Cleve J. Holland

Cleve Jordan Holland was born in Bassett, Virginia on June 14, 1930 to the late Clyde Holland Sr. and Alice Savannah Hairston. He departed this life, from his home, on Sunday, August 22, 2021. In addition to his parents, wife and son, preceding him in death were his brothers, Paul Lawrence, Louis Andrew and Clyde, Jr.

He and his family were members of New Bethel Christian Church in Fieldale, Virginia. His personal relationship with The Lord Jesus Christ deepened later in his life. The 23rd and 24th Psalms were his favorite bible verses. Although not a local church member, Cleve lived out his faith.

He attended Henry County Training School. At the age of 16, to help with the family’s expenses, he began working at local furniture factories.
In 1951 when “Uncle Sam” began drafting young men in his area, including his cousin and life- long friend Herman Holt, Cleve enlisted into the army to “watch over his buddy”. He served as a Communications Officer and was honorably discharged in November of 1952.

He returned home to Virginia but decided to move to Detroit, Michigan where wages were higher. He lived with his Aunt Arline and Uncle David Hairston. He later moved in with his cousins Rufus and Ollie Mae Parker, working in the apartment building that they managed.

After working at a car wash and in the garage of a Firestone service center, he was hired at Ford Motor Company in the foundry in Dearborn in 1953. He transferred to the newly built Wixom Assembly Plant where he spent most of his career until moving back to Dearborn until his retirement in December of 1992.

During a visit home to Virginia, Cleve met the love of his life, Joanne Schoefield. They returned to Detroit where they were married. To this union was born their daughter, Cleavis Vanessa and their son, Louis Cleopatrick, who died as an infant. Cleve and Joanne were caretakers at an apartment building at 2619 Montgomery. There, they made many lifelong friends. They went on to purchase a two- family flat on Monterey in Detroit where they resided for 59 years. They were married for 65 years until Joanne was taken home to be with the Lord on June 26, 2021.

Cleve was a jack of all trades, including brick masonry, carpentry and auto repair. Affectionately known as “Poppy”, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. He was a mentor and positive role model to many young men. He was a wise financial steward who God used to help many in their times of need. He was also a pillar in his neighborhood where he was referred to as the “Lawn Doctor”. He was given this name because of his unique lawn care skill that he utilized not only on his lawn but his neighbors as well. For his contribution to his community, in 2018 he was awarded by the City of Detroit with a commemorative plaque that he proudly displayed on his living room wall.

Cleve’s character exemplified faithfulness and dedication. He was dependable, someone you could count on. He was a man of his word. For many years, he cared for his wife, Joanne. When many men would have turned their backs and left, Cleve stayed. When his wife’s health deteriorated to the point where he could no longer care for her, and he was forced to place her in a nursing home, he did not abandon her. He faithfully visited her every day, feeding her lunch to ensure that she ate. Through her numerous hospitalizations, he found his way to her hospital room. He was overheard saying by her bedside “I will always be here for you Joanne”. By the Grace of God, he kept that promise. He was with her for better or worse, through sickness and health, till death did them part.

Cleve leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter, Cleavis Vanessa Thrasher (Lenear); grandchildren Jeneace Burrell (Terrance), Angeline Thrasher, Gabrielle Ellison (Andre), Danielle Thrasher, Cleveland Thrasher (Samantha Stewart) and Katherine Thrasher; Great Grandchildren Arin Burrell, Braylon Solomon and Landon Haliburton; Sister Wanda Sue Green (Herman) ; Sister In-Laws Gladys Willis, Marie Vaughn, Betty Francis (Joseph) and Barbary Murray (Ronald); Brother In-Laws Charles Hairston (Paula); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. This includes a very special great nephew, Lawrence (Tony) Gilbert, whom God equipped and used to spend the last days of his earthly life with. We love you Tony (insert a picture of a red heart).