Cleo Tanksley Martin

Cleo Casaudra Tanksley Martin was a caring ordained minister, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She transitioned from this world on February 1, 2024, at the age of 70 years old at her home in Arlington, Texas.

She was born to Earl and Lula Mae Tanksley on April 5, 1953, in Deming, New Mexico. Growing up on the south side of Fort Worth, Cleo graduated from I.M. Terrell High School in 1971, and continued her education at Tarrant County Junior College South Campus where she completed her associate degree. Cleo married her husband, Curtis C. Martin in January of 1974 who preceded her in death in 2007. Together, they had three children: Casaudra, Cetonya, Corrie, and gained a bonus son, Roderick.

Cleo loved to love on people. She was everyone’s “Mother or Mama Cleo.” She shared her love through her work in ministry, cooking, baking, sewing, crafting, singing, dancing, and traveling the world. She once said her trip to Africa was one, she would never forget. Cleo’s world-renowned peach cobbler, as many of you know, is easily its own legendary experience. Cleo was a huge sports fan, always cheering for her beloved Dallas Cowboys. Additionally, she was a fierce competitor in all things: spades, dominoes, trash talking, bowling league, softball, and volleyball. All that energy stemming from her youth days as a drill team dancer, prepared her for the public stage of life where she was able to shine. Singing with the DFW Mass Choir to just being a well-known pillar in the community…EVERYBODY knew Cleo.

For many years Cleo worked in Finance and Insurance for prominent corporations and the US government. Cleo obtained her Diploma in Theology on January 18, 2020, which made her a Licensed Minister. She then became an Ordained Minister June 12, 2022, Cleo always had the entrepreneurial gene, inherited from her father, and now passed down to her girls, all of which suited her servant heart.

Her life was a living example of one of her favorite Bible verses, Ephesians 6:7-- “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.” Cleo was always called to do God’s work and she did it faithfully and abundantly as a long-standing member of Destiny Pointe Christian Center. Her service leadership extended in Hospitality, Platinum Pillars, Youth teacher and Intercessory Prayer team. “To equip his people for his works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” Ephesians 4:12. Cleo shared her wisdom as a co-founder of the Widows Closet Organization. Helping and supporting surviving spouses.

Cleo is survived by her daughters Casaudra, Cetonya, and Corrie Martin. Stepsons Roderick Brown and Ehrlich Billingly. Brother: John Tanksley Sr (deceased); Sisters: Patricia Mathews, Regina Thompson (brother-in love David (Deceased), and Judy Tanksley. Sister in love Glenda Tanksley and daughter in love Melvlyn Brown. Grandchildren: Micah, Caleb, Joshua, Jordan, Jacobi, and Isaac. One great grandchild. Nieces and Nephews: Torres Tanksley Sr, Sabrina Williams, John Tanksley Jr, Derrick Martin Sr, Jeanina Martin-Griffis, Tawona Martin-Davis, Tikisha and Norris Johnson, Brandon Mathews, Trista Tanksley, Darius Thompson, Darielle Anderson, Veronica Tozzi and J. Breilan Tanksley. Cousins: Ruthie Brookins (deceased), Brenda White, Debra White, Joyce and Bill Caldwell, Cynthia White, Alize Lee Reed, and Alvernia Tanksley. Although there are a host of many more loved ones not mentioned, all of whom she loved deeply.

We thank you Lord for sharing your daughter with us in this life. Her service is now complete and will forever be with us. “Well done thy good and faithful servant…” Luke 19:17