Jenne Vee Cleaver

JJennie Vee Means Cleaver April 14, 1928 – September 2, 2016 Jennie Vee Means Cleaver 15 years ago in her personal writings reminded her family to walk hand in hand with God each day. On September 2nd she walked hand in hand with Him to her reward. Jennie was born at home to hard working parents Auda and Mozelle Means in Wilson, Oklahoma. Her father affectionately called her “the prettiest little girl you’ve ever seen”. Jennie told stories of her parents and older brother Donald, working in the grocery business, running a movie theater and operating a restaurant. She always loved music and singing. At the age of three she would sit for hours by the radio listening and singing along with the music. During her school age years she was a good student making top grades. During her 6th grade year her parents were approached by the high school band director asking for Jennie to become part of the concert and marching band. There she learned how to play the saxophone and played through her junior and high school years as first chair. In the mid 1940s Jennie’s family moved to Norman, Oklahoma where she was able to develop her love of music by singing in choir at the First Baptist Church of Norman. By this time in her life she was singing solos in highschool, at church and entering vocal contests where she came home with a first place prize. During her graduation in 1946 from Norman High School she had the honor of singing at the commencement ceremony plus received awards for her scholastic achievements as a State and National Honor Society Member. While working as a secretary for four years, Jennie graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music Education. In 1949 a handsome young man caught her eye while at a local “backward dance” where the young lady could ask the young man to dance . She wasted no time once she spied Bill and walked over and asked him for a dance. She often said when telling this story, “he had no idea that he didn’t have a chance to escape from my decision that he would be my husband”. They were married in 1950 when their honeymoon was cut short by Bill’s commitment to service to our nation. Not long after that came her pride and joy sons Riley, Kent and Randy. During the years of raising her children she taught school and was an ever constant support and strengh of Bill’s journey through medical school. Once into his private practice she became the office manager handling all the business details of the business. Jennie’s love of music created a strong commitment to the adult and children’s choir program at First Baptist Church and the Northwest Classen Cry-Slur Parent Association. She was a proud member of Mu Phi Epsilon and active in that alumni association. She was a charter member of both Canterbury Choral Society and the Volunteer Auxiliary of INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center. Retirement brought Jennie and Bill the opportunity to travel by air, sea and land and they always enjoyed their time at the cabin at Lake Eufaula. As the later years have brought challenges that included a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, Jennie’s quirky sense of humor and her love for her husband, family and her Lord Jesus Christ was never forgotten by her and only grew stronger. Jennie is survived by her husband of 66 years William R. Cleaver, M.D.; son and wife Riley and Anna Cleaver, grandchildren Christa Brazille, Joe Cleaver and Laurie Ortiz; son Kent Cleaver, and late son Randy Cleaver, grandchildren, Christal Lamb, and Jessica Lumpkin and 10 great grandchildren. You are invited to attend the celebration of her life on Sunday, September 11th at 3:00 pm at the First Baptist Church Parlor, located at N. W. 11th and Robinson in Oklahoma City. The family asks in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the charity of your choice. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Jenne Vee Cleaver please visit our Sympathy Store.