Bessimae Rucker Cleveland

Mrs. Bessimae Rucker Cleveland, 92, of Elberton, wife of 52 years to the late Sidney Mailey Cleveland, entered into rest on Saturday, March 4, 2017, at Nancy Hart Nursing Center.

Mrs. Cleveland was born in Elbert County on June 2, 1924, daughter of the late James Harrison Rucker and Lillian Burris Rucker. She was an avid bridge player and homemaker. She assisted her husband Sid in his bookkeeping business for many years. Together she and Sid enjoyed square dancing and traveling with the Heritage Club. Mrs. Cleveland was a member of First Baptist Church of Elberton and the church’s Senior Adult Ministry.

Surviving are her three daughters and their husbands: Robin and Rev. Mike Eberhardt of Birmingham, AL, Rita and Bill Palmer of Elberton, Rose and Marty Walker of Elberton; six grandchildren and their spouses: David and Suzanne Eberhardt, Bridgette and David Matthews, Chad and Lindsey Palmer, Luke and Kaitlin Walker, Jessica and Hiram Mobley, and Rhett and Hannah Walker; ten great-grandchildren; sisters: Carolyn R. Richardson of Tucker and Hazel R. Fellows of Elberton; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death her infant son; brother, Walter H. Rucker and sister, Eleanor R. Buchanan.

Graveside services celebrating her life will be held on Sunday, March 5, at 4:30p.m. in the Doves Creek Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Gary Purvis and Rev. Mike Eberhardt officiating.

The family will receive friends in the Doves Creek Baptist Church fellowship hall from 3:30p.m. until time for the service on Sunday afternoon.

Flowers are accepted and those wishing may make contributions in her memory to First Baptist Church of Elberton ROC, 132 Heard Street, Elberton, GA 30635.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Bessimae Rucker Cleveland.