Jeanne (Mildred Eugenia) Harshbarger Sawyer was born on September 22, 1935, and passed away on October 23, 2024.
Jeanne, the daughter of J.D. and Mildred Harshbarger, grew up and lived most of her life in Cleveland, Tn. Jeanne had an enduring love for music beginning at an early age which she pursued her entire life. She began voice training at Cadek Conservatory and continued her studies as a voice major at Converse College, then later at the University of Tennessee where she met and married Coleman, the love of her life. She was a member of the Cleveland Music Club as well as the MacDowell Music Club in Chattanooga, serving both organizations for many years. She also taught voice both privately in her home as well as at Cleveland State Community College. And her beautiful voice blessed countless church services at both Broad Street and St Luke’s.
Beyond music, Jeanne’s talents and time extended to fashion and the arts. Fostering an appreciation for beautiful clothes that was sparked by spending time with her dapper dad who at one time owned Harshbarger-Stratton, a department store in downtown Cleveland, she became a licensed fashion coordinator and served as a Doncaster Clothing representative for 25 years. Jeanne was also a founding member of the Cleveland/Athens Cotillion, for which she served on the board in various positions and remained a member throughout her life.
At the request of then Cleveland City Mayor Harry Dethero and Bradley County Mayor William Walker, Jeanne founded the Arts Commission. She was also active with the Historic Cleveland organization, having grown up in the heart of the area on Centenary Avenue. And since its inception in 1999, she and Coleman supported the Museum and Cultural Center at 5ive Points, where she founded the volunteer guild. After years of service there and elsewhere, the museum designated her a “Treasure of Cleveland” at a black-tie reception held in her honor.
But Jeanne was most treasured by her family who appreciated her for her delightful, spicy personality, her tireless and enthusiastic attendance at more than 1,000 swim meets and an endless supply of her famous pimento cheese.
She was preceded in death by Coleman H. Sawyer, Jr., her loving husband of 64 years, and her precious baby brother J. David Harshbarger who perished as a child.
She is survived by her children, Cole (and Shelley) Sawyer and their children, Adair and Samuel; David (and Melanie) Sawyer; Laura (and Wesley) Pitman and their children, Sloane Pitman, Arden (Mitchell) Meek and Joseph (and Erin) Pitman; and great-grandchildren, Amara Zupon, Ace Pitman, David Meek, Christian Pitman, Eleanor Meek, and Finley Pitman.
The family would like to thank her caregivers at Hospice of Chattanooga, and Bailey Manor for their loving care.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the scholarship fund at either the Cleveland Music Club or MacDowell Music Club, or to Broad Street United Methodist Church, or St Luke’s Episcopal Church.