schools, where she touched the lives of countless students before retiring after 38 years of dedicated service in the public school system. She devoted her life to raising her brothers, nieces and nephews.

Following her retirement, Jean enjoyed spending time lunching with friends and visiting with family—activities that brought her great joy and reflected her warm and caring spirit. If ever someone was in need, they could always count on Jean to be there, offering help, kindness, and steady support; she was a dear and faithful friend to all who knew her.

She is survived by two brothers, Richard Scott Cleveland (Teresa) of Piedmont and David P. Cleveland (Alice Jane) of Owings; and one sister, Julia L. Hall of Greenville. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, as well as four great-nieces and great-nephews, for whom she held a special affection.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded by her brothers Barnett F. Cleveland III, Samuel Calder Cleveland, Douglas Edward Cleveland, and Robert Donald Cleveland, and by her sister, Alice Faye Cleveland.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 12:30pm, with a funeral service immediately following in the chapel at 1:30pm, at Mackey Funerals & Cremations at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville, South Carolina 29609. The family will hold a private burial.

She leaves behind cherished memories and a legacy of love that will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

In memory of Ms. Cleveland, the family welcomes flowers in honor of her love for them.