Cleo was born on September 19, 1940, in Mobile, Alabama, to Adrian and Cleo (Gliddon) Arras. She graduated from Murphy High School, Class of 1958. On July 30, 1961, she married Alex Harry Zavros at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.
After high school, Cleo began working downtown at S.H. Kress & Co. Department Store, where she often fondly recalled her time at the gift wrap counter. She later joined Bell Telephone Company as a local telephone operator, serving from 1960 to 1966.
By 1966, Cleo devoted herself to raising her growing family as a stay-at-home mother. In 1970, she and a group of friends took a Wilton Cake Decorating class at the local J.C. Penney. She went on to complete advanced levels of training, became a Certified Wilton Cake Decorating Instructor, and began teaching classes herself. Cleo built a thriving home business, creating hundreds of birthdays and wedding cakes, later expanding to include traditional Greek breads and pastries.
Around 1976, Cleo and her husband Alex opened Six Flags Security, a private security and alarm company serving businesses throughout the Mobile area.
In 1993, Cleo began a new chapter when she joined Gordon Oaks Assisted Living Facility. In preparation for her role, she pursued and earned her Certified Nursing Assistant license, achieving the highest score in her class. She joined the team before the facility opened, helping prepare it for its first residents. Cleo later served as Director of Environmental Services, a role she held with dedication until her retirement in 2008.
After retiring, Cleo moved to Euless, Texas, where she lived alongside her three daughters and their families. She cherished her six grandchildren, taking great joy in their milestones, school events, lessons, pets, and the everyday moments that made family life so meaningful.
Cleo was preceded in death by her husband, Alex Harry Zavros; her son, Adrian Harry Zavros; her brothers, Adrian O. Arras and William W. Arras; and her sisters, Gloria Frances A. Ashcraft and Adriana A. Collins.
She is survived by her three daughters: Chyrel L. Zavros (Mark Sampson), Deanna Z. Young (William S. Young), and A. Heidi Zavros (Sharyn Thompson); as well as her six grandchildren – Sarah Garcia (Ryan), Noah Park (Julie), Morgan Young, Madison Young, Ellie Zavros and Koda Zavros, one brand new great grandson Levi Garcia, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Friday, April 17, 2026, at 10AM, followed by 11AM funeral services at Grace Lutheran Church, 1356 Government Street, Mobile, Alabama 36604, with interment at Pine Crest Cemetery 1939 Dauphin Island Parkway immediately after.
Additionally, there will be a Memorial Service on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 3:30PM at Peace Lutheran Church, 941 West Bedford Euless Rd., Hurst, Texas 76053, there will be refreshments and an opportunity to greet the family immediately after the service in the fellowship hall.
Please do not feel the need to wear black, Mom would prefer that you are dressed in cheerful spring colors.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to one of the following: Grace Lutheran Church, 1356 Government Street, Mobile, Alabama 36604, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 50 South Ann Street, Mobile, Alabama, 36604, Peace Lutheran Church, 941 West Bedford Euless Rd., Hurst, Texas 76053 or to GRACE: Grapevine Relief & Community Exchange, 837 East Walnut Street, Grapevine, Texas 76051. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.
May her memory be eternal.
