Anna Sullivan

Anna Louise "Keta" Sullivan

Anna Louise "Keta" Sullivan, born in Athens, Tennessee, was the beloved daughter of the late Harvey and Jesse Mae White. She treasured her early childhood, filled with fond memories of fishing and spending meaningful time with her family. Anna's spiritual journey began at AOH Church of God, where her faith took root and became a guiding force throughout her life. One of her greatest childhood joys was finding quiet refuge beneath the porch with a book— an early love that sparked her lifelong passion for learning and laid the foundation for her remarkable educational journey.

Anna graduated from J.L. Cook High School at the age of 16 as a proud member of its final graduating class. Shortly thereafter, she enlisted in the United States Army, where she honorably served her country for two years. Following her military service, Anna earned her bachelor's degree in Special Education from Tennessee Wesleyan University. In 1972, she relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where she would reside for the next 45 years. In 1978, Anna met the love of her life, Buddy Joseph Sullivan. Together, they became devoted members of Unity Tabernacle, where Anna later served faithfully as Acting Pastor. They shared 37 years of marriage until Buddy's passing in 2022. During the 1980s, Anna continued to advance her education, earning a master's degree from John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio, along with administrative and superintendent certifications. In 2007, she further pursued her academic calling by enrolling in a Ph.D. program in Education at Ashland University. Anna also served with distinction as President of The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. She retired in 2011 after a distinguished career as an administrator with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Retirement did not slow Anna's dedication to children and education.

She returned to early childhood education as an administrator at Murtis Taylor Human Services System, where she proudly led her team to achieve a 5-Star Rating. In 2021, Anna embraced the role of foster parent, continuing her lifelong commitment to nurturing, advocating for, and protecting children. She spent her later years faithfully serving as a devoted member of Light of Life International Ministry.

Anna was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Buddy Joseph Sullivan; her parents, Harvey and Jesse Mae White, her brothers, Donald White, Lawrence L. White,  Raymond White, and Dwight White and her son-in-law, Henry McDaniel.

She leaves to cherish her memory her brother, Allen White; her sisters, Charlotte White, Carla Davis, and Amy McCowan; her sons, Keith Kibodeaux, Marlon DuBose of Cleveland Ohio, and Chase McLean of Hampton, Virginia; her daughters, Shana McDaniel and Myra Goodman of Cleveland, Ohio and Demia Jordan of Atlanta, Georgia. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Ciare Porter, Amy Arnwine of Houston, Texas, Jake Kibodeaux, Joseph Kibodeaux, Nah’Shon Arnwine of Nashvile, Tennessee, Jaliyah Ervin, and Jeron Cox of San Antonio, Texas, as well as nine beloved great-grandchildren, and a host of cherished nieces and nephews.

Anna Louise "Keta" Sullivan lived a life of faith, service, leadership, and love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Anna’s life was further enriched by treasured friendships with Eloise Hunt, Barbara DuBose, Michelle Jones, Linda Long, Monica Gilbert and her beloved prayer partners, Beverly McCowan Campbell and Jocelyn Stodghill.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, December 28, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at the Light of Life International Faith Ministries with Rev. Dr. Harold McCowan delivering the eulogy. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the church from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to M.D. Dotson and Sons Funeral Home, all family and friends, and Light of Life International Ministry for the prayers, love, and support shown during this time of bereavement.