Mother Nora Atkinson McCleese, 98, of New Haven, Connecticut, transitioned on September 15, 2026. Born January 17, 1928, in New Haven, she was the fifth of nine children born to the late Bishop Austin Atkinson and Mother Lethia Johnson Atkinson. She was educated in the New Haven Public Schools and raised in a deeply Christian home where faith, prayer, and service became the foundation of her life.

Mother McCleese was the widow of her beloved husband, Elder Robert L. McCleese, the love of her life, who affectionately called her “Honey Bunch.”

A lifelong member of the founding family of Pitts Chapel Unified Free Will Baptist Church, Mother McCleese served faithfully and actively for more than 80 years. Her service included the Gospel Chorus, Choir No. 1, Choir No. 2, Senior Usher Board, Mothers Board, Women’s Home Mission, and the Unified Annual and General Conference. She also served as Head Church Mother. Professionally, Mother McCleese devoted more than 40 years of service to Winchester/U.S. Repeating Arms.

Mother Nora loved the Lord, her family, and her friends and was always there for those she loved. She will also be fondly remembered for her love of sweets and her fabulous hats—the more extravagant, the better!

She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Dr. Aaron R. Mann; grandchildren, Cherise G. Mann and Aaron R. Mann II (Tiffany Johnson); great-granddaughter, Laurynn Morgan; sisters, Mother Mary E. Joyner and Mother Virginia L. Griffin; brother, Charles N. Atkinson; beloved best friend, Mother Denise McNeil; and a host of extended family, church family, and friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Elder Robert L. McCleese; her parents, Bishop Austin Atkinson and Mother Lethia Johnson Atkinson; her brothers, Austin Atkinson Jr. and Elder Clarence R. Atkinson; and her sisters, Stella M. Atkinson, Overseer Mattie C. Darden, and Minnie E. Joyner.

Mother McCleese’s 98 years were a testimony of faith, family, love, and service. Her legacy will live on through the generations she loved and the countless lives she touched.

A Homegoing celebration of Mother McCleese’s life will be held Friday, September 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Pitts Chapel Unified Free Will Baptist Church, 64 Brewster St., New Haven, followed by burial in Beaverdale Memorial Park. Family and friends may attend a viewing at the church from 10:00–11:00 a.m.