Cleo Bruner

A seed was sown that resulted in a beautiful flower emerging named Cleo Myrtle Brazier on March 29, 1915 in Springfield, Illinois to the parents Henry and Minnie Brazier. Cleo was the youngest of 12 siblings, all who have predeceased her. Cleo expressed faith in God at an early age through baptism on the 3rd day of March in the year 1918 at Holy Trinity Faith Church in Springfield, Illinois. She attended high school in the Springfield Public School System where she was a standout among her peers. Cleo then made the decision to leave the family home and cleave unto her husband on September 23, 1932 when she became the wife of Clyde Howard Bruner. Cleo Bruner firmly held Clydes hand along his journey to Michigan to provide a better living for his family which led them to Saginaw, Michigan on August 1, 1935. They both stepped out on faith, practically penniless, hopping on freight train boxcars while making their way to Michigan. Clyde eventually found work with General Motors Corporation but was later drafted by the United States Military to serve in World War II. Cleo responded to the situation by obtaining employment with the Saginaw Central Foundry Division at General Motors. She was a smart and thrifty woman who worked hard to save her money that was eventually used to build her own home after the return of her husband from military service.
Their union was blessed again on the 22nd day of February in the year 1946 with the birth of their one and only exceptionally talented son, Noah Henry Bruner Sr. He has predeceased her. Noah Bruner Sr. and wife Joanne Bruner presented Cleo with four grandchildren, Noah Jr., Stacy (Sonya), Scott (Michelle) and a grand-daughter, Jacqueline Bruner, who also preceded her in death. Cleo loved her grandchildren dearly which was expressed by her taking time to teach them many skills, principles and to respect their elders. Cleo blossomed into a good mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. She was a devoted wife to her husband for 57 years until Clydes passing on December 29, 1989. Cleo was such a giving person that refused to step aside as she faithfully cared for her husband in their home until his dying day. Even in her early 90s, she requested that her brother, Henry Brazier Jr. spend his last days at her home where she made sure he received the best quality of care until his final day. Cleo touched the lives of so many which is evident by the many fictive kin members that call her Aunt Cleo and Mom. She received a birthday gift of a little stuffed bunny from her special niece that she clutched dearly every day for the past month saying, Im going to give the baby to momma. Cleo Bruners last flower pedal drifted to be with the Lord on the morning of May 12, 2014 at the bountiful age of 99 years. She fought a good fight, kept the faith and we are sure that God has already said Well done thy good and faithful servantenter into the joy of thy Lord.
Those left behind to cherish her memory includes her grandsons, Noah, Stacy (Sonya) and Scott (Michelle) Bruner; several great-grandsons which include Brandon Williams, Stacy Jr., Clyde, Keywan, Scott Jr., Malik and Caleb Bruner; special nieces, Helen Ann Toney, Katherine Brazier and Nancy Lee Brazier, all of Springfield, Illinois. There were many others that were touched by Cleo Bruner which includes great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and a host of very close friends. Finally, she leaves behind her little dog and trusty companion Foxie to cherish her memory.
The family is grateful to the caretakers that have assisted Cleo for the past 6 years to ensure that she received the best quality of care during the twilight years of her life. The family also deeply appreciates the genuine, sincere and loving tributes, cards, flowers, visits and other expressions that have comforted them during this time of sorrow. Special thanks to Ivan E. Phillips and the staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel for the expert level of services provided to the family. A very special thanks to Cassandra Barney for assisting with the arrangements and for the months of encouragement that you provided to Cleo which helped to enhance her quality of life.