Cleo Elizabeth Dunlap Simon passed away on February 7, 2026, at the Kobacker House.

Her residence was at the Wesley Glen Retirement Community.

Cleo Dunlap Simon was born on April 5, 1939, in Greensboro, North Carolina to Lizzie Lee and Willie Matthew. She later moved to Albermarle, North Carolina where she attended Kingsville High School.

She was married in holy matrimony to Harris Simon, and they had one child, Henry Clay Simon.

After moving to Columbus, Ohio, she found employment in the Dining area of the Lazarus Department Store. She worked there for many years. She later worked for Schottenstein and Value City as a clerk.

Her passions were reading anything, working puzzles, listening to music and helping people.

Cleo was a daughter, a mother, a sister, an aunt, and a cousin to many relatives.

Cleo was predeceased by her mother Lizzie Lee, her father Willie Matthew, her sister Bernice Lee, her brother Richard Staples, her husband Harris Simon, and her son Henry Simon.

Cleo will be deeply missed by her surviving relatives, her brother Ben Staples and his wife Martha Staples, her nephew Terrill (Candace) Staples, her nephew Keion Collier, her grand-nephew Harlem Staples. They will all cherish their memories of her. She will also be deeply missed by her extended family members, friends and neighbors.

Cleo’s legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her and loved her. Her spirit will continue to shine brightly in our hearts forever.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Diehl-Whittaker Funeral Service, for friends and family to celebrate Cleo's remarkable life.

Services will be held on Sunday March 29, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in Springfield, Ohio at the Universal Hagar's Spiritual Church, State Headquarters.