Harriett B. Young

Harriett Young Obituary Harriett B. Young (nee Lockett) was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on May 09, 1932. She was the fourth child of five, born from the union of William Stephen Lockett Sr. and Daisy Marie Lockett (nee Morton). She attended Cleveland Public Schools and graduated from Central High School. As a young child, Harriett enjoyed attending church with her parents. She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior, was baptized, and joined the Antioch Baptist Church. This began her life-long journey built on faith and trust in the Lord. Harriett met, fell in love, and married a Christian man, Thomas G. Young Jr. To this union, two sons were born: Thomas Ill and Stephen. Harriett was employed for a few years with the federal government and 35 years with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Harriett held positions as a reading clinician, teacher, and principal. Harriett’s first teaching experience came at the young age of six. When her teacher had to leave the classroom, she called Harriett to the front of the class, gave her the pointer, and told her to teach the lesson until she returned. The rest was history. Harriett attended Finn College, John Carroll University, and Ursuline College. She earned a bachelor’s degree, continued learning, and earned a Ph.D. in Education as a member of the inaugural class at Cleveland State University. Harriett achieved all these accomplishments while being a devoted wife, loving mother, faithful church servant, and mentor to many. Harriett’s gift was teaching; her talents were many. She taught the Middlers in Sunday School and served as Superintendent on several occasions. Harriet sang in the Sanctuary Choir for many years and was a member of the Ruth B. McKinney Missionary Circle. Harriett visited the neighborhood nursing homes often and brought joy to the patients. She continued tutoring young people well after retirement. Harriett loved to travel, so she started a travel group, The Way Outs, with her girlfriend, Lois Polk. They hosted several tours and bus loads of travelers. Harriett truly loved life. She loved her church, the Antioch Baptist Church. She loved her sorority, Eta Phi Beta. Harriett was keenly aware of how God blessed her life. Undeniably, she loved her family and friends and would help anyone in need. As such, she lived each day embodying the mantra, “What am I doing with my blessings?” Harriett was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas G. Young, Jr., and two sisters, Daisy Louise Lockett and Willie Jean Tolliver. Harriett leaves to treasure her loving memory: sons Thomas Ill and Stephen; grandchildren Thomas IV, Ciera, and Dwight; great-granddaughter, Denver; sister, Velma Mae Carson; brother, William Stephen Lockett Jr. (Vivienne); Marilyn Phinizee; caregivers, Nicole Jackson and Jackie Spencer, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, Sorors, and other relatives and friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harriett B. Young, please visit our floral store. Read More

Harriett B. Young

May 9, 1932 - January 3, 2024