Dora Mae Cleveland (née Williams) passed away peacefully on August 4, 2026. Dora was born on December 25, 1926, in Mississippi to her beloved mother, Ida Mae Alexander.

Before making her home in Racine, Wisconsin, Dora lived in Memphis, Tennessee, where she began building a life deeply rooted in faith, family, and service to others. Throughout her long life, Dora was a hardworking and devoted woman whose love for the Lord guided the way she lived and cared for those around her.

Dora spent many years working in domestic service, faithfully serving others for approximately 25 years. She also worked as a cook for American Greetings, where her strong work ethic and caring nature were appreciated by those who knew and worked alongside her.

Above all, Dora was a devoted Christian whose faith was at the very center of her life. She loved Jesus deeply and faithfully served the Lord for more than 50 years. While living in Memphis, she was an active and cherished member of her church community, and after moving to Racine, she continued her walk of faith as a faithful member of Searching Together. In both church families, Dora was lovingly recognized as the eldest mother of the church, a reflection of the respect, wisdom, and spiritual example she offered to generations around her.

Affectionately also known as "Mother Cleveland" and "Grandma" to those who knew her, she embodied the essence of righteousness, humility, patience, grace, and unconditional love in every way. She taught us that true strength is found in unwavering faith, protecting your peace, remaining patient through life's challenges, disappointments, trials, and tribulations. Her wisdom, kindness, generosity, loving and compassionate spirit will continue to live through all that loved her and blessed to be in her peaceful presence to experience one of a kind.

She is survived by grandchildren; Karlton Barry, Marlon Jermaine Barry (Tina), Shronda Barry (Steven C Zaehler); Great-grandchildren; Keenan Barry, Dominique Barry (Faith), Aaliyah Johnson (Jason Johnson), Ashley Sims, Alexis Murphy, Karlton "Winky" Barry; and Jewel Hodge – God Daughter along with a host of great-great grandchildren and friends.

Dora will be remembered not only for the many years she was blessed to live, but for the example she set throughout them. Her faith in God, devotion to Jesus, and gentle strength touched generations of family, friends, and fellow church members. The wisdom and love she shared will continue to live on through all who loved her and were blessed to experience her one-of-a-kind presence.

A visitation will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Road, Mount Pleasant, WI 53403 , with a service following at 11:00 a.m.

Service Details

A visitation will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Road, Mount Pleasant, WI 53403, with a service following at 11:00 a.m.