Cleo Wilburn-Lewis was sister to my father, the late Samuel (Junior) Wilburn. My father passed when I was very young. My grandmother Rosa (Cleo's mother) raised me in Cuthbert, Georgia. Even though Aunt Cleo lived in New York during my childhood; I knew her very well. I saw her every summer when she would come home to visit my grandmother and the rest of the family. We always had a family renuion every year on the 4th of July which included all of my grandmother's children and their families. During these times I had the pleasure of getting to know my Auntie very well.
We would have so much fun during this time with all of the cousins getting together. I can say we all knew each other. This was something that I looked forward to each year....seeing my family and enjoying spending time with my family.
Aunt Cleo was always a caring and warm person and she always showed me "love". She always spoke a kind word to me; even when I did something that did not please her. She helped my grandmother raise me, always to do whatever she could. She helped me to become the person that I am today. I am a mother of two and my children adored Aunt Cleo as well. They both said "Aunt Cleo always showed me love."
Throughout her extended illness, I never once heard Aunt Cleo complained...she continued to thank and praise God....my, my...what a woman of strength! I will miss you Auntie.
I love you Aunt Cleo!.....your niece Dianne