Cleonne Rene Friedman, a beacon of love and generosity, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2024, at the age of 88. Born on April 30, 1936, in Brockton, MA, she was the cherished daughter of the late Elmer Marston Taber and Ann Louise (Benson) Taber. Her life was a testament to the power of faith, the joy of giving, and the strength of family bonds.
Cleonne’s journey through life was marked by her unwavering commitment to her family, friends, and community. She was a treasured mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Her sons Kent, Russell, Mark (Cindy), and Karl Friedman, as well as her daughters Donna (Vern) Tutty, and Karen (Billy) Reed, will forever hold her in their hearts. Cleonne’s joy was multiplied by her adoring grandsons Russ Jr. Friedman, Joseph (Amber) Green, Tyler (Melinda) Green, Bronson (Izii) Friedman, and Noah (Rachel) Friedman, and her granddaughters Shannon Friedman, Abigail (Patrick) Johnston, Jennifer (Ross) Beavers, and Kasey (Will) Sliger. Her great-grandsons Samuel and Malachi Green, Gideon and Elliot Friedman, along with great-granddaughters Anna and Leia Johnston, Lydia Green, and Grace Anne Beavers, were the twinkles in her eye.
Cleonne was reunited in heaven with her parents and stepbrothers, Kent and Robert Taber, who preceded her in death. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she is now at peace.
Cleonne’s life was one of active service and unwavering faith. She was a devoted member of Cedar Grove Church in Unionville, Tennessee, where she found great joy in teaching Sunday School and uplifting the spirits of all who crossed her path. Her commitment to her church family was evident in every action she took and every word she spoke.
Cleonne’s interests were a reflection of her loving and generous spirit. She had a passion for giving gifts and making others feel special and important. She never forgot a birthday, whether it was a family member or someone from her church family. Her love for rescuing cats, collecting lighthouses, and teaching Sunday School were just a few of the ways she shared her warmth and kindness with the world.
The pallbearers honored to carry Cleonne to her final resting place include Mark Friedman, Karl Friedman, Billy Reed, Ross Beavers, Bronson Friedman, and Noah Friedman. Her great-grandsons Gideon Friedman and Elliot Friedman will serve as honorary pallbearers, a symbol of the future generations who will carry on her legacy of love and faith.
Cleonne’s life can be summed up by the words of Mother Teresa, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” This quote perfectly encapsulates the essence of Cleonne’s being—her ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary through her love and generosity.
Cleonne Rene Friedman’s memory will be cherished and kept alive by the countless lives she touched. Her spirit of giving, her faith-filled heart, and her boundless love will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be deeply missed, but her light will never fade.