Cletis Virginia McNatt

Ms. Cletis Virginia McNatt, age 97 passed away on Saturday, January 18, 2025.Cletis V. McNatt, affectionately referred to as ‘The Queen”, was born on October 19, 1927, to the late Jessie and Mary McNair in Robeson County, North Carolina. On Saturday, January 18, 2025, Cletis peacefully entered eternal rest with the Lord. During her earthly stay, she embodied a life well lived. She matriculated through North Carolina Public Schools before marrying the late Leroy McNatt in 1952. Following her upbringing in North Carolina, Cletis relocated to Washington D.C., where she pursed an esteemed career as a Seamstress and Nursing Assistant. Although she maintained a professional presence, one of her greatest sources of pride was serving others. She took great pride in caring for many generations of children; often insisting that others “bring me that baby.”

Cletis was a member of Unity of Washington, D.C. where she spent several years serving in the nursery. Although Cletis loved serving in the Church, you could undoubtedly find her in her home daily watching a spiritual program, reading spiritual literature, praying, and reminding you to trust in God. In addition to her love for the Lord, her love for plants and clothes was palpable. Cletis enjoyed gardening and spent a lifetime cultivating plants and teaching others how to cultivate. Furthermore, her infectious optimism, her sense of humor, and her wittiness would often lead to her asking for clothing you have on that she liked, or her bluntly telling you she didn’t like what you had on. Both gestures were always in good jest.

Cletis was proceeded in death by her daughter Marguerite McNatt, and her siblings; Carrie, Edithus, Samuel, David, and Eddie. She leaves to cherish her memory her children; Mildred Vinson, Roy McNatt, Rita Glover, Rosie Walters, and Mary Downing (Larry Downing); two sisters, Elva Stewart and Mary Satterfield, and one brother, Jessie McNair. As the matriarch of five generations, Cletis has a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.