Cleo Nell Oliver

"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."
-2 Corinthians 5:8, King James version
(Cleo's favorite biblical scripture)
Cleo Nell Oliver was born on December 16, 1939 in Eckman, West Virginia, the daughter of the late Gustavas and Grace Young. Cleo married the love of her life, the late William Edward Oliver, Sr. on July 25, 1961 in Greenwich, Connecticut.
The second to the youngest of nine children, she is preceded in death by five sisters: Edna, Lovada, Mildred, Albera, and Tina; and two brothers: Lane and Charles.
She graduated from Bluefield High School in West Virginia, and later moved to Yonkers where she was employed at the New York Telephone Company before motherhood and becoming active in local politics representing the interests of her community. She eventually retired from the New York Blood Center in 2006.
Cleo's involvement in local politics spans several decades having served numerous terms as district leader, president of the Hillside/Wyndover Civic Association, vice chair of the Council of Greenburgh Civic Association, and Police Advisory Board member. For more than 25 years, she also co-hosted the cable TV program "3 C's – Cleo, Cora and Community" together with longtime friend Cora Carey.
Cleo received numerous awards and citations for her service as a community activist including a Hero Award in 2018 from the Greenburgh Human Rights Advisory Committee which she richly deserved. Always willing to go the extra mile to assist someone, Cleo was truly more than a Hero.
Having accepted Christ as her personal savior, Cleo's love of God and faith were evident in the way she lived her life. She often prayed with, over and for her loved ones and for anyone in need of strength that only God can provide.
She was firm but fair, a loving, caring and fiercely protective mother to her four sons. Her love for her family was apparent to all who knew her, and she truly believed in "family first" however, she was more than happy to make room for others at her renowned holiday feasts.
On Friday, June 10, 2022 at the age of 82, she transitioned into the arms of the Father. She will be greatly missed by all, but we find comfort in knowing she has earned the golden wings to match her crown, reunited with her love once again.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories four sons: William, Jr. (Cynthia), Nathan (Eboney), Stephen (Ericka), and Mark (Evelyn), one step-daughter Deborah (Alberto); six grandchildren: Ethan, Erica, Brooke, Tea', Michael and Danielle; one great grandchild Harley, one sister Lena; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
We love you Mom!!!