Cleo Watkins

Mrs. Cleo Watkins, age 93 of Roberts Avenue in Corning, NY passed away on February 7, 2022, at Guthrie Corning Hospital.

Cleo was born on July 29, 1928, in Robersonville, NC.

Cleo worked at Westinghouse for over 40 years. She retired as a bus monitor for Corning school district at 91 years old. She was a member of Friendship Baptist Church, lifetime member of NAACP, sponsor of Sister Cities Association, Corning YMCA member, and a founding member of the Crystal City Social Club which existed for over 50 years.

Cleo married Robert Watkins on April 10, 1954, and was predeceased by him, two brothers and one sister.

Cleo is survived by her sister, Cora Rollins; sons, Gregory and Robert; grandchildren, Natalie (Jabari) Henley-Edwards and Nathan; great grandchildren, Lincoln, Taliyah, and Tyrus; special nephew, Melvin (Marve); and numerous pseudo grandchildren. Cleo was known throughout the community as NANA.

Cleo was the Matriarch of the Watkins family. Cleo left a profound mark on everyone she came in contact with; one of compassion and welcoming kindness. Cleo loved spending time with her grandchildren and cooking closely held family recipes at holiday time. Cleo enjoyed Broadway plays, concerts, gardening, fashion, planning community events, and traveling. Cleo traveled all over the world to see Africa, Spain, Japan, Alaska, and Hawaii. Cleo was full of life and spunk, and along with her sharp, quick-witted sense of humor she could light up a room. Cleo was strong, determined and a fiercely independent woman.

She taught all of us everything, but how to live without her. She left a legacy of memories we will cherish forever. She will be missed dearly by all her friends and family.

On behalf of the Watkins family, a special thank you to the Absolut Care at Three Rivers, nurses, and staff for their generosity towards Cleo in the short time she was a resident. A heart-felt thank you to Ann Vargeson and Shelia Murray for their loving care and warm-hearted kindness shown to Cleo over the years.

To honor Cleo, the family requests that you visit the residents at your local nursing home instead of flowers or contributions.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 4th at 10:00 AM at Hope Cemetery, 325 Park Avenue in Corning with Rev. Nathaniel Wright officiating.

Cleo's care was entrusted to Haughey Funeral Home, Inc.