Lily Thomas Cleggett, age 98 and formerly of Woodmere Village, passed away on January 9, 2023.
Born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, she moved to Cleveland in 1948. Lily had multiple careers including at Weather-Tite and as an elementary school teacher in the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District. She was actively engaged in her community through many organizations.
Predeceased by her husband Stanley H. and daughter Sheryl, Lily is survived by grandsons Edward H. Blakemore (Patrice) and Daniel A. Blakemore (Maria), six great-grandchildren, one brother James B. Thomas, Jr. of Youngstown, one sister Gladys Pippens of Cleveland and former son-in-law Leslie K. Blakemore.
Public viewing Thursday, January 19, 2023 12pm-7pm at the funeral home. A celebration of Lily’s life will be held at Imani Temple Ministries located at 2463 N. Taylor Road on Friday, January 20th at 10 am. Burial will follow at Highland Park Cemetery, 21400 Chagrin Boulevard.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Sheryl Cleggett Blakemore Scholarship at College Now Greater Cleveland.
Ahmad Russell
Hi-
I’m wondering if this is the Ms. Cleggett who taught at Boulevard Elementary School. If so, I would love to let her family know that I was her student in the 4th grade and how much of an impact she made on my life. I remember her to this day! May God bless and keep her for the many young lives she touched and thank your family for sharing her with the world!
Jeanene Howard
I want to say, Ms Clegett was my elementary school teacher in the Cleveland Heights Schools and she left a lasting imprint on my life .. she always would say ‘Don’t Just Sit There Like a Lump on a Log’ that has stayed with me for over 40 years…I am grateful for her time and patience. She had a passion for teaching and cared about the success of her students !
Daniel MacDonald
I taught with Lily in Cleveland Heights. Such a wonderful, lovely and caring lady. After retirement, she continued to be a union activist through membership in Local 279-R, NEO AFT retirees. Her legacy lives on through the children, now adults, whom she touched in so many ways and also, her teaching colleagues.
Yusef Russell
Mrs.Lily Cleggett was my 5th grade teacher at Boulevard Magnet Elementary School.I’ll always remember you as a firm teacher who always reinforced the importance of education. Mrs. Cleggett kept me close and would find creative ways to teach me until I got it. For that reason I’ll never forget you. I appreciate your patience. My condolences to your family.
Letesa Isler
Ms Cleggett epitomized instructional excellence and was a role for those who teach young impressionable minds. She was firm, no nonsense, skillful, and caring. She taught and guided her students with equanimity. Every student felt seen and valued and as a result we were motivated to deliver our best.
I will forever be grateful for her strength, skillfulness, grace and love!