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Cleopatra Vinson Johnson was born to the late Isaiah and Marie Vinson on March 17, 1937. She was called home to meet her Lord and Savior on July 26, 2021. She was born in Lane, Oklahoma and later moved to Atoka, Oklahoma where she spent her younger years. She was baptized into Christ at a young age and spent her life in His service. She moved between Texas and Oklahoma several times before finally making Wichita Falls, Texas, her home. Oh, how she loved Wichita Falls! She also spent a few years living in Woodbridge, VA. Cleo was a hard worker and initially worked as a Nursing Assistant. Later, after wanting to better her life for both herself and her children, she attended Physical Therapy school in St. Paul, MN, with her sister, Lucille Vinson Jones, where they both received their certifications in Physical Therapy. With the desire to do even better, she entered college where she earned her Registered Nursing Degree (RN) from Midwestern State in 1975. She worked at Wichita General Hospital for several years, at the Rehab Center off Brooke Street, the State Hospital and later as the Director of Nursing Homes in both Wichita Falls and in Burkburnett, Texas. While in Tulsa, Oklahoma she worked at various institutes. The longest being at the Osteopathic Hospital. She also performed private duty nursing.
Cleo/mother loved her family and her church! She only wanted to do her best to make sure that everyone was doing as well, and/or at least, the best as she was doing. She was generous and giving beyond measure; always making sure that others had what they needed. If she had money, you had money. If she had food, you had food. She shared not only her financial funds but, also, her laughter, her spirit, her sage advice, and many times the heartaches of this world. Yet, she was a silent example of how to overcome the obstacles that life handed to her; no matter how unfair they seemed nor the trial. She volunteered for Wheels on Meals at Welch Street and volunteered at the Sonshine House
sponsored by the Churches of Christ.
“Cleo”, mother, grandmother, friend, “Sis J”, as she was lovingly called, bore 3 children. She also had 9 siblings: 5 brothers and 4 sisters. She was married to Winter Ivy Johnson, previous Minster of Welch Street Church of Christ, who preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by her son, Steve Thomas Clay, Jr.; her parents, Isaiah and Marie Vinson, her brothers: Henry, Jim, Russel and Clifford Vinson of Tulsa, Oklahoma and one sister, Doris Moten, of Atoka, Oklahoma. She leaves to mourn the sudden sting of her departure, her daughters, Kennetha Clay Marbury (widowed), Tammy Patrick Countess (Greg). Her sisters: Lucille Jones (widowed), Karen Vinson (David), and Jessie Vinson and, her dear “sweet brother” Johnny Vinson (Pamela). Grandchildren: Crystal Washington Pope (Patrick), Joseph King (partner Gwen), Michael King (Amanda). Tania Clay, Kendra Gilbert, Kennedy, Lauryn, and Jared (Dao) Countess and Taylor Dease. Great Grandchildren: Hope Archer (Patrick), Lacola Pope, Charleston Denman II, Jaquaveon Pope (partner Jhya), Chloe-Winter and Sir Kingston Pope, Jordan King, Xzavier Crawford, Layla and Amaya Stalford, Khalyla King and Jayvyn Countess. Great-Great Grandchildren: Tyler West (Tiger), Imani Hines, Jeremiah Gilbert, Jayceon, Jordyn, Jurni, Jaylin and Hendrix. Great-Great-Great Grandchildren: Asani Hines and Nekai Pope. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends (near and far) that loved her dearly. Special granddaughter Eric French and good friend Kathryn Jones, both of Woodbridge, VA.
Mother, you will forever be loved and missed. We will speak your name often and know that you rest in perfect love and peace. No one can do it better than God in comforting your soul. You are now victorious! For that, your children can find a measure of peace. Your departure has left a gaping hole in our hearts and in our lives never to be filled. Yet, you are at peace now. No one to sorrow you, no one to not understand your pain nor to not understand your confusion. You are home now, you are safe! Take your rest and know that you are loved. If anyone deserves peace, it is you. Rest Well! You are in God’s care now. Sleep well our dearly beloved, and, know that, we will meet again on that Beautiful Shore.
We, your family, LOVE YOU!
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