Cleo Mae Longmire

Celebrating the Life of Cleo Mae Longmire

Sunrise: April 22, 1942

Sunset: January 2, 2025

Cleo Mae Longmire, a woman of grace, strength, and unwavering faith, was born on April 22, 1942, in Douglasville, Texas. Her journey through life was one of love, resilience, and an unshakable devotion to God. On January 2, 2025, she was called home, leaving behind a legacy of faith and family that will endure for generations.

Cleo was preceded in death by her parents, Willie Gertrude Madlock and Benny Coleman; her brother Alvin Martin Jr., Flint Coleman, Benny Coleman Jr., and sister Bobby Broussard. She was also preceded in death by her loving husband of 22 years, Robert Longmire.

She is survived by her siblings: Ida Nell Dawson, Johnny Ray Madlock Sr., Renee Adams, Denise Adams, Peggy Adams, Racine Adams, Harriet Russ, Billy Sterling, Robbie Peer, Carrie Sinclair, and Joanne Winbush.

Cleo’s spiritual journey began early as a devoted member of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Douglasville, Texas, where her love for Jesus blossomed. At the age of 12, she moved to Compton, California, with her father, Benny Coleman. There, she embraced her blended family of siblings and excelled academically, graduating from Centennial High School in Compton, California.

Soon after high school, Cleo met and married John Henry Johnson. Together, they had four children: Elva (Cindy) Johnson Holmes, Angela Dixon, Ardreda Johnson, and Cory Johnson. Following their separation, Cleo moved to Pomona, California, where she single-handedly raised her children with unwavering strength and dignity.

Cleo’s love for her children was boundless. She expected the best from them, instilling in them values of discipline, respect, and education. Known for her wit and insistence on proper grammar, Cleo was quick to remind her children, “You don’t cut off the lights—you turn them off!”

As a single parent, Cleo worked for General Telephone and Electric (now Verizon) and retired after many years of dedicated service. She ensured her children had access to higher education, a testament to her faith and perseverance. When asked how she managed such extraordinary feats, Cleo humbly replied, “Nobody but God.”

Cleo’s life was also defined by her deep commitment to ministry. For 40 years, she served as a leader in Aglow International, passionately mentoring women and organizing prayer groups to empower others through faith. Her leadership and love for God touched countless lives, extending far beyond her immediate circle.

Later in life, Cleo met Robert Longmire at a church event, and the two shared 22 beautiful years of marriage before his passing. Together, they built a life centered on love, faith, and family.

Cleo is survived by her beloved children: Cindy Johnson Holmes, Angela Johnson Dixon, Ardreda Johnson, and Cory Johnson; her cherished grandchildren: Donald Dixon Jr., Dominique Lee, David Dixon, Nikalus Lee, Alexis Johnson, and Aiden Johnson; and her treasured great-grandchildren: Silas Lee, De’Niya Dixon, Jadon Dixon, Oliver Dixon, De’Ja Dixon, De’Lia Dixon, Nikalus Lee Jr., Ni’Khari Lee, and Malcolm Lee.

Cleo’s radiant smile could light up any room, and her unwavering faith and love for her family left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered. She will truly be missed by her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her.

Her life was a testament to God’s grace, a shining example of resilience, and a legacy of love that will live on forever.

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