The Obituary

Cleveland McWilliams, son of the late Charlie McWilliams and Ophelia Alston McWilliams, was born in Halifax County, North Carolina on March 8, 1930. He departed this life Tuesday, October 24, 2006 at McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia

Cleveland became a member of
Wayman A.M.E. Church at an early age. He received his education at Wayman Elementary School and the then, Eastman High School. He served in the United States Army doing the Vietnam War and was Honorably Discharged in 1954. He worked on his father's farm for several years before relocating to Baltimore, Maryland where he worked for Joseph A. Banks Men Clothing Company until his retirement.

Cleveland then relocated back to Enfield, North Carolina and lived at his old home place until his health began to fail. For the past three years he lived with his sister, Cleo and brother-in-law, Rossie Wilkins.

When he returned to North Carolina, Cleveland renewed his membership with Wayman A.M.E. Church and soon thereafter, he was appointed to the Board of Trustees where he served faithfully. In May 1999, he was recognized as "Man of the Year" at his church.

He was a great lover of gospel music and attended most of the local singing groups' anniversaries, especially Bro. Forest Silver and Bro. Simon Justice's Anniversaries.

Cleveland is survived by one sister, Cleo Wilkins, one brother, Curtis McWilliams, one brother-in-law, Rossie Wilkins, all of Enfield, North Carolina; one sister-in-law, Bernice McWillims of Baltimore, MD; neices, nephews and many other relatives and friends. He is also survived by devoted friends; Theodore Daniels and Bernard Cooper and his dedicated Home Health Care Aide, Mrs. Lakisha Richardson; a special thanks to the nurses, doctors and all that contributed to Cleveland's care while at McGuire VA hospital in Richmond, Virginia.