Cleopatra (Cleo) was born on April 29, 1938 in Harlem, New York to Hester Walker and Ashton Walker. She was one of five children, Inez Walker (Aunt Inez), Ashton Walker (Uncle Butch), Beatrice Lawson (Aunt Bea) and Iris Walker – all who have greeted her in heaven.
Cleopatra married Clifford Carolina on January 28, 1961. They later had two daughters, Serena Carolina and Fatima McNeil. Cleo also had two stepson’s Richard Little (deceased) and Ronnie Little. She and her husband moved to Holbrook, Long Island in 1974 and lived there for many years.
Cleo worked for Aetna Insurance for approximately 15 years. She also worked as an Administrative Assistant for the surgical department at North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, New York until her retirement in 2003. In 2003, Cleo and Cliff bought a home in Midlothian, Virginia to be closer to their kids and grandkids.
Cleo had a strong work ethic and believed in working hard. People often say that the loudest one is not always the smartest one in the room – well this was true of Cleo – typically she was not the loudest in the room, however she was so observant, smart and wise. She instilled in her children how important education was. She and her husband made many sacrifices to pave the way for their children’s education and ensure they would have easier pathways in life. Cleo loved antique shopping, visiting museums, and spending time with family. She also had a love for Butterflies – whether for their beautiful and brightly colored wings or for their deeper symbolism of new life, change, faith and transformation.
Cleo indeed had a quiet strength and unmeasured patience that not many people have. She was a two-time survivor of cancer and a courageous fighter. The Lord worked through her smile, spirit and journey and she impacted many.
Cleo leaves to cherish her memory, husband, Cliff Carolina; two daughters, Serena Carolina and Fatima McNeil; stepson, Ronnie Little; daughter-in-law, Marian Little, and son-in-law, Erick McNeil. She also leaves five grandchildren, Davian Patrice Griffin, Asia Mason, Caroleena McNeil, Erick Christian McNeil, II and Milleena Cleopatra McNeil; two great grandchildren, Sydney and Madison; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.
A visitation will be held Thursday, October 25, 2018 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at J. L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment.
The family and friends will assemble at 9:30 a.m. the day of service at 5804 Bayport Landing Ct., Midlothian, Virginia.
Funeral service for Mrs. Cleopatra Carolina will be held on Friday, October 26, 2018, 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of South Richmond, 1501 Decatur Street, Richmond, Virginia, Rev. Dr. Dwight C. Jones, Pastor. Following repast at the First Baptist Church of South Richmond Imani Center, Interment will be at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery , 10300 Pridesville Road, Amelia Court House, Amelia, Virginia 23002 at 4:30 p.m.
Professional services have been entrusted to the staff of the J.L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment, 25824 Greensville Avenue, Petersburg, Virginia 23803, Rev. Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr., Funeral Director, (804) 732-5959. Online condolences may be registered at www.jldodsonandsons.com
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