350 attend memorial for Trinity deacon

In the simple white vestment covered with a bright red sash and the oversized poster of a young father carrying his little girl on his shoulders, the life of Trinity Lutheran Deacon Jonathan D. Cleveland was celebrated Thursday by 350 mourners.

Cleveland, called to the Gardnerville congregation nine months ago, died Sunday at his home. He was 46.

His brief but larger-than-life presence among the congregation was celebrated in song and Scripture.

"It's important to hear what God's word has in consolation and comfort," said Pastor Emeritus Russell Howen.

Howen said he and Cleveland met every Monday morning and part of the time was devoted to prayer. He said there was only one time that they prayed together for Cleveland's health, complicated by a kidney transplant and irregular heart beat.

"I am sure that Jonathan probably prayed for that thorn to be removed many, many times," Howen said.

He reminded the congregation that "God's grace is complete in Jonathan and that is all anyone ever needs."

"Jonathan had that grace so full in him. He shared it with little children. He shared it with teenagers, young adults. Those around him knew he believed," Howen said.

Howen said Cleveland was more than the director of religious education or a deacon.

"He was our friend. He made the glow of heaven around him on earth because the grace of God was in him. He was set free by the love of God," he said.

"Look around at the people here," Howen said. "They did not come to hear me talk. They were touched by the love Jonathan had shown them."

Family friend Drew Park said he and Cleveland became best friends while they were students at Concordia University in Portland, Ore.

"We were nervous about letting him go," Park said. "Thank you for taking care of him and thank you for letting him take care of you."

Sharon Davey who works in the church's child care center said she "fell in love" with Cleveland's sense of humor.

"He had the most expressive face. He could make me laugh. We are gathered here to give thanks for a life so well-lived. I'm just waiting for him to come through the door playing that guitar," Davey said.

Julie Shine, who works with a deaf student at the center, said when she met Cleveland she tried to talk him into moving to Carson City so his daughter Ebony could play basketball for the Lady Senators.

But she did not prevail, and the 15-year-old joined the Lady Tigers.

"From that time on we talked basketball," Shine said. "He was so proud of you. We really, really hope we see you tomorrow (at the Carson-Douglas game). I know you're dad will be there and at every game. He absolutely adored you and was so proud of you."

From the back of the crowded church, Francis Smith stood and said, "Trinity has been so blessed with the presence of Jonathan for a few short months."

In an interview with The Record-Courier in April, Cleveland said he believed God had a plan for him.

"I've been serving in the ministry for 23 years so I will bring a lot to the youth ministry - my ideas, energy and gifts," he said. "I have a lot of faith that God has sent me for a reason. I'm an instrument doing his work."

"We loved him dearly," said E-Ann Logan as she stood outside the church after the service in the falling snow.

In addition to his daughter Ebony, Cleveland is survived by daughters Myeshia of Eugene, Ore., and Rochelle of Minden; his former wife Rosalind Love of Portland; two brothers, three sisters and several nieces and nephews.

He served Trinity Lutheran as deacon and director of religious education. He was a member of the Board for Black Ministry Services of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 1480 Douglas Ave., Gardnerville 89410.