Obituary of Teresa Ann Cleveland
Teresa Ann (Guthrie) Cleveland was born October 10, 1958 at St. John’s Hospital in Tulsa, OK. She grew up with her brothers and sister in the Swan Lake neighborhood. Typical of Catholic families at that time, they threw paper routes, attended school; her brothers played hockey and Teresa was a swimmer. In high school she was a lifeguard at McClure Park and the Harvard Club. Teresa was a 1976 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School which was a newly formed magnate school.
Teresa began her professional career at 19 working as a corporate travel agent which span for the next 40+ years. Her clients were top business travelers as well as their families which Teresa booked their trips all over the world. Teresa’s clientele spanned throughout generations. They were favorites of hers as she was of theirs. She remained at the top of her industry until her retirement in 2019.
Teresa married Jeff Cleveland in 1998 and they moved to Owasso, OK. In 1999 The Owasso Golf and Athletic Club opened. As an avid swimmer, Teresa was a fixture at the pools for the next 23 seasons. Jeff played golf so they each enjoyed the club, separately but together. It was great. The friends and employees became family. Teresa then joined Trident Aquatics Club so she could now swim year-round.
She stayed just as busy in her neighborhood. She and Jeff lived on the same corner for over 25 years and neighborhood walks were their routine. The neighbors witnessed some of their best disagreements during these walks and many friends were made along this route. Some joining the walk or joining Teresa in conversation. Jeff referred to her as the “Mayor of Owasso” because she had to meet and talk to everyone.
Teresa was instrumental in forming the neighborhood homeowner’s affiliation. Mainly for the picnics at the local park and driveway parties that we are famous for in Elm Creek Estates. Of course, Teresa had to take it a step further and was one of the early members of the OWASSO CARES PROGRAM where the city and private sector came together to improve quality of life in neighborhoods and communities. She never took a break from her own home, which was perfect in every way from design, to building furniture and a screened in porch.
Teresa is survived by her husband of over 25 years, Jeff Cleveland; brothers, Larry, Greg, and David Guthrie of Washington DC, Ross and Amy Guthrie of St Louis Park, MN; sister, Mary Harris of Maui, HI; brother, Bruce Guthrie of Tulsa, and brother, Paul Guthrie of Owasso; several nieces, nephews as well as great nieces and great nephews.
Teresa was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Helen Guthrie.
Teresa’s request was to not have a formal service but her husband and friends said, “not happening.” A celebration of Teresa’s life is being planned for early 2024.
Friends may contribute in Teresa’s memory to PortaCaeliHouse.org. There is a link on their website or mail to 2440 North Harvard Ave., Tulsa, Ok 74115.
Ninde Funeral | Mosaic Memorial Cremation (918) 742-5556 | ninde.com
