Jeanne (Mildred Eugenia) Harshbarger Sawyer was born on September 22, 1935 and passed away on October 23, 2024.

JD and Mildred Harshbarger’s daughter, Jeanne, grew up and spent most of her life in Cleveland, Tennessee. From an early age, Jeanne had an abiding love of music, which she continued throughout her life. She began her voice training at Cadek Conservatory and continued her education as a voice specialist at Converse College, where she later met and married the love of her life, Coleman, at the University of Tennessee. He was a member of the Cleveland Music Club and the MacDowell Music Club of Chattanooga, providing many years of service to both organizations. He also taught voice privately both at his home and at Cleveland State Community College. And her beautiful voice has blessed countless church services in both Broad Street and St Luke’s.

Beyond music, Jeanne’s talents and time extended to fashion and art. Fostering an appreciation for fine clothing sparked by spending time with her stylish father, who once 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 and served in various positions on the board of directors and remained a member throughout her life.

Jeanne founded the Arts Commission at the request of then-Cleveland Mayor Harry Dethero and Bradley County Mayor William Walker. He was also active in the Historic Cleveland organization, having grown up on Centenary Avenue in the heart of the area. And since its founding in 1999, she and Coleman have 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 him a “Cleveland Treasure” at a black-tie reception held in his honor.

However, Jeanne was the person most valued by her family; he admired her for her delightful, spicy personality, her tireless and enthusiastic participation in more than 1,000 swim meets, and her endless supply of her famous pimento cheese.

She was predeceased by her loving husband of 64 years, Coleman H. Sawyer Jr. and his precious younger brother, J. David Harshbarger, who died as a child.

He is survived by his 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 grandchildren Amara Zupon, Ace Pitman, David Meek, Christian Pitman, Eleanor Meek and Finley Pitman.

The family would like to thank her caregivers at Chattanooga Hospice and Bailey Manor for their loving care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the scholarship fund at the Cleveland Music Club or MacDowell Music Club, or to Broad Street United Methodist Church or St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.