"See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared." Exodus 23:20

Our hearts are deeply saddened by the passing of our loved one, but we know that all things work together for the good of those that love God. We must not grieve at losing her temporarily but thank God for the time we shared with her.

On the morning of Friday, November 13, 2020, Minister Carrie Cleveland, was quietly called home. The daughter of the late Elder Aaron and Lillie Cleveland, she was born on October 29, 1930 in Saint Stephen, South Carolina. Carrie was educated in the public schools of Berkeley County, where she exceled in the classroom and served as the captain of her basketball team. After graduation, Carrie enrolled at Morris College to major in Mathematics.

For close to four decades, Carrie worked various jobs in New York City.  She started out as a shipping clerk in the garment district. After years of hard work and dedication, she decided to embark on a new employment opportunity with the New York Telephone Company/ AT&T. Starting out as an operator trainee, then as a long-distance operator.  She was promoted to Supervisor of Long-Distance Operators covering Boston, Massachusetts down to Richmond, Virginia.  She served in this role until her retirement in 1989. Throughout her time at AT&T, Carrie took great pride in helping young women from her hometown achieve success and financial stability in New York City as long-distance operators.

Obtaining her college degree was a goal that Carrie never gave up on.  She enrolled at Fordham University and graduated with her Bachelor's degree in Sociology and later her Master's in Social Work.  Upon completion of her Master's in Social Work, Carrie worked for New York United Way as a grant reviewer.  In this role, she was able to secure grant funding and create new pathways for numerous underserved communities.  Her connections to the community afforded her the opportunity to work on the political campaigns of Percy Sutton, David Dinkins, Charles Rangel, and others of the Democratic National Party.

In her early youth, Carrie accepted Christ and joined Mt. Pisgah Pentecostal Holiness Church in St. Stephen, South Carolina, where she was a faithful and loved member until the end.  She was an active member of the Missionary Board and served as a loyal and loved Sunday School teacher.

She was preceded in death by several family members including her longtime companion, Jerome Pruitt; her mother, Lillie Cleveland; her stepmother, Sylvia Cleveland; and her father, Elder Aaron Cleveland.

She leaves to cherish her memories her son: Franklin Cleveland of St. Stephen, SC; one stepdaughter, Yolanda Pruitt of Gainesville, FL; one special grandson, Aaron Cleveland (Denise) of North Charleston, SC; one special daughter-in-law, Chris Anne Cleveland of Summerville, SC; six grandchildren: Jacquetta Manigault (Charles) of Ladson, SC, Nicole Bobo (Bruce) of Summerville, SC, Deadra Cayentano of Summerville, SC, Brittany Williams of Gainesville, FL, Jerome Pruitt of Nashville, TN, and Chauncey Goodman of  Starke, FL; 20 great-grandchildren; and a host of family, special neighbors, church and reformation family, and friends.

A Graveside Service will be held Friday, November 20, 2020, 11:00 a.m., at Tri-Churches Cemetery, Hood Street, St. Stephen, SC. Viewing will begin at 10:30 until the time of service. As per CDC guidelines for COVID-19, please wear a face mask and practice social distancing at the service. The service will be livestreamed on our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/gethersfh