Cleveland Walton Jr.

Cleveland Walton Jr. was born on November 11, 1948, in Shelby, North Carolina, to Cleveland and Ossie Mae Walton Sr. He was the third of four children and was raised in Cleveland, Ohio, in the 40th and Scovill community.

He was raised in the Baptist faith, where church became an important part of his early foundation. He served as an usher, sang in the choir, and remained actively involved in church life.

From a young age, Cleveland learned the importance of education, hard work, discipline, perseverance, and determination. Values that would guide him throughout his life.

He graduated from East Technical High School, where he distinguished himself as both a student and an athlete. Through his leadership, competitive spirit, and commitment to his teammates, he helped lead his team to many victories.

His love of learning continued beyond high school. Cleveland pursued his education at the University of the Virgin Islands and Cleveland State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education. He later continued his educational journey and earned his master’s degree from the University of Phoenix.

For almost forty years, Cleveland dedicated himself to educating and coaching youth. He taught Earth Science and General Science to middle and high school students throughout the Cleveland Municipal School District and East Cleveland School District, as well as at Arthur A. Richards in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Wayne Aspinall Jr. High School in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

To Cleveland, being an educator went far beyond lessons, assignments, and textbooks. He expected young scholars to think, recognize their abilities, look beyond their circumstances, and prepare themselves for life beyond the classroom.

His influence extended outside the classroom as well. Through coaching and mentoring, he provided guidance, set high expectations, and encouraged those he worked with to continue growing and striving for more.

Athletics was something he mastered. From his early years through adulthood, sports provided another avenue for him to teach, lead, compete, and connect with others. His basketball talents extended beyond East Technical High School and eventually gave him the opportunity to play overseas.

As the years continued, Cleveland moved from athlete to coach and mentor. He coached basketball, track, and swimming, working with his own children as well as many young people throughout the community.

For Cleveland, coaching was about far more than winning. It was another way to teach responsibility, teamwork, confidence, and how to respond to both success and disappointment. He wanted those he coached to understand what they were capable of achieving when they committed themselves to the work.

That same persistence was reflected in Cleveland’s own life. He experienced trials and challenges, yet he continued to move forward, building a life centered around family, education, accomplishment, and service to others.

After retiring from teaching, Cleveland found another passion through photography. With a camera in hand, he enjoyed capturing people, celebrations, special occasions, and everyday moments. Photography gave him another way to preserve memories and share how he viewed the world around him.

Cleveland will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Mary E. Walton, with whom he shared 58 years of love, growth, change, family memories, and life experiences.

His children: Cleveland Walton III; Akil (Yolonda) Walton; Aliya (Nigel) Walton-Stanberry; Loren (Aaron) Walton; and Michael D. Johnson. Grandchildren: Akilah, Yasmin, Azaria, Amir, Samson, Nia, Joel, Maya, Michael Jr., and Joseph.

He is also lovingly remembered by his sister, Evonne Walton; brothers, Clifton (Cynthia) Walton and Darren Walton; Aunt, Angeline (Ordell) Byrd; his nieces, Tonya Napier and Channel (Charles) Robinson; his nephews, Pierre (Corliss) Nappier, Courtney Nappier, Jay (Shana) Hector, Hubert (Mary) Jno-Fin Jr., Victor R. Hector Jr., Anthony (Lydia) Walton, Antwan Walton and Jermaine Walton, Orlando R. James; and his former son-in-law, James L. Johnson. His village of cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews, and a host of beloved family and friends.

Cleveland was preceded in death by his parents, Cleveland Walton Sr. and Ossie Mae Walton; his grandparents, Mamie Waller and Samuel Waller; his sister, Dorothy Nappier; and his brother, Robert (Annette) Walton.

Cleveland lived a full life shaped by family, education, service, athletics, creativity, and an unwavering belief that there was always more to learn, give, and accomplish.

His legacy lives on through generations of family, students, colleagues, and many lives forever changed because Cleveland Walton Jr. shared his greatness with us all.