Cleo Christopher Whiting Shepherd was born to the union of Willie Inez and Herman John Christopher Sr. on December 29, 1925.

Cleo attended Forrestville Elementary School where she began her lifelong journey of endearing herself to everyone who would come to know her. She went on to graduate from DuSable High School where her passion for singing opera was nurtured.  Upon completion of high school, she met and married Floyd Whiting, Sr.  From this union four loving children were born.

Cleo was baptized at a very early age at Corpus Christi Catholic Church and she remained a Christian her entire life.

She had 16 years of education, including attending E. Clark Beauty College, Central YMCA Community College, and Chicago State University, all while working various jobs in order to advance her career.  She retired from Mandach & Sims after 35 years of service where worked her way up from an entry level position to assistant supervisor of the accounting department.  Throughout her career Cleo continued her study of music, took voice lessons, and often performed at various events.  Her love of travel took her around the world but she would often say that her favorite place to be was in the company of family and friends.

Cleo is preceded in death by her eldest son, Floyd Jr., her youngest daughter, Florice Annette; her brothers Herman John Jr., Lewis Sr, Anthony, Horace Lee; and her sisters Alma Ruth, Camillia, Alfreda, Delores, and Augustine; great grandchildren Floyd III and Cassandra.

A loving mother, she leaves to cherish her memory Patricia Whiting Crittendon and Vernon Keith Whiting;  her grandchildren Michelle, Cedric, Vernon (his wife Sherry ), Luthusia, Renee (her husband Tommie), Brian (his wife Shauna);  great grandchildren Cashanay, Cierra, Leslie Rose, Carolyn, and Maya; Sisters-in law Annie and Leandres; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.