Cleo Loretta Gooden McGriff was born 8 June 1926 in Sumpter, SC to Mr. William and Emily Gooden.  Our beautiful and beloved mother transitioned unexpectedly at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center on 3 January 2022.  She is now once again with her husband, Andrew J. McGriff, other family members, and friends.

She was a graduate of Atkins High School in Winston-Salem, NC.  She was a devoted member of United Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, NC.

Our mother worked for Winston-Salem Transit Authority for many years.  She also worked in the childcare industry and was a professional homemaker.  Mom was well loved by all of her co-workers and received numerous awards of appreciation from her employers.

Mom was our angel on earth.  She loved her children and entire family with all of her heart. She would do anything for her family.  She loved to dress up and never had a hair out of place.  She will be truly missed.

Cleo was preceded in death by her loving parents; her husband; and four sisters, Ms. Blonde Gooden, Mrs. Emily Sinker, Mrs. Dorothy McElvain, and Mrs. Lucille Lavelle; and three brothrs, Reynolds Gooden, Alonzo Gooden, and Abner Gooden.

She leaves to cherish her memories two daughters, Shirley Govan of Chattanooga, TN and Emily Govan of Winston-Salem, NC; one son, Michael Govan of Laurel, MD; eight grandchildren, Jassmaine (Donnie Calloway, Joseph (Sharon) Govan, Jacqueline Govan, Sherry (Tyrus) Smith, Jerome Jackson, Delander Simmons, Dyamond Govan, and Michael Govan;  eight great-grandchildren, Lester Lyle, Christy James, Tynesha Smith, Joia Govan, Jamal Govan, Joshualyn Woods, Jasmine Woods, and Brandon Jackson; seventeen great-great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Barbara Gooden of Winston-Salem, NC, Alicia Barksdale of Winston-Salem, NC, and Betty McGee of Texas City, TX; and a host of nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, cousins, and friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm-5:00pm Thursday, January 13, 2022 at Russell Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00am Friday, January 14, 2022 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor C. Anthony Jones officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.