“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7
Surrounded by love and leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of faith, compassion, servant leadership, and unwavering devotion to God, family, and community, the Rev. Dr. Cleveland B. Sparrow Sr. peacefully entered eternal rest with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 26, 2026.
A Time to Be Born
“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee…” — Jeremiah 1:5
The Rev. Dr. Cleveland B. Sparrow Sr. began his earthly journey on June 11, 1937, in Covington, Virginia. He was born through the loving union of the Rev. James Royal Sparrow and Mrs. Susie Wallace Sparrow. As the 12th of 13 children, he was raised in a warm, Christian household where love abounded. Being the youngest son, Cleveland was fiercely loved and strongly supported by his older siblings. There was never a dull moment in the bustling Sparrow home.
His early school years brought immense joy, largely because Jeter Watson Elementary School was located right across the street from his childhood home. As time passed, his high school years at Covington High proved to be just as memorable. Cleveland excelled both in the classroom and on the field, distinguishing himself as an All-American athlete. He was widely known as one of the finest and fastest football players to ever wear the Covington High uniform.
A Time to Be Saved
“One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life…” — Psalm 27:4
Nurtured by a deep family faith, the Rev. Sparrow accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at his family’s home church, Pine Street Baptist Church. It was there that his father served as an associate minister. His father also pastored four other churches in the surrounding area, and young Cleveland faithfully followed his father to these congregations, absorbing the word of God and witnessing firsthand the dedication required of a true shepherd.
A Time to Be Trained
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” — 2 Timothy 2:15
The Rev. Sparrow possessed an insatiable hunger for knowledge and growth. He began his higher education at Virginia Union University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science. He expanded his academic horizons further by attending the University of the District of Columbia and Howard University.
It was while attending Howard University that Cleveland received his divine call to preach the gospel. Answering that call with absolute dedication, he continued his studies at Howard, earning a master’s degree. He went on to further his theological training at the Washington Baptist Seminary under the leadership of its president, the Rev. Andrew Fowler. Cultivating his vision for the future, he ultimately completed his doctorate at Wayland University. Through all his academic achievements, the Rev. Sparrow deeply believed that a servant of God must continue to learn every single day that God provides life, health, and strength.
A Time to Labor and an Extraordinary Journey in the Music World
“Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.” — Psalm 150:3-4
Armed with a sharp mind, multiple degrees, and a heart on fire for the Lord, the Rev. Sparrow stepped forward into a lifetime of dedicated service. Beyond the pulpit, God blessed him with an incredible musical gift that allowed him to make a profound impact on the music world. The Rev. Sparrow was an extraordinary songwriter, composer, and musician who deeply understood the power of sacred song. He did not just preach the gospel; he scored it, arranged it, and recorded it, translating deep theological insights into powerful melodies of praise, deliverance, and hope.
His involvement in the music industry was vast and multifaceted. As an accomplished songwriter, he composed music that moved the soul, working tirelessly in the studio and behind the scenes to produce pieces that uplifted the body of Christ. He partnered with local choirs, guided vocalists, and utilized his deep knowledge of arrangement to elevate the standard of gospel music. For the Rev. Sparrow, the music world was a vital mission field. His songs became rhythmic testimonies designed to heal, encourage, and bring the brokenhearted directly to the feet of Jesus. This rich musical inheritance remains a vibrant pillar of his family’s ministry today.
Throughout his decades of labor, he was a visionary thinker who loved to share stories of God’s unchanging faithfulness. He often recounted the humor and warmth of growing up with 12 siblings, and he drew upon those childhood lessons of sharing, prayer, and unity to guide his own ministry. He used his life stories as living parables, illustrating how a young boy from Covington could be lifted by God’s hand to impact the music industry and the nation’s capital.
A Time to Mourn
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4
While the community heavily mourns the loss of this great giant of faith and music, his extraordinary legacy will live on through his beloved family. He leaves to mourn his loving and devoted wife, Deaconess Joyce B. Sparrow, and his cherished children: Cleveland Jr. (LaDonna), Lanita, James and Solomon (Paula). He is reunited in eternal glory with his son, Noah, who preceded him in death. His memory will also be forever treasured by his grandchildren, surviving siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins and a vast community of sons and daughters in both the ministry and the gospel music world. Solomon proudly carries on his father’s musical flame, serving as minister of music at Vermont Avenue Baptist Church alongside his wife, Paula.
To celebrate a life beautifully lived and a legacy that will never be forgotten, a homegoing service will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Vermont Avenue Baptist Church (1630 Vermont Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.).
The viewing will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by the funeral service at 11 a.m. For family, friends and congregants who are unable to attend the service in person, it will be streamed live at www.vabc.church.
Attendees may utilize available parking located at 12th and Q streets NW, Washington, D.C. Following the burial at George Washington Cemetery (9500 Riggs Road, Adelphi, MD 20783), a repast will be held in the church Fellowship Hall to share comfort, stories and fellowship in honor of the Rev. Dr. Cleveland B. Sparrow Sr.
Lyndia Grant is a speaker/writer living in the D.C. area. Her radio show, “Think on These Things,” airs Fridays at 6 p.m. on 1340 AM (WYCB), a Radio One station. To reach Grant, go to her website, www.lyndiagrant.com, email lyndiagrantshowdc@gmail.com or call 240-602-6295. Follow her on X @LyndiaGrant and on Facebook.
