George H. Stratford, loved by a host of family & friends. Departed this life on December 01st, 2025. Visitation will be held on Monday, Dec. 08th from 5:00pm-7:00pm at the Lucas Memorial Chapel 9010 Garfield Blvd.; Garfield Hts., Ohio 44125. The Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30am on Tuesday, December 09th at St. Paul AME 4118 Brookside Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44131 and the family will receive friends one-half hour prior to service. Interment at West Park Cemetery.

George H. Stratford

March 15, 1948 – December 1, 2025

George Stratford, a dedicated educator and pillar of the Cleveland community, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 1, 2025. 

Born and raised in Cleveland, George graduated from John Marshall High School in 1966, and earned his Bachelors of Education from Central State University in 1970. He spent 35 years teaching history and social studies in the Cleveland Public Schools, and as an Ohio Works instructor. He first worked at Westropp Jr. High —where he coached boys football and girls track—and later at East Technical High School, where he coached girls basketball and served as a career counselor in partnership with the Cleveland Urban League.

George’s faith anchored his life since joining St. Paul AME Church at age nine, where he gained his early christian education, and later was a dedicated Sunday School teacher enjoying interactive learning and interpretation about the word of God. He also actively participated on the Steward Board, Usher Board, Commission on Christian Education, Prison Ministry, The Sons of Allen, and the Male Chorus.  

A fearless, quick-witted and intelligent patriarch, George balanced his professional life and church commitments with his greatest pride: being a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

George is survived by his wife of 54 years, Lynne; and their children, Jon (Ericka), Sarah (Brian Mayle), and Peter; his granddaughter, Isabelle Mayle; his sister, Jacqueline Douglas (Benjamin) and his brother, Thomas Stratford Jr. (Stephanie). He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruby and Thomas Stratford Sr., and his sister, Delores Croom.

George will be deeply missed by his family, his church community, and the countless people he touched throughout his life.