Mr. Tyrone Kirkland

Mr. Tyrone Kirkland, a pioneering Flint native and fashion designer who played a key role in high school proms, bridal and wedding events, and elegant attire movement in the Midwest, has made his transition to the eternal on December 31, 2022, at the age of 56.

His signature business, T.K.O. Designs, made local, national, and international waves for the fashion industry as his unique and one-of kind designs were seen on supermodels, celebrities, on television commercials, runways, magazines, and newspapers around the states. If you got a TKO design, you were the showstopper for whatever room you entered. His slogan was this, “For the best in unique and custom-tailored designs just call…Tyrone!”

His creativity was even noticed by Johnson and Johnson’s Ebony Fashion Fair which purchased his gowns for their international traveling fashion showcase.  Tyrone always credited his love for fashion came from superstars like Diana Ross, Joan Crawford, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin and his greatest superstar, his mother, Barbara Kirkland. A 1985 graduate of Flint Northwestern High School, Tyrone pursued and received fashion design credentials from the Institute of Merchandising and Design Fashion Illustration and Textiles in 1988 and he attended Paragon Vocational Nursing School. His love for fashion designs influenced his passion for helping others especially those in need of healthcare. He served in the direct care health services industry for over 15 years and held numerous roles working in regional hospitals and nursing facilities in both Wisconsin and Michigan. A licensed Certified Nursing Assistant in the State of Michigan, Certified First Aid Specialist and Certified CPR professional, Tyrone used his education to serve the destiny of others.

His work in healthcare influenced Tyrone to start his own direct care company in 2001 named, “My Home Cares, Inc.” which specialized in assisting clients with non-medical home-care services. His private care duty specialization skills assisted numerous clients and their families including elderly and special needs patients. Dr. Carol Levy, former patient of Tyrone’s once said, “Ty has become like a son to me and his care for me makes me feel like I’m a part of his family.” His energetic personality was infectious to all. His entrepreneur spirit was inspirational and expanded to his rental properties where his love for interior design and housing was felt in every home he owned.

Tyrone’s faith in Jesus Christ was obvious in everything he did. He became a member of Hand of God Ministries in 2014 and actively recruited people to visit or join the “HOGM Experience.” He evangelized everywhere he went and even distributed business cards to strangers that he created with “Jesus Loves you” statements on them. His love for God, music, designing, singing, working on his businesses, and hanging with his family and dog Coco were all highlights of his life. Although did not marry or have children of his own, but he was a father, special parent, life-coach, mentor, and advocate for all those in his care.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving mother and confidant, Mother Barbara Kirkland; 5 siblings: Three Brothers-Timothy (Sheri) Kirkland of Flint; Deacon Tony (Sharon) Kirkland of Indianapolis, Indiana; Rev. Thomas Kirkland of Ann Arbor, Michigan; Two sisters: Deaconess Terri Lynn Kirkland of Burton, Michigan, and favorite sister Dr. Tonya (Bishop Le) Bailey of Flint Township, Michigan. A host of aunt and uncles including Janice McIntosh of Grand Blanc, MI; Viola Whidbee, Irene Kirkland, Gloria Kirkland, Annette (Sam Sr.) Roberts all of Flint, MI; Uncle: Harold (Frankye) Calloway of Evansville, Indiana; DeWayne (Lynn) Calloway of Flushing, MI; Jerome (Radean) Kirkland; Pauline (Mackie) Clemons all of Philadelphia, Mississippi; Joe (OraMae) Kirkland of Flint, MI; and Raymond Kirkland of Grand Blanc, MI.

A host of cousins including Rev. Jessie McIntosh of Flint, MI; William Derek (Rebecca) McIntosh of Grand Blanc, MI; Kevin McIntosh of Mt. Morris, MI; Jennifer Riley-Collins of Jackson, Mississippi; Bettye Jo Riley, of Meridian, Mississippi; Eddie (Willie) Thames of Philadelphia, Mississippi; Cedric (Melissa) Calloway of Mississippi; LaShaunta and Gabby Hairston Calloway of Flint, MI; Linda Riley-Hawthorne  of Detroit, MI; Elder Belinda (Elder David), Mother Pearl Riley, Pheobe and Imani Scott all of Detroit, MI; Freda (DeJuan) Carroll; Sandrea Kirkland, Linda Young; Karen Whidbee Tippit all of Flint, MI; Samuel “Bug” (Shannon) Roberts of Flint, MI; Willie Bubbie Riley, Wanda Riley, Brenda Archie, George Archie and Sherry Archie all of Detroit, MI; Krystal and Dee Simmons of Gary, Indiana, Bernice Abston and family, Mary Flippin and daughters Tracy, Nikki and Nana, the Moore Families, Lyons Families, and Wilson Families. A host of nieces and nephews including LeKeisha Bailey, Min. Leah (Min. Anthony) Feimster of Flushing, MI; Le Bailey III, Levi Bailey and Leland Bailey all of Flint Township, MI; Tara Simpson and Joshua Simpson all of Flint, MI; Thaddeus of Evansville, IN; Albrey Kirkland of Atlanta, Georgia; Ashton Kirkland of Flint, MI; and Cilia Kirkland of Dallas, Texas; LaShanda (JC) Carradine of Flint, MI and Vorice Patterson of Detroit, MI.

A host of other relatives and friends, including special family: Brenda Floyd, Anthony (Jamise) Floyd all of Flint, MI; Nikki (Taran) McZee of Grand Rapids, MI; Jarel (Bianca) Floyd of Memphis, TN;  Shannon and Triniti Halbedel, Norleta Simmons all of Flint, MI; Simone (Daryl) Gaines of Lansing, MI; and Stephanie Bryant of Flushing, MI. Special friends: Mary Mitchell of Flint, MI; Dave Davilla of Nicaragua; Dr. Bobby and Dr. Leah Levy of Wisconsin; Howard Wright of Flint, MI; Jackie (Faye) Davis of Burton, MI. Tab and Tom Norman  of Flint, MI; Eureka Goodman of Flint, MI; D’Wanda (Cookie) Hawkins of Flint, MI; Kenny Rampton of New York; the Farrah Family; Employees Jim Ward, Billy James both of Mt. Morris, MI, and Jason Hightower of Flint. Friends Marvin Mays of Flint, MI, Bennie King, Dr. Linda Itson, Rev. Jay W. Callahan, Dr. A. Jeffrey (Arjetta) LaValley all of Flint; Le Bailey Sr of Lapeer, MI; Johnnie Mayfield and Elder Kenneth Gillard all of Grand Blanc, MI, Donna (Fred) Poplar of Mt. Morris, MI and the Ashburn Family. Jackie Poplar, Wilbert “Papa” (Cynthia) Jarrett, Deacon Al and Venare Jones all of Flint, MI. Erma J. Stokes, Eric and Kevin Carter of Atlanta, GA. Shamonica and Tawana Steward, Terry Clarke all of Flint, MI, Pamela Goins of Tennessee, Stephanie and Steve Washington and Pauline Pryor all of Texas.

Mr. Tyrone Kirkland was preceded in death by his father, Henry Kirkland Jr; Grandparents Henry Kirkland Sr. and Lottie Kirkland; Queenie Calloway and Sam Brantley. Along with several Uncles, Aunts, and Cousins.

The family would like to express special a thank you to Hand of God Ministries, Dr. Stephanie West, and the entire Ascension ICU third and fourth floor staff; Legacy Funeral Chapel and staff; Ascension Hospital and Staff. The countless families and friends for the many acts of kindness shown to the Kirkland and Bailey families. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Foundation/Scholarship that is being set up in Tyrone’s honor. To donate, send funds to HAND OF GOD MINISTRIES   C/O TKO via cash app $hogmflint or $Baileytc or visit www.hogmflint.org to contribute.