
Cleo’s Story

Incredible smile. Giving heart. Lover of God. Strong. Meek. Confident. Leader. Competitive. Family oriented.
Cleo loved his family and friends, unapologetically. One of the many things I learned from him in life and in death is how to cherish friendships. He was the perfect example of a friend until the end. He loved unconditionally with all of his heart. It shows even now. He has friends who continue to check on the girls by calling, sending gifts for birthdays and Christmas, attending momentous events, which means the world to us.
Cleo was an amazing father and extremely hands on with our girls. He never missed an opportunity to spend time with them, which is totally why Chance is a daddy’s girl even now. I remember when my grandmother, Cleo, myself and Chance were at my grandmother’s home and she was staring at Cleo playing with Chance. My grandmother asked Cleo, “You like that little gal, don’t cha?” Cleo laughed and said, “Yes ma’am.” My grandmother often saw the love he had for Chance (she didn’t live to meet Rylee). My uncle and Cleo often spoke of the love he shared for Chance.
We were fortunate enough not to put the girls in a childcare center. Cleo kept the girls until noon each day. I remember him sending pics of Rylee’s mischievous behavior throughout the day and thinking it was MAD FUNNY. One day he sent me a pic of her with VASELINE all in her hair. Oh, goodness, I will never forget the pic he sent when she put purple lipstick all over her mouth and face. At one year old, we should have known she’d have a passion for makeup. There are countless stories that I could share about this good daddy. They were so blessed to have a caring and loving dad.
Cleo, incredible son, husband, father, brother, cousin, nephew and friend. We will continue your legacy through The Cleo T. Hudson, Jr. Memorial Foundation, Inc.