Anna Peterson Cleaveland

Anna Peterson Cleaveland, 76, loving wife and mother, passed away on November 21, 2022. Anna was known for her sense of humor, her unwavering loyalty and emotional support of her close friends, and her devotion to her family.

Anna was born on October 13, 1946, to Ellen Callaway Peterson and Robert Wayland Peterson, in Mount Vernon, Georgia. Growing up in rural Georgia, Anna developed meaningful compassion and care for animals that followed her through life. Anna attended Emory University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1968 with degrees in Philosophy and Psychology, and met the love of her life, Jerry Philip Cleaveland, Junior. Following graduation, they were married on August 24, 1968, and began a wonderful partnership.

Anna lived in Lanett, Alabama, and then West Point, Georgia, from 1968 until 1977 where she was an active member of the Presbyterian Church of West Point, dedicating time as a Youth Group Leader and choir member. During this time, she was also a Montessori school teacher. She continued her involvement in school-related activities following the family’s move to LaGrange, Georgia, in 1977, where Anna was an active volunteer in the LaGrange Public School System, influencing educational decisions through active engagement and eventual leadership of the Hollis Hand Elementary PTA. Anna was also involved with the Junior Service League of LaGrange, Georgia, with a focus on enabling women and children in need.

Anna’s world revolved around her family and friends - spending time with them, cheering them on, and looking forward to celebrating special times together. While Anna and Jerry took many international trips, one of her most cherished vacations was the annual mountain retreat with her bridge group, where they spent time simply enjoying life. This was second only to her love of beach vacations with the grandchildren, something she would plan and anticipate all year long. She was always there to care for the multitude of animals that her family brought home - dogs, cats, birds, chinchillas, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, snakes, and fish - there was not an animal that a child could want that Anna would not find a home for. Her parents, husband, children, and grandchildren were her greatest source of pride and interest. Anna was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Anna Callaway Koebler, her father, and her mother and is survived by her loving husband, Jerry Philip Cleaveland, Jr. of LaGrange, Georgia; her children: Ellen Cleaveland Koebler (Jeff) of Atlanta, Georgia, Mary Catherine Cleaveland of Atlanta, Georgia, Anna Christa Cleaveland Powell of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and Jerry Philip Cleaveland, III (Dean) of Atlanta, Georgia; and her grandchildren: William Bowen, Mary Katherine, and John Callaway Koebler; Michael Keith and Charles Wayland Powell; and Julia Willoughby Cleaveland.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of LaGrange, Georgia on Saturday, December 3, at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or Camp Viola in LaGrange, Georgia.

Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.

Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636