Cleo Taylor was born on May 14, 1954, in Pace, Mississippi to the parents of the late Mr. Walter and Mrs. Willie Mae Kyles Taylor. He departed this life on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in Cleveland, Mississippi.

Cleo had a very limited education, but his personality was vibrant, and his future appeared very promising. Cleo developed his work skills from a young age, learning to be highly creative, very skillful in using his hands in different tasks such as cutting hair, shaving beards, painting houses and businesses inside and out, carpentry work, in and around town. When you think of the name Cleo, the word "JOAT' comes to mind, he was a Jack Of all Trades. He was a man with a wide range of skills who can adapt to many different tasks. Cleo was a resilient man who adapted well to adversity, trauma, and significant stress, consistently overcoming challenges. He exemplified the spirit of perseverance, refusing to surrender in the face of defeat, even as his health began to decline, he never gave up or complained. Instead, he adapted to his new reality and learned how to navigate life within those new limitations. As a twilight settled in, Cleo quiet strength in the face of illness moved his family and community alike, earning their deep admiration. Cleo's faith wasn't contained by doctrine or tradition. He spoke of God as a boundless presence in every moment, not restricted to churches or rituals. To his grandnephew Kemo, he often said he as spiritual but not religious. Cleo was an extraordinary man.

Cleo was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Willie Mae Taylor. Siblings; Roosevelt Taylor Sr., Russell Taylor, Michael Taylor, James Taylor Sr., Robert Taylor, Lester Taylor, Walter Taylor Jr., Leon Taylor, Wade Taylor, Joe Willie Edwards, Ella Rose Thomas, Pearlie Mae Hughes, Odesa Taylor, Daisy Seals, Vera Scitt, Lenora Brown, and Maude Walker.

To cherish his precious memories, his love, and companion of thirty-four years, Angless Ward of Cleveland, MS. Three bonus children: Albert Ward, Travis Ward, and Lashonda Ward, all of Cleveland, MS. Fourteen grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Two brothers; Freddie Taylor Sr. and Charles Taylor both of Cleveland, MS. Four sisters, Easter Taylor, of Cleveland, MS, Joann Taylor of Jackson, MS, Fulisa Rogers of Springfield, IL, and Snnie Rogers of Belleville, IL. A special niece, and guardian, Lekeesha Taylor-Owens (Jerrio) and a grand-nephew, and care provider, Markus "Kemo" Thomas, both of Cleveland, MS. To a host of nieces, nephews, friends, associates, and other extended family and friends.