It was on September 4, 1950, when the Lord blessed Narvella Freeman and Lemond White with a beautiful baby boy name Leonard Charles Freeman in Taylor, Texas. He moved to Killeen, Texas, with his family where he graduated from Killeen High School in 1969. Leonard then travelled to Dallas, Texas, to attend Bishop College where he majored in Business; eventually moving to Houston, Texas, where he studied at the Art Institute of Houston in 1981. He then settled in Missouri City, Texas, where he started his professional art career and became a world renowned African American artist who inspired everyone with his Christian imagery.
Leonard accepted Christ at an early age and became a born-again Christian at the age of 32. This led him to start reading the Bible which positively changed his life and made him want to find his own purpose. He surrendered his life to Jesus Christ, and this led him to his first love which was drawing and painting. Leonard believed his paintings should have a powerful impact that promoted the happiness and joy of family. Being influenced by the artist Leonardo da Vinci, he became very passionate about his work. During his exciting career he was able to raise a family and start a business while entering the world of commercial art, accomplishing 500 successful freelance projects. He sold his work through numerous galleries, including the Black Heritage Gallery in Houston, African Imports in Dallas, H & M Gallery in New York, and the October Gallery in Philadelphia. With this world-wide exposure, he was the recipient of many prestigious awards for his creative talent.
Along with his faith, Leonard treasured family above all else. One of his favorite past times was cooking for his children and grandchildren while Jazz was playing in the background. He often travelled to art festivals with his family in tow. Leonard’s impact to this world were words of wisdom and encouragement that he shared consistently with friends, family and his community. He truly valued the time he spent studying the Bible and actively participating in church activities. His legacy was to be able to leave behind something of beauty that will endure forever so that others can enjoy seeing it.
On February 4, 2024, Leonard Charles Freeman left to cherish his memory: siblings – Sammy Freeman, Oliver Freeman, Debra Grant, and Cassandra White; children – Leonard (Lenny) Charles Conner, Lucky Connor, Becky Lynelle Lewis, Leonard Charles Freeman Jr. (Tioka), and Ebony Trecia McDade (Michael); grandchildren – Michael Connor, Clo’e Connor, Taylor Lewis, Riley Lewis, Joshua McDade, Kealyn Freeman, Leonard Freeman III, Janaya Freeman, and Bryce Freeman; great-grandchildren- Carter Connor, Aniko Connor, Supreme Connor, and Zhuri McDade; and a host of other relatives and friends.
The Lord knew he was ready and he was willing to accept whatever His plans were for him. Although we mourn the separation of such are beautiful son, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend, we sorrow not like those with no hope for we know that at the sound of the trumpet on that great resurrection morning, he will be among those who will rise in the first.
A funeral service celebrating Leonard’s life and faith will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 16, at The Church Without Walls, 5725 Queenston Boulevard, Houston, TX 77084. Friends are invited to visit with the family beginning at 10 a.m.
