Georgia Cleaveland Sanders

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

Born in Highlands, she was the daughter of George and Jesse Louise Cleaveland. Georgia attended Western Carolina University and went on to live a life of dedicated service to her town and the people who called it home.

Throughout her life, Georgia held several meaningful roles in the Highlands community. Georgia served as Town Clerk for the Town of Highlands, Macon County magistrate for 14 years and was a familiar and beloved presence at Big John’s Steakhouse, where she became something of a local icon. She also worked as the parish secretary at the Church of the Incarnation and later with Meadows Mountain Realty, where she remained until her 2014 retirement to take care of her youngest granddaughter. In addition, Georgia served for many years as President of the Highlands ABC Board.

After moving to Simpsonville, South Carolina, in 2022, Georgia made many new friends in her retirement community. She enjoyed spending time shopping and playing cards with the friends she made there.
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. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Georgia’s greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and family. She was a devoted mother and a proud Nana who cherished every minute she had with her family. She was also an enthusiastic sports fan, especially when cheering for those she loved on the court or field. She loved Tar Heel basketball, and more recently she had become an avid fan of University of Alabama football.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Bryant-Grant Funeral Home. A visitation will be held at Highlands United Methodist Church on March 28,2026  from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at Highlands Memorial Park. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society.
Georgia will be remembered for the love she shared with family and friends throughout her life, especially her children and grandchildren who were her everything.

Online condolences may be made to www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Sanders family.