Cleveland Ross Mooney

Cleveland Ross Mooney was born July 17, 1943, in Selma, Alabama from the union of John and Ida Mae Mooney who both preceded him in death. Cleveland graduated in 1961 from R.B. Hudson High School and went on to study at Selma University Junior College for two years, graduating in 1963. That fall, he enrolled at Tennessee State University in Nashville earning a bachelor's degree in science education in 1967. He also became a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. Cleveland served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1969. Before leaving the military, he started working for the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency in St. Louis, Missouri where he met Vivian. They would work together until they both retired in 2004. Cleveland married Vivian on August 26, 1977. They made a home in Ballwin and raised a son, sharing a life together for 45 years until she preceded him in death in 2022. Early in his career, he earned a master's degree in business management from Webster University in St. Louis in 1972, joined the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Missouri, and became a licensed pilot. Cleveland was a member of the First Baptist Church of Chesterfield for more than 30 years; he served as a deacon, was active with the Laymen's Ministry, Male Chorus and Inspirational Choir. Cleveland departed this life on December 27, 2024. He is survived by his son Samuel (Jody), granddaughter Aiko, grandson Satoshi, and siblings Jay Carmichael (Marva), Nathan Mooney, and Ida Wright (Erskine). Left to mourn this loss is a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.