Vicki Taylor (aka Vicki Cleveland) lost her battle to cancer at 3:45 AM July 18th at Hill Country Specialty Hospital, New Braunfels, Texas. Vicki was one of the most well-known trick riders on the rodeo circuit and a regular with the “Great American Wild West Show”. She made her final performance with the show in 2008 at the shows annual appearance in conjunction with the National Western Livestock Show. She was 58 years old at the time.
Don and Sharon Ensley, owners of “The Great American Wild West Show” stated in a phone call to Rodeo Attitude, “We have been privileged to have Vicki as a part of our Wild West Show for the past 14 years. Her class, her style and her smile are irreplaceable. It was our great joy for us to see her achieve her dream of carrying the American flag at the National Finals Rodeo which she did when we produced the opening in 2001.”
In 2004 Vicki met Jimmy Cleveland while appearing in a Wild West Show in Ardmore, OK. The two were married in a private ceremony on June 14, 2006. Jimmy, who is known for his bull riding and bareback riding and now for his saddle making, said, “Vicki was the love of my life. I waited my whole life to find her. She was wonderful.”
Besides being well-known as a trick rider she was a teacher and speech therapist for over 37 years. She taught at Crockett Elementary School, San Marcos, TX until the cancer forced her to quit in 2009. To generations of students she was just Miss Taylor. She was as loved by the students as much as the rodeo industry.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 26th, 2:00 p.m. at the Cypress Creek Church, 211 Stillwater, Wimberley, TX. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Thomason Funeral Home, Wimberley, TX. (512) 847-2226
Vicki's official obituary and guest book is available at http://www.thomasonfuneralhome.com/_mgxroot/page_10780.php?id=807060
