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Beverly Williams-Cleaves Obituary
Memphis - Dr. Beverly Jean Williams-Cleaves passed away Saturday, May 9, 2020 at Methodist Germantown Hospital, after suffering from pancreatic cancer. Born on August 16, 1943, Beverly was the youngest of three daughters born in Mason, TN to John Ed and Odessa Williams. The valedictorian of her Manassas High School Class of 1961, Dr. Williams-Cleaves attended Howard University and received her medical degree in 1969 from the University of Tennessee Memphis. She focused on internal medicine as she continued her residency at the prestigious Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, and practiced for several years in San Francisco. Eventually returning home to Memphis, Dr. Williams-Cleaves facilitated scores of community health fairs and organized many educational outreach programs. For many years she served as an associate professor in the endocrinology division at UT Health Sciences Center (UTHSC) and lead the endocrine outpatient clinics at the MedPlex Clinic. Dr. Williams-Cleaves was dedicated to serving her community, and her numerous civic and social involvements included Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., The Society for the Arts Inc., Bluff City Medical Society, Leadership Memphis, Healthy Memphis Common Table, board member of LeMoyne-Owen College, and the American Diabetes Association. A lifelong member of Friendship Baptist Church, she lead the establishment of the church's monthly "Feed the Less Fortunate" events. She and her sisters established college scholarships at Friendship Baptist Church and Manassas High School, as well as a fellowship at UT. Her sister Willie Mae Williams Crittendon preceded her sister in death in 2015. Left to mourn Dr. Williams-Cleaves' passing are her loving husband, Calvin; son, Calvin II (Georgette); daughter, Carlotta Williams (Terence); daughter, Marinda Anderson; sister, Ethelyn Williams-Neal, M.D.; nieces, Pam Crittendon Johnson (Doug) and Jehan L. Roberson; nephews, Sheldon C. Crittendon (Lolita) and William C. Roberson; 4 grandchildren, Astasia Willams, Terence (T.J.) Williams, Jr., Calvin D. Cleaves III and Addyson Cleaves, and a host of extended family, friends, classmates, colleagues, students and mentees. A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and funeral services will take place on Friday, May 15, 2020 at 1:00 p.m, both at Serenity Funeral Home, 1638 Sycamore View Road, Memphis, TN 38134. Due to the current climate attendance of the funeral service will be limited. Live Streaming of Dr. Beverly Williams-Cleaves' service will be available through Serenity Funeral Home's website. Serenity Funeral Home, Tel. (901)379-0861.
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Memories and Condolences
for Beverly Williams-Cleaves
Sponsored by Serenity Funeral Home and Cremation Society.
Sally Bond
May 5, 2024
Very sweet person. Cherishing memories of her
Ken Prebil, MD
January 4, 2024
God Bless Beverly and her family. A beautiful female physician and a classmate of the UT class of 69 who changed the world for the better. Godspeed.
C.D.
May 5, 2023
RIP Dr. Cleaves. you were one of the best
Elsie Lewis Bailey
May 5, 2023
Remembering with fondness a most beautiful spirit
Michal Davis
May 5, 2023
Still can´t replace you! The best doctor in the world. Rest on!
Narquenta Sims
May 7, 2022
We miss you, and pray that you are with Jesus.
Daniel Vance MD
March 25, 2021
She was an inspiring teacher when I was a medical student in Memphis, she was kind to students and patients which was the exception, not the rule in those days.
Helen Lambeth, RN; Clara Smith, RS; Dr. BEVERLY Williams Cleaves
Clara Smith
January 28, 2021
Diabetes Prevention Program
Clara Smith
January 18, 2021
With deepest sympathy to the family and all who loved and cared for Dr. Williams-Cleaves. I recently googled her name with the intention of consulting her if I moved back to Memphis. We worked on the DPP together and I admired the care, competence and compassion she demonstrated. Certainly she be missed by her patients. My hope is that we honor her by remembering the things she taught us about living well and honoring the temple that God has given us. Peace and Blessings!
Carolyn Cox
November 19, 2020
I was introduced to Dr. Beverly Cleaves years ago she was my favorite doctor she took care of me and my daughter my daughter passed away six years ago I just found out today that Dr Cleaves is gone to glory may God bless and rest your soul you are well love and I hate I have to find out today that you’re gone well I know Apple from earth is with present with the Lord the Lord I just thank you for such a good soul ❤
Kim H. Barksdale
June 11, 2020
Doctor Cleaves changed my life. When I was first referred to her I was broken, depressed, frustrated that doctors seemed to not care about my health situation. I felt like my life was coming to an end. Dr. Cleaves was the first doctor not to make me feel rushed and took her time to really listen to me. Not only was she the most thorough doctor Ive ever experienced, it seemed like she really cared. She made me want to eat right, take my medication & get my vitamin D up. I felt like if I didnt make any improvement in 3-4 months, I was letting her down and she seemed even more excited than I was when I did. To make a long story short, Im better now because of Dr. Cleaves. Its going to be really hard to find a better doctor and my heart is sad to find out shes no longer with us. Prayers goes out for her family because if Im going to miss her this much, I cant imagine their pain. God please bless Dr. Cleaves. May she rest in heaven forever!!!
Michael & Diane Secrease
June 3, 2020
Dr Cleaves was my doctor for many years. She was always so kind , caring and knowledgeable , it showed in the way she cared for her patients. I was so shocked to hear of her passing. She was truly one of a kind! My heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones. She will be missed!
Cassandra
June 3, 2020
Dr. Williams-Cleaves was a phenomenal endocrinologist. I was made aware of her during my professional career and ended up as a very satisfied patient of hers. What a tremendous loss of the medical field. God bless her family and loved ones.
Georgette
June 2, 2020
Dr. Cleaves was my doctor for over 15 years. She was very caring and it showed in her work. She was a healer in body and spirit. JOB WELL DONE. JOB WELL DONE.
Vicki Fields. Rayborn
May 27, 2020
Vicki Rayborn
Gayle Y Clemons
May 23, 2020
I was a patient of Dr. Williams- Cleaves for over 10 years. I am going to miss her. She was very kind and she made me feel how much she cared about my well being . She always remember things I had told her months ago. She would ask about personal conversation that I wouldn't think she would have remembered or play any attention to what I had told her. I don't believe I can ever find anyone that could take her place she was very knowledgeable and an expert in her field. It's a sad day for me. My prayers goes out to her family, co-worker and other patients. I love you Dr. Beverly Williams-Cleaves job well done.
Melverdine
May 16, 2020
Dr. Beverly Williams Cleaves, thank you for your care as my Clinician over the years. You have made a lasting impression on me of what a phenomenal physician should be. RIP , you have been a well & faithful servant. I am forever grateful to you.
Elsie Bailey
May 15, 2020
r. Beverly Williams-Cleaves was devoted to her work and her family but most of all she was devoted to God. Her sweet demeanor and her caring character will always be in my heart. Thank God that our paths crossed.
Kay
May 15, 2020
Dr. Beverly WilliamsCleaves was a true hero: a kind, compassionate woman, doctor, advocate, and human. She was my mothers endocrinologist, but was so much more. She was such a support and source of strength to me both in my treatment and in support of my mothers cancer treatment. She will be so missed by all who came within her orbit. Im sending my condolences to her family. She was such a blessing and I know the pain of losing her is great. Sending much love.
Helen Y. Evans
May 15, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Calvin Wilson
May 14, 2020
Dr. Williams-Cleaves was my family's endocrinologist for many years. She was world renown; yet she possessed such a sweet, soft, and humble spirit. Anytime that you visited her office , you expected to get examined from head to toe. How we are going to miss her! As an author once penned : I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. Dr, Cleaves emulated this and more.
Cheryl Guerra
May 14, 2020
You will be missed. Thank You for helping everyone you met.
Sally Bond
May 14, 2020
My Condolences and Prayers for the family. Dr . Cleaves a very sweet lady. She will be missed.
Lucy Nelson
May 14, 2020
She was my doctor for 25+ years, she will surely be missed. I'm praying for the family's strength.
L Leatherwood
May 14, 2020
My mother and I wish to express our sincerest condolences to the family of Dr. Williams-Cleaves. She has been our doctor for over 30 years. She was THE BEST. She always had time for her patients and took an interest in not just their health, but also what was going on in their life. Never did I ever feel like just a patient when she was in the room with you-- she made you feel that you were her only patient, treated us like family. She was a real professional with a delightful bedside manner. She was dedicated to her patients and always did her best to take care of each of us. Many times she was in the office way later than she should have been making sure her patients' needs were taken care of. She will be greatly missed. Rest well, Dr. Beverly.
Patria Johnson
May 14, 2020
I had the awesome privilege of working with Dr. Beverly J. Williams on the Diabetes For Life Project. Dr. Williams-Cleaves was a very elegant and wonderful lady. She was a true humanitarian that never grew tired of healing and helping others. I will truly miss her.
In loving memory,
Patria Johnson
Davidson Cox-Negusu
May 14, 2020
Thank you Dr. Cleaves for the extremely informative 3rd Friday Night Health Seminars. Your giving spirit and wonderful sense of community is an example of sacrificial giving our community so desparately needs. We will truly miss you.
Karen
May 13, 2020
My name is Karen I was a patient of Dr Cleaves since 1998 until now and I love her with all I am she was so sweet and kind to me she was the best doctor I ever had and she will live in my heart forever
Desiree Howard
May 13, 2020
Sorry to hear this...one of my best Dr ever....praying for her family and friends during this difficult time...
Edwina Gray
May 13, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Michelle Norman
May 13, 2020
I am deeply sadden to hear of Dr. Beverly Williams-Cleaves passing. She was not just me and my family's Endocrinologist, she was our friend. She was a huge advocate for healthy living and had my mother speaking at numerous events about Senior Living and Aging. She also employed my services as a Zumba Fitness Instructor for her patients. She even solicited me to ride 42 miles in the Tour de Cure for Diabetes representing her and a group of other physicians. She loved her family, and also talked about her daughter's performances in New York. My heart is truly heavy, but I am grateful to have known her and her passion for a healthy lifestyle for all of her patients. My prayers are with her family as they celebrate her life and continue in her love.
Barbara Gray
May 13, 2020
ay God bless you and your family during this season of your life. Sorry for your loss.
Otis Nelson
May 13, 2020
Dr Cleaves was our MD, but also our confidant, and great friend. It was never too late for her to call to answer your concerns. We loved and cherished her opinion on anything pertaining to medicine, she always had time. Never rushed in office or on phone. We loved Beverly an mourn her passing . To the family we share your sorrow Otis & Barbara Nelson
Telise EzellTurner
May 12, 2020
Beverly was the most knowledgeable, caring doctor. She work for her people teaching, loving them by providing the best medical care she could provide. Salute my friend!!!
JOANNE
May 12, 2020
MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY
Mable Davis
May 12, 2020
The best doctor, confidante there is . Care and concern for her patients and their families. Memphis has lost a jewel. You will always have a special place in my heart. Missing you.
Patrice Warren
May 12, 2020
Dorothy Easter
May 12, 2020
My sincere condolences. You touched my life in so many ways. Sure going to miss you.
Pearlie Threat
May 12, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Hollye Shotwell
May 12, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. -
alice agnew
May 12, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
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May
14
Visitation
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Serenity Funeral Home and Cremation Society1632 Sycamore View Road, Memphis, TN 38134
May
15
Funeral service
1:00 p.m.
Serenity Funeral Home and Cremation Society1632 Sycamore View Road, Memphis, TN 38134
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Serenity Funeral Home and Cremation Society1632 Sycamore View Road, Memphis, TN 38134
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