Cleo went to her eternal home Monday, Oct. 11, 2021. While she leaves a tremendous void, we rejoice
with her as she sees Jesus face to face on those streets of gold. No more sickness, no more madness, no
more pain.
Cleo was born Mar. 29, 1927 to James F. and Minnie H. Thornton and was the second oldest of seven
children. She lived throughout the New River Valley attending elementary and high school wherever her
Dad found construction work. In 1944 in the midst of World War II, she married the love of her life,
Private Jessie Lee McCoy.
Cleo worked for 20 years at Imperial Reading as a seamstress in Christiansburg and 10 years at Virginia
Tech in the Tailor Shop. Her focus was first her Lord, then family, and next her church family at
Community Christian Church in McCoy. She served on the Missions Committee there for many years
sometimes housing missionary guests of the church. She was always ready to prepare a dish to share with
church visitors or a fellowship meal. She was a member of the widows group at the church. Cleo firmly
believed God should be the first priority in a person’s life so she served in other areas as needed when her
health allowed.
Cleo was preceded in death by her parents, James F. and Minnie Thornton; her husband of 63 years,
Jessie Lee McCoy, her infant son Steven Lynn McCoy; her brother Oden Thornton and wife Louise; her
brother Garnett Thornton and wife Margaret; her brother Johnny Thornton; her sister Diane Sheppard;
sister in law Reba Porterfield; brother in law Donald McCoy and wife Oeda; brother in law Doug McCoy
and wife Polly; brother in law Arnold and wife Josephine; brother in law Aubrey and wife Lourine;
brothers-in-law Ellwood White and R.C.Miller.
Survivors include her children Garry Lee McCoy (Cheryl); Judy McCoy Keister (Mike); and
grandchildren: Ryan Keister; Julie M. Pittenturf (Chris); Brock Keister (Michelle); and Lauren K.
Surface (J. T.).
She is also survived by her loving and supportive siblings and spouses Carmell Miller, sister; Curtiss
Thornton, brother (Barbara); Dana White, sister-in-law; and brother-in-law Frank Sheppard. In addition,
she is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
In recent years, Cleo’s great-grandchildren brought her much joy! Even when she was in pain, these folks
could bring a smile. They include Joshua, Caleb, and Ellia Pittenturf; Kyle and Mabry Keister; and
Corbin and Aiden Surface.
We were blessed with 94 and-a-half years with Cleo. She was thankful to all of you for loving her so well.
Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021 at 11 a.m. in the Community Christian
Church, McCoy, with Mr. Chris Brandow officiating. Interment will follow in the Albert-Scott Family
Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service at the church.
Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.
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