Cleonia West was born in Roe, Arkansas, the only child of Picola Wordlaw and Wiley Lambers. She professed hope in Christ at an early age and was a member of St. Paul Baptist Church in Lonoke, Arkansas. She graduated from Arkansas Baptist College with a degree in Home Economics.

Affectionately called "Big Mama", Cleomia was well-known and well-liked. She was kind-hearted and loved everyone. Her doors were always open anytime day or night. Cleomia has one son, seven daughters and 23 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.