Cleo (Wilkes) Newsome Hall

Cleo (Wilkes) Newsome Hall was born in Vaiden, Mississippi to Louis and Pearl Wilkes and was raised in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Cleo was the youngest daughter of her siblings; John, Nartha Ray, Julius Caesar, Dorothy, Eunice, Claude, and Cornelius. As a young child, she was actively engaged in the Baptist Church and school activities. She acquired an excellent and strong work ethic.

In 1951, Cleo moved to Gary, Indiana to get a fresh start on life. In 1952, she met and married Rev. Allen L. Newsome Sr. They became successful entrepreneurs. Allen was the visionary and Cleo was the creative force behind it. Their union was blessed with three children, Phyllis Newsome-Taylor (J.Edward), Tara Newsome Johnson, and Allen Lafayette Newsome Jr (Abigail). Cleo later married Oscar Hall in the early 80s; both Allen and Oscar preceded her in death.

Mother was a woman of faith and purpose. She exercised her God-given talents to implement positive change in her home, community, and her workplace. She had a heart for disabled individuals. Her leadership skills were recognized as she was promoted to be the Director of five sheltered workshops for disabled adults. After 20 years of service, she started her own janitorial service which provided jobs. She did this to support the Governor’s Welfare to Work Program. Finally, she was recognized by “Who’s Who” for African American Women in Business.

Mother was preceded in death by all of her siblings and four grandchildren, Dionne, Micah, Willie, and Terrance. She was a spiritual Grandmother, aka “Granny” to many children and adults. She leaves to her legacy her three children; grandchildren, Lafayette (Ruth), Tameka (Yachin), Andrea, David (Lupe) and others; and a host of precious great-grandchildren. She leaves her cherished memory to all of her number 1 nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family and devoted friends.