Laura Rue Caulk Cleveland

Laura Rue Caulk Cleveland, 65, resident of New Johnsonville and former longtime resident of Columbia, died Tuesday, May 23, 2017, at Centennial Medical Center. A memorial service will be conducted Wednesday at 2:00 P.M. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Joe Rhodes officiating. The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 1:00 - 2:00 P.M. at the funeral home and Thursday from 2:30 - 3:30 P.M at Ebenezer United Methodist Church in New Johnsonville. The family suggests memorials to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the hunger-relief charity of your choice. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com. The Maury County native was the daughter of the late Elsie Dean Roberts Caulk; and following her death in 1966, Laura was reared by her grandmother, the late Della Roberts; and aunt and uncle, the late Nancy and Horace Roberts. She was a 1972 graduate of Columbia Central High School and married her high school sweetheart James Donald Cleveland on June 16, 1972. They had made their home in New Johnsonville, Tennessee, since 1977. From 1981 - 1995, Laura was manager of Apollo Apartments in New Johnsonville. Laura was a beacon of love and bright light everywhere she went. She never met a stranger and everyone loved her. She was very passionate about family and driven in every aspect of life. She was there through the good and the bad, and the word "no" was rarely, if ever uttered from her mouth. A very determined and strong person, there was no obstacle to stand in her way. A very loving and caring wife, mother, and friend, she adopted everyone and made them family, making sure all children had equal opportunities. She was very supportive of her son's school activities, volunteering in any capacity needed, from PTA to organizing school events. She touched all age groups, having also volunteered with nursing home patients and helping with the voting commission. Laura was a very talented seamstress and enjoyed working with arts and crafts. There was no end to her imagination. In addition to spending time with her family and friends, she enjoyed going to movies and spending time with her dog, Maggie Mae. While living in Columbia, she was a member of Mt. Nebo United Methodist Church for several years. She will be missed and cherished for her generous and abiding love.In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son, James Brandon Cleveland of Clarksville; her beloved cocker spaniel, Maggie Mae; aunt, Imogene (George) Nelson of Columbia; brother-in-law, Dan Leaphart of Florida; cousins, Jenny Roberts of Memphis, Ray Roberts of Columbia; brothers-in-law, Ricky Cleveland and Danny Cleveland, both of Columbia; and several nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister, Roberta Leaphart, brother, Allen Wayne Caulk; and sister-in-law, Anita Jane Lindsey.