Charles Lafayette Cleveland

Surrounded by his beloved family, Charles L. Cleveland passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 23, 2025. He was a man of few words but when he spoke his words were worth hearing. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, his generosity, his unwavering faith and love for his Lord and Savior and his love for his family that brought him so much joy.

He was born on May 7, 1941, in Florence Ms. to Waverly L. and Mattie T. Cleveland. After high school he served in the Mississippi National Guard. He went to Mississippi State University where he earned a BS degree and then began his career in accounting. The Lord eventually led him to Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation where he worked for 37 years until his retirement in 2008.

He married JoAnn Roberts on February 14, 1965. They settled in Florence and were blessed with 60 years together. In his position as CFO at MFBF he was always prompt in his duties and became lovingly known as Mr. C. He traveled to the company’s annual convention every year which was always in a different state. This allowed him to visit so many beautiful places, including Hawaii. These were some of the best times of his life. Everyone at Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation were truly like family to him and he loved each and every one of them.

Charles was a proud MSU fan. He had season tickets to football and basketball for many years. He always enjoyed the Spring Football game and Super Bulldog weekend, where he could be found at the Farm Bureau tent helping with the pig cooking. But what he enjoyed most about these games and events were the people he shared them with. His wife, kids, grandkids, and his Farm Bureau family.

Charles was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, and his sister Maude Scoggins. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, JoAnn; children, Andy Cleveland and wife Becky, Martha Rideout and husband Jay, and Alan Cleveland; grandchildren, Sarabeth Collins (Neil), Amelia Ann Cleveland (Tyler), Mason Cleveland (Nealie), and Emerson Rideout (Valiree); great grandchildren; Waylon Collins, Kash Cleveland, and Hollyn and Jayce Rideout; brothers, Danny Cleveland and wife Faye, and Jim Cleveland and wife Jo.

Pallbearers are Mason Cleveland, Neil Collins, Emerson Rideout, Don Scoggins, Clay Cleveland and Carlton Cousin. Rev. John Patterson will officiate.

The family will receive friends and extended family for visitation from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence and again on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. A celebration of his life will follow the visitation at 11:00 a.m. with burial following the service at Clear Branch Community Cemetery.