Jeffrey Alan Levingston

Jeffrey Alan Levingston May 7, 1947 – July 24, 2025

Jeffrey Alan Levingston, a dedicated attorney, public servant, and beloved family man, passed away on July 24 at the age of 78. 

Born on May 7, 1947, to Vivian Kaplan Levingston and Alfred Aaron Levingston, Jeff grew up with strong roots in Mississippi and a deep sense of civic responsibility. He graduated from Tulane University in 1969 and went on to earn his law degree from Vanderbilt University in 1973. That same year, he returned to Cleveland, Mississippi, to begin practicing law alongside his father—a partnership that would mark the beginning of a lifetime of service as a respected member of the legal community. 

Over his distinguished legal career, Jeff served as the Cleveland City Judge for 48 years, earning the respect of peers and residents alike for his fairness, integrity, and compassion. In recognition of his years of service in this capacity, a Courtroom in the Cleveland City Court was named after him and a long-time colleague in 2024, the “Johnston-Levingston Courtroom.” He also served for many years as a Bankruptcy Trustee for the Northern District of Mississippi as well as the Shelby City Attorney while maintaining a robust private law practice most recently with his law partner, next door neighbor and friend, David Norquist. While Jeff had the opportunity to work with several outstanding attorneys and other professionals, he truly had the good fortune of working alongside his exceptional paralegal and dear friend, Mary Wilkes, for more than 40 years.

 Looking beyond his legal career, Jeff served in the United States Army Reserves for six years and was a pillar of the Adath Israel Congregation in Cleveland, where he served faithfully for many years as Secretary-Treasurer. Jeff’s judgeship also extended beyond the courtroom to serving as a certified BBQ judge including at the “Memphis in May: Word Championship BBQ Competition.” 

Jeff is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 55 years, Barbara Antis Levingston; their children, Kevin Levingston (Simone), Leslie Levingston Jacob (Adam), and Carla Levingston Polikov (Chad); and seven beloved grandchildren: Andrew, Alex, and Emily Levingston; Alison and Rachel Jacob; and Lyla and Bradley Polikov. Jeff also leaves behind his brothers, Larry Levingston (Sondra) and Keith Levingston (Bari), as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

 In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to:

Henry S. Jacobs Camp 

3963 Morrison Road

 Utica, MS 39175 

or 

Adath Israel Congregation

 P.O. Box 1327

 Cleveland, MS 38732

Jeff’s life was marked by a quiet strength, deep wisdom, and unwavering dedication to his family and community. He will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered. 

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 26 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Temple Adath Israel Social Hall: 201 S. Bolivar Ave., Cleveland, MS 38732 (please use side entrance on Shelby). 

Funeral will take place on Sunday, July 27 at 10:00 a.m. at Temple Adath Israel Sanctuary, 201 S. Bolivar Ave., Cleveland, MS 38732 (front entrance on Bolivar). Burial immediately following at Greenville Jewish Cemetery, 1000 South Main St., Greenville, MS 38701.