With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Cleo Blackwell, born on December 3, 1942, to Azalee Blackwell in Anderson, South Carolina. Cleo, a beloved daughter, sister, mother, auntie, cousin, and friend, peacefully left us surrounded by love.

Cleo was one of three children and was preceded in death by her siblings: John Blackwell and Lawrence ‘Peahead’ Blackwell. Cleo is survived by her brother George ‘Punkin’ Blackwell, whom she adored deeply. Cleo is also preceded in death by her two God sisters Mary Elizabeth Payton and Freddie Ruth Guyton.

Cleo attended Reed Street School in the 1950s before graduating from Westside High in the 1960s. Fond memories of her childhood included attending the fairgrounds and dancing with her sisters.

In the 1960s, Cleo moved to Cleveland, Ohio, to join her brother George and dear cousin Gladys Bruno. She dedicated many years to Metro Hospital, where she met her late husband, Sylvester Ferguson Sr. They married on February 26, 1972, at Old Stone Church in downtown Cleveland. Cleo and Sylvester welcomed their first child, Sylvester Ferguson Jr., on Thanksgiving Day in November 1978. In March 1989, they adopted their second child, Kiki Leavy. After twenty-four years of marriage, Cleo and Sylvester amicably divorced but remained good friends.

Cleo was a devout Christian, joining Lily Baptist Church in 1996 and remained a faithful member until her illness.

Professionally, Cleo served as a state-tested nursing assistant (STNA) and retired from Willow Park Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Her dedication and compassion touched many lives.

Family was Cleo’s top priority. She loved cooking, attending family functions, traveling, dining out, shopping, and taking long car rides. She had a fondness for fishing at the lake and playing slot machines at the casino.

Cleo’s treasured memory is of her loving and caring nature. She had a true heart of gold and could make you laugh even while expressing her candid opinions. Her strength and love influenced many lives.

Cleo is survived by her children Sylvester Ferguson Jr., Ariel Phames (daughter-in-law), Kiki Leavy, and grand-daughter Savannah Ferguson. She is also survived by her beloved brother George Blackwell and sister-in-law Judy Blackwell, dear Aunt Julia May Brown, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends from the Blackwell, Bruno, Cook, Ferguson, Guyton, Leavy, and Payton lineages.

Cleo will be dearly missed but forever cherished in our hearts.