Thomas Jefferson "Tom" Cleveland

Mr. Thomas Jefferson “Tom” Cleveland, 87, of Rock Branch Road, Elberton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at his residence, with family at his side.

Born in Elberton on December 19, 1938, Tom was the youngest of two children of Paul Jefferson Cleveland and Emma Ward Cleveland. He was the husband of Dorothy ‘Elaine’ Tiller Cleveland, to whom he was married on June 9, 1963.

Tom was a 1957 graduate of Elberton High School and served his country faithfully for 12 years in the Army National Guard. He began his career with the United States Postal Service as a substitute mail carrier and eventually worked himself up to clerk, retiring after nearly 42 years of service. While working at the Post Office, Tom also prepared taxes and did bookkeeping for several businesses. Never one to stay idle, Tom had rental property after his retirement.

A lifelong resident of the Rock Branch Community, he was an active member of Rock Branch Baptist Church. Tom served as church treasurer for 17 years and as a deacon for many years, serving as Chairman part of that time. He enjoyed the time he spent fellowshipping with the Ruth Sayer Sunday School Class, of which he was a member.

Tom enjoyed traveling and was well-known for the vegetable garden he planted each year as long as his health permitted. His greatest blessing in life, second only to his salvation, was his family. Affectionately known as “Papa”, he never missed an opportunity to support his family in any of their endeavors.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Marcia Elaine Cleveland; son-in-law, Scott Berryman; daughter-in-law, Jennie Cleveland; and sister, Mary Catherine Cleveland.

In addition to Elaine, his devoted wife, caretaker, and steadfast companion of nearly 63 years, he is survived by his daughter, Melanie Cleveland Berryman of Elberton; son, Michael Cleveland of Lawrenceville; grandsons: Austin Cleveland, Bobby Berryman, and Finn Cleveland.

The family is at the residence and will receive friends on Saturday, April 11, from 5:00p.m. until 7:00p.m. at Rock Branch Baptist Church.

Tom’s life will be celebrated on Sunday, April 12, at 3:00p.m. at Rock Branch Baptist Church. Rev. Kevin Vaughn and Rev. Sid Tiller will officiate, and music will be provided by Rev. Gary and Mrs. Margaret Purvis. The service will be life streamed on Rock Branch Baptist Church's Facebook page.

Burial, with military honors, will follow in the church cemetery with Austin Cleveland, Bobby Berryman, Finn Cleveland, Derek Thomason, London Mayo, Jimmy Tiller, Steve Tiller, and Scott Tiller honored as pallbearers.

Contributions, in Tom’s memory, may be directed to Rock Branch Baptist Church Building Fund, 2150 Coldwater Road, Elberton, GA 30635.

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

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. Thomas Jefferson “Tom” Cleveland.