Cleo Pearce O’Connell
November 12, 1926 ~ January 5, 2021
ROCKY MOUNT - Cleo Marie Pearce O'Connell, age 94, passed away on Tuesday, January 5, 2021. Cleo was born in Franklin County, North Carolina, on November 12, 1926, to Bennie Boddie Pearce and Bertie Kearney Pearce. In July of 1961, she married Robert Patrick O'Connell, a sailor in The United States Navy. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Bob, and siblings, Henry Albert Pearce, Ennis Lee Pearce, Mary Elizabeth Pearce, and Elsie Gray Gagnon, as well as her sister-in-law, Anna Margaret Burke.
Cleo was always more concerned with the comfort of those around her than herself. Even as her age advanced, she wanted her loved ones to have the best seat at the table and the biggest portions at meals. As a Navy wife, she always looked on the bright side and made the best out of any situation. She moved her family multiple times during her husband's naval career, making every city they lived in feel like home. Later in life, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and her friends. Cleo was a skilled bridge player, loved to shop, and spent as much time at the coast as possible. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and sister.
Cleo is survived by her two children, Kathleen O'Connell Tapp (Steven) of Durham and Thomas Patrick O'Connell (Elizabeth) of Chapel Hill; four grandchildren, Elizabeth Pearce Tapp Jackson (Jon) of Cedar Grove, Davis Alexander Tapp of Charlotte, Patrick Finnegan and Harper Mae O'Connell of Chapel Hill, and one great-granddaughter, Kearney Elizabeth Jackson of Cedar Grove. Cleo also has several nieces and nephews who she enjoyed keeping up with.
A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Service
Rocky Mount Memorial Park
4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.
Cemetery
Rocky Mount Memorial Park
4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
mama Cleo was a beautiful lady and friend. I will miss her smile, the twinkle in her eyes, her life stories, our deep talks, and her words of encouragement and wisdom. She will be so missed; I loved her very much!
You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy, Tommy and family. So sorry to hear about your mom. Sweet lady. My condolences. Benny Roberson
We are so sorry to hear of your loss Kathy and Steve. I know you are left with many happy memories that will comfort you as time goes on. Hank was especially saddened as he remembered her so well and thought highly of her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this sad time.
So sorry for your loss,Cleo was such a sweet lady,always remember her smile and friendliness.She will be missed.Don and Megan Strain.
May God grant you peace and strength during the difficult days ahead. Cleo was so special and leaves indelible memories and smiles. She and Lib were close friends of my mother, Mabel Sykes and my Aunt Barbara Kea. It was always fun to listen to them share stories and reminisce about their early years.
Dear Kathy and Family My heart is full of gladness upon reading this wonderful obituary of your mother and her family. What a delightful strong lady, who raised a beautiful daughter. We lift you and your family up as you adjust to her not being in your home on this earth. She is now with our Jesus and will be with Him and you for ever. We love you and look forward to sharing your joys and sorrows at any time and hearing how we can support you. Love Jane and Your BSF Group.