Cleveland Britton

Cleveland Collins Britton, oldest son of the late Frank and Bessie Britton, was born in Andrews, S.C. on October 7, 1918.

He attended primary school in Andrews, S.C. In 1931 his mother, a brother and a sister drowned in a bus accident. His father moved Cleveland and his brother Frank to New York City. There he completed High School and attended Manhattan School of Music, where he was an outstanding student.

He served in the U.S. Army, was stationed at Camp Lee in Petersburg and was a member of the Army band where he played First Trumpet.

While in the Army he met and married Naomi Martin from Petersburg, VA. After his discharge from the Army they moved to New York City and were blessed with two daughters, Cheryl Naomi and Beverly Ann. The family attended Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Harlem, NY where he served as a faithful usher.

The City of NY Department of Correction employed him for over 30 years, where he received many awards, plaques and certificates for excellent service, cooperation and devotion to duty. While employed for the Department of Correction, he wrote many Musical Plays and the inmates were the actors. He also played Trumpet in the Department of Corrections Band. They performed in many parades for the City of New York.

Although he worked for the city as a Corrections Officer, on weekends he played Trumpet in many of the Big Bands around Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx.
He was truly a talented musician. He could listen to a song and write the music for every instrument. He did arranging, composing and conducting.

He was a life long member of Local 802 Associated Musicians of Greater NY.member of The Richmond Musicians Union and a member of The Corrections Officers Benevolent Association, Inc. of City of New York.

On November 25, 1967 Cleveland joined Yvonne Woolfolk Barnes in Holy Matrimony, where he was a loving father, not only to his two daughters but also to Kirkland and Gary Barnes, becoming one loving family.

He was a member of St Albans Congregational Church in Queens, NY. Before moving to Glen Allen, Virginia and joining St Peter Baptist Church in 1990. Immediately he joined the Male Chorus, later he joined the Senior Choir and organized the Brass Ensemble. He was also a member of The Couples Ministry, The Senior Citizens Ministry and pianist for Church School.

He was a member of The Senior Center of Richmond where he played in The Good Times Band who performed in Nursing Homes and Churches in the area. He also played with the Dixie Rhythm Kings and continued to perform in Nursing Homes and churches. His favorite hymns were "Have a little talk with Jesus" and "This Little light of Mine".

Cleveland was a great family man; his love for his children was boundless. When his children were not around, he loved other people's children. He was a kind and generous person always ready to lend a helping hand.

He was preceded in death by his former wife, Naomi Martin, daughter, Cheryl Hunt and stepson Gary Barnes.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 45 years Yvonne Woolfolk Britton, one daughter Beverly Ann Britton of New York City, NY., one son Kirkland (Deborah) Barnes, Three Granddaughters, Tanya (Paul) Brown-Iyesi of Annapolis, MD, Ty'Ann Brown of New York City, NY, Nicole (Matthew) Johnson of Suwanee, GA. Three Grandsons, Damond Barnes of Alpharetta, GA., Kenneth Hunt, Jr. of Bear, Delaware and Kai Barnes of Freeport Long Island, NY. Four Great Grandsons, Donte Wright, Jacob Johnson, Gabriel Johnson, Anfernee Iyesi. Three Great Granddaughters, Oijah Iyesi, Nijaire Iyesi, Charlotte Johnson. One Great-Great Granddaughter, Taylor Rae Wright.
One niece, Sylvia Britton and her family, Two nephews, Frank Britton Jr. and his family and Lawrence (Doris) Britton and their family. Also, he leaves to cherish his memory, persons embraced as family, Reverend Shirley Stanley and her children Marcus, Anhayler, and Eric; Reverend Michelle Hatcher as well as David Hollis.