Obituary

Cleo Marie McLaurin was born on September 13, 1931, in Duplin County (Faison), North Carolina, to the late Percy and Douschka Brewington Sampson. Growing up in Faison, Cleo joined the Burning Bush Holiness Church, where she accepted Christ at an early age.

Cleo moved to New York with dreams of better opportunities. While there, working as a caregiver, she  met the love of her life, Samuel McLaurin, Jr. aka Sammy (who preceded her in death). Cleo and Sammy united in holy matrimony in  Long Island, New York. They later moved to Baltimore, Maryland and raised 7 children, Elaine McCready, Douschka Huntley (Rita) of NC, Timothy McLaurin, Sr, Cecelia Rogers,  Sandra (Tracy) McLaurin, Errol McLaurin, Sr. (who preceded her in death), and Cleo Yvette McLaurin.

Cleo and the family joined the Cherry Hill United Methodist Church where she was the Head of the Culinary Committee for the churchs' kitchen until she retired, and was also a faithful member until  the Lord called her Home.

Cleo was always smiling and posed a delightful demeanor. She took great pleasure in cooking, especially for Men & Women's Day at the church and will always be known as the "Cake Lady" for those infamous cakes she made from scratch.  Cleo enjoyed playing cards (500) with Sammy and going on bus trips with her friends and family.  Everyone knew not to call Cleo during the Young and the Restless and Bold and the Beautiful, even Sammy knew not to bother her. She enjoyed taking care of her granddaughter, Jinika  (Puggie) who in turn enjoyed taking care of her grandmother, Cleo.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her children,  Elaine, Douschka  (Leve), Timothy Sr. , Cecelia, Tracy, and lil' Cleo (Gregory Sr.); 14 grandchildren, Corey, Quelle, Timothy Jr., Yvette, Jinika, Ebony, Cierra, Sharae, Shavera, Errol, Jr., Tearrin, Kadeshia, Janile, and Gregory, Jr.; 34 great grandchildren, Cornitra, Blessing, Graison, Aaliyah, Ariel, Asyah, Jalen, Milan, Ayanna, Breonna, Malik, Jamal, Shemar, Samara, Zoey P., Khalil, Brian, Zakiya, Malajah, Markel, Donald, London, Hunter, La-Miyah, Zoey F., Elijah, Marquise, Tianna, Tiante, Tremont, Tamara, Laniyah, Kamaya, Gregory III; 1 great- great grandchild, Damaya; 2 sisters, Janie Loftin  and Alberta Allen both of NC.;  6 sister- in- laws, Gertie, Ann, Thelma, Delores, Lynn, and Laverne, and 2 brother- in- laws, Levan, and Julius; and a host of nieces, nephews , other family and friends.

Special thanks to Betty Sutherlin and Jeanette Scott (Miss Sis).