Clevel Laman Sluder

Clevel Laman Sluder, age 91, was released from all earthly concerns on November 6, 2010, following a brief illness. She was born to Thomas Ellis Laman and Hattie Elizabeth Bowers, (both of Cave City, Arkansas) on December 30, 1918, at Wellington, Texas. Soon afterward the family moved to the farm her father bought near Mobeetie, Texas. The family operated a farm and a small dairy. There Clevel lived until she went away to college. A childhood Clevel described as lonely was relieved by the birth of a sister Maurita Donn in 1927 and a brother Thomas Ellis, Jr., in 1931. After graduation from high school, Clevel enrolled in West Texas State College in Canyon in the fall of 1936. There she met Edwin Erskin Sluder, who was to be her husband for 28 years until they were separated by his death in 1970. Clevel and Edwin taught in Miami schools for 4 years, until World War II. Rejected for military service, Edwin enlisted with the United Service Organization (USO). They were sent to New York City for training and then stationed in Corpus Christi. After the war, Edwin tried a number of jobs and when Clevel decided to return to teaching, he did, also. Both ultimately earned Masters Degrees. Clevel taught in Corpus Christ schools for 41 years until her retirement in 1985. Among recognitions she received were "Teacher of the Year" and nomination for the "Jefferson Award" for public ser vice. Clevel was a charter member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Corpus Christi and remained active in church and community until she moved to Abilene to be near a daughter. She established herself in Aldersgate UMC and the community at Wesley Court in Abilene. After a relatively brief illness, Clevel passed away on November 6, 2010, surrounded by her family. Clevel saw her teaching as a mission and she inspired several of her family to follow her in the profession. Clevel taught Homemaking and lived out the practicality she taught. She dedicated her life to helping disadvantaged students see their hidden potential for a better life by providing them opportunities to experience success. Clevel is characterized by, and will be remembered for, her service to others. She was a small lady who left big footprints. Clevel enjoyed being the hostess in all sorts of settings, including her signature yeast rolls. Her family enjoyed summer-long travels in the United States in a travel trailer; later, she enjoyed international travel. A favored location was Corpus Christi Bay, where she lived. A life-long learner, Clevel 's goal was to "live as long as I live." Clevel was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Edwin Erskin Sluder, her daughter Cindy Elaine Sluder, and her brother Thomas Ellis Laman, Jr. She is survived by her sister Maurita Stribling of Mobeetie, her son Sam Sluder and wife Mabel of Universal; City, TX; her daughter Sharon Kelley and husband Nolan of Abilene; her daughter Beverly Powers and husband Harv of Parker CO, and seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Corpus Christi on Wednesday, November 10, at 11:00 AM, following a family graveside service. In lieu of flowers, family asks that donations be given to the Methodist Children's Home, 1111 Herring Avenue, Waco, TX 76708 or Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford Street, Abilene, Texas 79605.