Cleo Tye

With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Cleo Tye on November 5, 2023. Born on February 2, 1947, in Knox County, Kentucky, Cleo spent all her 76 years in the beautiful bluegrass state. Her life was a testament to Maya Angelou’s words, “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
Cleo was a remarkable woman who lived life on her own terms. Though she never held formal employment, her life was rich with the work of the heart – nurturing her family, tending to her home, and cultivating friendships that lasted a lifetime. Cleo’s home was a haven of love and laughter for all who knew her. Her doors were always open, her table laden with delicious food, and her heart full of warmth. Her strength of character and unyielding spirit were her hallmarks. She embodied Albert Einstein’s words, “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.”
Cleo was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her grandchildren, Speed (Gina) Tye, Zac Royal (Ashley) Tye, Ashley Stephens, and Amber Clark. Her great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy, also survive her. She leaves behind her brother, Elmer Gray, and sister, Bernice Buss. Several nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends to mourn her passing. Cleo is preceded in death by her parents, Marcum and Edna Gray, her spouse, Royal Tye, and her children, Speed, Robert, and Lisa and several brothers and sisters.
Please join us in celebrating Cleo’s life. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 9, at 1:00pm at the Croley Funeral Home, 103 South 2nd Street, Williamsburg, Kentucky.
The funeral service will follow at the same location at 3:00pm with Rev. Don Farmer and Rev. Tim Huddleston officiating.
Interment at 5:00pm at Cox Cemetery in Gray, Kentucky.
We invite you to help us remember Cleo by sharing your memories and photos of her on the memorial page. This is our chance to celebrate her life and the impact she had on us all. As Cleo’s life beautifully demonstrated, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” – Helen Keller. Let’s remember Cleo as she was – a heart full of love, a life full of purpose, and a legacy of family and friendship.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.