Janean J. Cleveland

Janean Johnson Cleveland

January 23, 1941, to May 4, 2026

Janean Johnson Cleveland was born in Waco, Texas, the daughter of A.C. and Hariadene (nee Holmes) Johnson. A resident of Waukesha County since April of 1962, Janean raised her children in greater Waukesha and served the community throughout her adult life.

Janean retired as Chief of Staff for State Senator Joanne B. Heulsman of Waukesha. She also worked for the University of Wisconsin-Superior and Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, IL. Prior to entering the workforce she was an active volunteer. She shared her leadership at the Waukesha Symphony Auxiliary, serving as president and chair of the annual Symphony Ball and Symphony Fair; as a founding family of Montessori School of Waukesha serving on the board of directors and as Secretary for 10 years; The Brookfield Academy; and the First Baptist Church of Waukesha serving as Moderator, Deaconess and a member of the board of Christian Education.

Janean loved history and as a native Texan, she held fast to a love for the state. Her love of history included a passion for family genealogy. She made several trips to seek out documentation and happily found and met relatives and family members.

Janean held 3 degrees from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and attended the University of Texas, Austin, and Baylor University prior to her marriage.

She is survived by her daughter Allison Leigh Chase of Mukwonago; sons,” Tracy” Herbert Jay Cleveland III and Barbara Cleveland of Traverse City, Michigan and Benjamin Barrett Cleveland and Dr. Katherine Cleveland of Sheboygan; Grandchildren, Amelia Anne Cleveland, Eleanor Elisabeth Cleveland, Andrew Stirling Pompa and Anthony Matthew Pompa, Connor Patrick Cleveland, and Elizabeth Claire Cleveland. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Mary Jane Kinnebrew of Houston, TX, her brother-in-law and his wife Barry and Annie Cleveland of Santa Fe, NM as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Janean was predeceased by her parents and sisters, Mary Cherry North of Waco TX and Hariadene Johnson of Arlington, VA.

The family suggests donations to First United Methodist Church of Waukesha (Youth Programs), Phantom Lake YMCA Camp or The Waukesha County Food Pantry.

Visitation will be at First United Methodist Church of Waukesha, 121 Wisconsin Avenue, Waukesha WI 53186, beginning at 11:30 am until the 1:15 p.m. Celebration of Life on Thursday May 7, 2026.