Cleo Brown Lewis entered this world on October 26, 1934, in Fredericksburg, Virginia, to the late, Josephine and Joseph Brown, Sr. She was the oldest of nine children. At an early age Cleo joined Shiloh Baptist Church New Site. Cleo was a faithful member of Shiloh Baptist Church New Site for decades where she served on various ministries, including the Minister Wives & Widows ministry, and Missionary ministry.

Cleo was educated within the Fredericksburg City School System. She was a proud graduate of Walker-Grant High School, Class of 1953. After graduation she continued her education at Virginia Union University. She went on to become one of the founders of the Walker Grant Alumni Association (WGAA). Throughout her membership with WGAA she held various positions within the association including Secretary and Correspondence Coordinator.

In 1968, Cleo began her teaching career at the Ann Hamrick Community House preschool. Cleo passionately served as a director, and teacher at the preschool. She touched generations of families with her love, knowledge, and generosity shared throughout her teaching career. Cleo received numerous awards, and accolades while teaching. The Ann Hamrick Community House preschool held it's final graduation commencement in May 2003. Cleo retired after teaching at the school for 35 years.

Cleo was always so kindhearted and thoughtful. She loved blessing others with beautiful cards. Whether it was a greeting card for a special holiday, birthday or simply a card to say, "thank you", she was determined to let you know that you were thought of. More recently as mail deliveries slowed, Cleo didn't let that stop her. She replaced her greeting cards with telephone calls to send everyone well wishes for various occasions.

On Saturday, August 17, 2024, with her devoted children by her side, Cleo peacefully departed this life. To know her was to love her. Cleo's contagious smile, sense of humor, and presence will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Elton Clinton Lewis; siblings, Ethel Watson, Thomas Brown, and Shirley Truslow; and sister-in-law, Ida Lewis.

Cleo leaves a loving legacy to her children, Jacquelyn Lewis, and Don Brown; her sisters, Beverly Brown, Rebecca Brown, Eleanor Johnson, and Donna Carroll; her brother, Joseph Brown, Jr.; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews; a dedicated friend, Gloria Ennis; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A viewing will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home, 200 Butternut Drive, Fredericksburg, VA, on Thursday, August 29, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. An additional viewing will be held at Shiloh Baptist Church New Site, on Friday, August 30, 2024, at 10:00 AM followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Click here to view a live streaming of the funeral  service. Click here to view the funeral service program. Click here to view a presentation in honor of the life of Cleo Brown Lewis.  The interment will be held at Quantico National Cemetery, on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 11:30 AM.