Georgia Cleaveland Sanders

Georgia Cleaveland Sanders, age 85, of Highlands, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026, surrounded by her family. A proud sixth-generation Highlander, she lived her life deeply rooted in the community she cherished.

Born in Highlands to George and Jesse Louise Cleaveland, Georgia attended Western Carolina University before devoting herself to service in her hometown. She served as Town Clerk for the Town of Highlands, as a Macon County magistrate for 14 years, and was a beloved presence at Big John’s Steakhouse, where she became a local icon. She also served as parish secretary at the Church of the Incarnation, worked with Meadows Mountain Realty until her retirement in 2014 to care for her youngest granddaughter, and held the position of President of the Highlands ABC Board for many years.

In 2022, Georgia moved to Simpsonville, South Carolina, where she made many new friends in her retirement community and enjoyed shopping and playing cards with them. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ron Sanders; her parents, George and Jesse Louise Cleaveland; her brother, Raymond Cleaveland; and her sister, Virginia Bryson.

She is survived by her daughters, Carla Sanders Gates (Selwyn Chalker) and Leslie Sanders (Mark Coleman); grandchildren Mattson Gates (Brooke Rehiemer), Harrison Gates, Kennedy Sanders, Brianna Coleman, and Lianna Coleman; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. Georgia’s greatest joy was time spent with her family. A devoted mother and proud Nana, she cherished every moment with her children and grandchildren. An enthusiastic sports fan, she loved cheering for her family on the court or field, and was a dedicated supporter of Tar Heel basketball and, more recently, University of Alabama football. She will be remembered for the love she shared so generously with family and friends throughout her life.