Obituary for Nina J. Cleaver

September 5, 1956 – October 4, 2026

Nina J. Cleaver of Mt. Pleasant Ohio, beloved wife, mother, sister, friend, and dedicated community servant, passed away on October 4, 2026, at the age of 70. Born on September 5, 1956, in Wheeling, West Virginia, she was the daughter of Ralph Karl Conley and Gladys Eastham Conley of Wellsburg West Virginia. Throughout her life, Nina shared her talents, leadership, creativity, and compassion with countless people through her family, career, and extensive volunteer service.

Nina was a graduate of Brooke High School and continued her education at West Liberty State College, now West Liberty University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education.

Nina was married to Neal E. Cleaver for 46 years and was the proud mother of Michael P. Cleaver of Mt. Pleasant, Ohio, and John K. Cleaver of Lakewood, Ohio.

She is survived by her husband and sons; her sisters Jean Grampa (John) and Barbara Conley; her sister-in-law Mary Seckman, widow of Gary “Butch” Seckman; her brothers-in-law Charles Cleaver (Wanda) and Robert Cleaver, widower of Shirley Cleaver; and many other relatives and friends who will cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her sisters Jeanette Posthlewait and Judy A. Neville (Don), as well as her brothers-in-law Gary “Butch” Seckman and Robert Cleaver’s wife, Shirley.

A Career of Many Talents

Nina's working life reflected her many interests and abilities. She held a variety of positions throughout the Ohio Valley, beginning with work as a waitress at Elby's and Pizza Inn in Warwood, West Virginia, and as an usherette at the Capital Music Hall in Wheeling.

Her creativity and love of flowers led her to teach floral arranging classes at Ben Franklin stores and Craft and Flower Ltd. at the Ohio Valley Mall. She also worked as a floral designer for local florists and served as store manager for Plant Warehouse at the Ohio Valley Mall, where she provided floral design services. She later managed the Mothercare store at the mall and worked at Novak's Greenhouse.

Nina also worked as a service desk associate and office assistant to the district manager for Fisher's Big Wheel. She shared her love of music and education as a substitute teacher, including an extended assignment as an elementary music teacher with Harrison Hills Schools for most of a school year.

Her commitment to service extended to Scouting, where she worked as a Scout Shop associate at the Ohio River Valley Council office at Sandscrest Scout Reservation in Wheeling.

Nina also served her community as fiscal officer and sexton for Highland Cemetery. She ultimately retired from WesBanco, where she worked as an accounts payable associate, following earlier service as a customer research associate.

A Lifetime of Service to Scouting

Scouting was one of Nina's great commitments, and she devoted almost 30 years to helping young people learn leadership, responsibility, citizenship, and service. She served as Cubmaster and committee chair for local Cub Scout packs, as well as committee chair for a Scout troop.

Her leadership and dedication earned her Scouting's prestigious Silver Beaver Award and the District Award of Merit. She completed Wood Badge training, and received the Order of the Arrow's Vigil Honor, one of its highest honors.

Nina's service extended throughout the Ohio River Valley Council, where she served as Training Chair, Primary Cub Scout Leader Trainer, and Roundtable Chair for the Two Chiefs District. She was also part of the Cub Scout resident camp staff at Fort Steuben Scout Reservation and served as Cub Scout Day Camp Director for the Ohio River Valley Council.

Through these roles, Nina helped train and encourage generations of volunteer adult leaders, leaving a lasting impact on the Scouting community and the young people it serves.

Dedicated Leadership in Lions Clubs International

Nina was a devoted member of the Dillonvale Mt. Pleasant Lions Club, joining in 2012. She served the club as secretary, club administrator, and vice president before becoming president, a position she held at the time of her passing.

Her commitment to learning and leadership was reflected in her achievement of a Master's Degree from Lions University and completion of all three levels of the Regional Lions Leadership Institute, including Levels 2 and 3, which are unique to Ohio.

Nina believed strongly in preparing others for leadership and helping Lions members succeed in their roles. She taught club secretary training and assisted with zone chairperson training for Lions District 13OH3, sharing her knowledge and experience to help strengthen clubs and develop future district leaders.

Nina's service was recognized through numerous honors, including a Melvin Jones Fellowship from the Lions Clubs International Foundation, a Betty Coffey Fellowship from the Ohio Lions Foundation, and a Journey of Hope recognition from the Ohio Lions Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

Beyond her local club, Nina served Lions District 13OH3 as Zone Chair, District Administrator, and District Governor, continuing in district leadership until her death. She also served on the boards of the Greater Akron Lions Eye Program and the Ohio Lions Foundation.

Nina believed in the Lions' mission of service and demonstrated that commitment through her leadership, willingness to teach and mentor others, and dedication to improving the lives of people in her community and beyond. Her efforts helped prepare fellow Lions to serve their clubs and communities more effectively, extending her influence well beyond her own years of service.

A Love of Music, Flowers, and Local History

Nina's interests reached well beyond her professional and organizational commitments. A lover of music, she was a former member of the Ohio Valley Choral. Her musical education and teaching experience reflected a lifelong appreciation for music and its ability to bring people together.

She was equally passionate about flowers, gardening, and horticulture. Nina was a former Ohio County, West Virginia, Master Gardener and belonged to the Mt. Pleasant Garden Club and Dillonvale Rosebud Garden Club. She served as Regional Director for the Ohio Association of Garden Clubs and was an accredited flower show judge for the organization. She judged flower shows at several Ohio county fairs and organized flower shows at the Jefferson County Fair for several years.

Nina also cared deeply about preserving the heritage of her community. She was a former member of the Mt. Pleasant Heritage Days Committee and the Mt. Pleasant Historical Society, where she served as co-curator of its Historical Center. Through these efforts, she helped preserve and share the stories and traditions that connect generations.

A Lasting Legacy

Nina Cleaver lived a life characterized by service, creativity, leadership, and an enduring willingness to contribute wherever she was needed. Whether teaching music, arranging flowers, guiding young Scouts, serving the Lions, caring for Highland Cemetery, or preserving local history, she brought knowledge, dedication, and a generous spirit to her work.

Her many accomplishments and honors reflect only part of her legacy. Perhaps her greatest contribution was the time she gave, the people she encouraged, and the organizations she strengthened through her involvement. She leaves behind a lasting example of what it means to serve others and make a difference in one's community.

Nina will be deeply missed by her family, friends, fellow Lions, Scouting colleagues, gardening associates, and all those whose lives she touched throughout her remarkable life.

A Final Gift of Hope

Even in death, Nina continued her lifelong commitment to helping others through her decision to be an organ and tissue donor. Although the circumstances of her passing meant that her organs could not be recovered for transplantation, her gift will still make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Through the donation of her eyes, skin, and bone tissue, she will help bring hope, healing, and improved quality of life to people in need.

It is a fitting final chapter to a life devoted to service. Just as Nina spent so many years giving her time, talents, and leadership to help others, her final gift will continue that mission beyond her lifetime. Her legacy of compassion and generosity will live on not only in the memories of those who knew and loved her, but also in the lives of people she will help through donation.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday, October 17th from 1pm till 5pm for a Memorial Visitation at Wilson Funeral Home - Bridgeport Chapel, 920 National Rd., Brookside.  Funeral Service will be at 4pm at the funeral home.  Burial to take place at the convenience of the family.  

To leave online condolences please visit www.wilsonfuneralhomes.com.