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Cleveland Turner Obituary
Cleveland moved to Houston in 1962 and worked at several jobs in the Houston area. Once homeless, Cleveland spent 17 years on the streets. He was saved from that life by the generosity of Sister Mary Amelia Shannon of St. Joseph's Hospital. Cleveland claimed that a vision to create art came while he was being treated for alcoholism in St. Joseph's. Thereafter, Cleveland began 32 years of sobriety, and a life of usefulness as a gardener, handyman, artist and sculptor.
He will be most fondly remembered for his artwork and divinely inspired creativity. His home in Houston's Third Ward is recognized as one of the nation's best examples of African American yard-art, and his sculptures have received international recognition. He has also had art exhibits at the Contemporary Arts Museum of Houston and at Discovery Green. Cleveland could be seen around town on his bicycle decorated with silk flowers, which earned him the name "Flower Man". He also was featured on the PBS series, "Roadside America". Perhaps his greatest talent, however, was inspiring others to realize their capabilities and gifts, helping them bloom, like the flowers he loved so passionately. He contributed much to his community where he will always be remembered for his kindness, spirit and smile, and his absolute insistence on enjoying life.
Services are under the direction of Rodney F. Byrd Funeral Directors, 2517 Wheeler St, Houston, TX 77004. Thursday, December 5: Visitation: 6:00-8:00 pm at the funeral home. Friday, December 6, 11:00 a.m.: Service to celebrate Cleveland's amazing life at First St. Matthew's Missionary Baptist Church, 3239 Simmons St, Houston, TX 77004. Following the Church service, burial will be at Houston Memorial Gardens, 2426 Cullen Blvd, Pearland, TX 77581.
Rodney F. Byrd
Funeral Directors
2517 Wheeler Street
Houston, TX 77004
(281) 501-8209
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Cleveland Turner
Katie B.
December 5, 2013
I had the honor and privilege to know Cleveland for many years. His winning smile always made me feel warm and fuzzy. He was generous of spirit and cared a great deal about those close to him, particularly the suffering alcoholic. He never stopped asking about my struggling sister, and came to celebrate her efforts, even though she lost the battle. I will always appreciate that about you, Cleveland. You will hold a very special place in my heart until, perhaps, we meet again.
Margaret Gorman
December 5, 2013
A sad loss for anyone who had the fortune of having known him.
Lola Jackson
December 5, 2013
Dec.Cleveland Turner your prayers will be missed on Sundays. The testimonies you spoke will forever be in my mind. Your love will live in the people's heart you touched with the beauty of your art. Your smile and laughter will forever shine from the heaven's sky. You'll truly be loved and missed. Always in my heart.
Carmen Martinez
December 5, 2013
Cleveland was an amazing man with a sunshine smile. He always greeted everyone he came in contact with a big smile. It was always a pleasure talking with Cleveland sharing his gratitude for life and artwork. You will truly be missed.
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Willadene Glover
December 4, 2013
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Wilson
December 4, 2013
Bro.Turner's testimony was an inspiration to all of us. He will be missed
Nancy Lauritsen
December 4, 2013
Cleveland's Gigantic Welcoming Smile will be
Cleveland's gigantic smile will be missed tremendously. He has touched so very many people with his warm engaging spirit and he will live on in all of our hearts. God Bless~
He was a kind soul.
Jeanine
December 4, 2013
December 4, 2013
Thank God for AA! That's how I remember Mr Cleveland from Labranch! You are truly missed and a wonderful inspiration!
Arthur M
December 4, 2013
Our prayers are with the family as we know Cleveland is in a better place and at rest. Thank God for the "Rooms" that have given us all a better perspective on Life and the inspiration that Cleveland spread by his presence. God bless
Alison West
December 4, 2013
I say! Cleveland was such a bright spot in my life, and I am forever blessed to have known him, his love for pizza, and his amazing spirit.
Pam Coston
December 4, 2013
Cleveland was a humble and most interesting person. How he chose to live his life is like no other. God bless you Mr. Turner. Please watch over us all from above.
December 4, 2013
Several years ago some friends and I were touring the Project Row House and also we visited the Flower Man,there were 4 or 5 of us and he greeted us as long lost friends, rather than the strangers we were. He gave us a complete tour inside and out of his wonderfully, artfully decorated home and yard. Just seeing him ride his flower adorned bicycle always brigthened my day. So sorry that he is gone from the earth as we know it, but now he has all sorts of new decorating to do on his mansion in Heaven.
Scott Stevens
December 3, 2013
He was an incredibly generous and open soul, a great creative force. It was truly a pleasure to have met him and been given a tour by him of his house and neighborhood.
December 3, 2013
A great man who had one of the biggest hearts of any human I've ever met. He was one of the richest people (the true meaning of the word) on God's Earth.
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Funeral services provided by:
Rodney F. Byrd Funeral Directors1201 Preston Street, Richmond , TX 77469
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