GALVESTON, TX – Cleveland Edward Norman, known affectionately as Mr. Junior, Daddy, Poppa, or just Cleveland, was a man with a big presence and a big heart. Known by friends and strangers alike, he always had time to share everything he had with others and act as a role model for everyone.
The giant of a man with a great personality, he left Earth on January 16 in League City, Texas, after a brief hospital stay. He was ready to go home. He always said, like it was his way, “Take care” instead of saying goodbye to what never came out of his lips. This family patriarch will be remembered with words and a message from Pastor Kerry Tillmon of West Point Baptist Church in Galveston at a memorial service at Kempner Park, 2700 Avenue O, Galveston, Texas 77550 on January 30, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. stay, texas.
He will be missed because of his love for family and animals, to help people in need and to boast as an entrepreneur who believed in hard work, imagination and integrity. Known as a father, grandfather, and friend, his generosity of spirit was contagious. Striking but fair, it influenced everyone, especially the boys.
Cleveland’s grief, losing his son Edward “Dennis” Norman on December 21, almost three weeks before he lost his own life, was comparable to that of those who are now mourning him.
He was born on July 12, 1932 in Texarkana, Texas, to Steve and Hattie Norman. As the son of a business partner, his father was a strong disciplinarian and emphasized the value of hard work over education. His grandmother taught him compassion and kindness.
On June 14, 1952, he married Elna Norman (Roberson) and raised six children: Harrette Howard (Kenneth), Edward “Dennis” Norman (deceased); Sharon Kay Norman, Melba Dolores Norman, Cleveland Glen Norman (Jena) and Yolanda Norman Chenier (Michael).
He is carried on in death by his mother and father, all of his siblings: Eddie Lou Minter, Earl Norman, James Norman, T. Norman, Roy Norman, Jesse Norman, son Edward “Dennis” Norman and grandchildren Avery Norman and Mike Chenier. He leaves behind his children and tons of grandchildren, nieces and nephews who miss him very much.
Instead of flowers, please send contributions to the Cleveland Edward Norman Scholarship Foundation at 133 North Friendswood Drive # 202, Friendswood, Texas 77546.