Cleo Virginia Myrick

Cleo Virginia Myrick, born Cleo Virginia Mason, was the seventh child (6th daughter) born of Alex Mason and Henrietta Powell Mason (both deceased) in Franklin Virginia.  Cleo accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age, attending the St. Luke AME Zion Church in Franklin Virginia.  She attended Hayden High School and later graduated from Norfolk State University – Nursing Department in 1958, .  For many years she was a nurse at Southampton Memorial Hospital (now known as Bon Secours - Southampton Medical Center), where she worked as a nurse in the neo-natal ward, caring for babies born pre-maturely for many years and finally retiring from nursing after many years of service.  

Cleo was an active member in several organizations throughout her life including, but not limited to, Norfolk State University Nursing Alumni, CHI ETA PHI SORORITY, INC. – OMEGA Chapter and Las Amigas, of which she remained active until her illness made it impossible for her to continue to serve.  She received several awards and recognition for her work with those organizations such as the Excellence Award in 2008 from the Norfolk State University Nursing Alumni.

Cleo was married to Melvin Myrick (deceased) for more than 25 years.  They made their home in Suffolk Virginia with their immediate family, where Cleo continued to live after Melvin’s transition in 1997 and her transition on January 17, 2024. 

Cleo leaves, to honor and celebrate her life, a loving family that cared for her during her short illness and who will miss her loving and caring spirit.  Those who are left to celebrate her include, but are not limited to, the one and only child she called their daughter - June Ricks, of Suffolk, VA, whom she raised and  loved with all of her heart;  June’s 3 daughters:  Alexis (aka Nikki) and Tiffany (both residing in Suffolk VA) and Kristen (who resides in Portsmouth, VA).  They lovingly called her by one name - “Grandma”.  She also leaves as a part of her wonderful legacy seven (7) great-grandchildren; Trivon, Ny'Asia, Saniyah, Tamaya, Khian, Rylan, Kyree, and two greatgrandchildren who called her by the name of ‘Mama”, whom she cherished and gave her all.  

She also leaves, to mourn and celebrate her transition, one sister, Delois Hatchett of Leesburg VA, ten nieces, one nephew, two great nieces of her late husband, Melvin,  and a host of great, great-grand and great-great grand nieces and nephews, as well as   many cousins and friends.

Let us all remember Cleo and rejoice over her transition to be with the Lord – as we all know that Cleo was a very kind, warm hearted and loving person.  She loved her family and friends and cherished every moment she spent with them.  Although she could be stern in her language as well as her response to things for which she did not find acceptable or agreeable, she would always have a chuckle to let people know that she understood their position and needs and that she cared.

A petite lady, Cleo loved her fashions and would be dressed to the Tee no matter the occasion. She was truly a “Mason” woman – independent, strong and loving – she valued relations of all kinds but mostly  her relationship with the Lord and her family and friends.

Cleo Virginia Myrick  - a great Mom, Grandma, Great-grand ma,  Sister, Aunt, cousin and friend – but more importantly – a lover of the Lord – will be dearly missed but never forgotten. 

 May she rest in peace with our heavenly Father until we see her again.

Love You Cleo 

(or, as called by some, Cle-I).

A public viewing will be held 4:00-7:00pm, Friday, January 26, 2024 in the Melvin J. Blowe Chapel of Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. A celebration of life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, January 27, 2024 at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 125 County Street, Suffolk, VA. She will be laid to rest in Carver Memorial Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.