Things went according to schedule. Surrounded by family and friends, aunt Cleo was put to rest around one o'clock today. Probably 150 people showed up at the church for the service. Unlike previous funeral services I've been to, this one allowed people to come up and give testimony about Cleo and her life. One young man (who flew in just for the funeral) told the group Cleo had arranged for 6 kids in the high school she worked at, to go to college. The college he went to was out of town and Cleo paid his transportation from her own pocket. She was with him at the bus station and gave him the confidence to make it through college. Cleo was like that, he said.
The Reverend called Cleo a "Servant Leader". When he joined the congregation (to replace a retired minister) it was Cleo who gave him the background of the church and it's direction. She had been a senior member and most active. He said although she was quiet in her mannerisms, Cleo was always motivating people for good. She organized the kindergarten program at the church and volunteered countless hours helping people.
My ex-wife heard from another woman that (years ago) Cleo found a young uneducated woman who was struggling with her new family. She found her a job with the School Board. Cleo also influenced the woman to go to school at night to get her college degree. Many years later, that same woman is getting to retire from the county School Board and credits Cleo for her success.
Sure... these people actually did the work and got the degrees, but they all credit Cleo for their success.
She was an amazing woman.
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