Sybil “Leatrice” Freeman, 84, of Midland and Blue Ridge, Texas died at the Clyde W. Cosper Texas Veterans Home in Bonham and went to be with her Savior on July 27, 2014.
Leatrice was born in Baker, Florida on December 6, 1929 and adopted ten months later by her loving parents, Andrew Martin, Jr. and Mattie Ola Lowery. Her father was in the logging business until he was called into the Baptist ministry and his career caused the family to live in a number of places. They lived in Alflora, Panama City and Port St. Joe, Florida as well as Canoe and Brewton, Alabama. They settled in Brewton in the early 1940’s where she met and fell in love with James Arthur Freeman and married him on December 28, 1945. After the wedding they lived in Pensacola, Florida until James was discharged from the Navy. They moved to Gadsden, Alabama in 1947, to Valdosta, Georgia in 1950, Monroe, Louisiana in 1951 and Midland, Texas in 1952 where they raised their children and spent most of their married life. She moved to Blue Ridge, Texas in November, 2004 and resided there until admitted to the Clyde W. Cosper Texas Veterans Home in November, 2013.
She spent the early part of her married life as a wife, mother and homemaker. She later obtained employment with the Midland Independent School District in the area of food services where she worked for 15 years. She retired in 1995 as Manager of the Emerson Elementary School Cafeteria. Highlights of her career in Midland elementary school food services include recognition as the school food service “Class Act” employee in 1991, the holding of numerous offices in the Midland School Food Service Association and also active in TSFSA and ASFSA, and, greatest of all, the love shown to her by numerous students and coworkers. Many times students would see her away from school, run up to her and give her hugs. On one occasion a high school freshman dropped by her cafeteria to say hello and reflect on the days he was a sixth grader whose mother had to drop him off at school during early hours - Leatrice allowed him to stay safely in the cafeteria and watched after him.
Leatrice had many interests and hobbies the results of which she bestowed on others, especially her family. These included quilting, sewing, crocheting, making draperies, playing piano and cooking. During her children’s growing up years she made most of their clothing – she was an exceptional seamstress whose work was of professional quality. She was an attentive mother and her support of the PTA resulted in her selection as a lifetime member. She loved people and liked to spend time fellowshipping with friends and family including her many nieces and nephews. Leatrice was a member of the Bellview Baptist Church during her time in Midland and the First Baptist Church in Blue Ridge. She was very active in church over the years and contributed in various areas including pianist, teaching children in the Bible and music, meal preparations for various functions, etc.
Leatrice is survived by four children (and their spouses) – Sherrye G. and Mike Richardson of Blue Ridge, Drew Freeman of Houston, J. Keith and Sharon (Quita) Freeman of Houston and David B. and Pam Freeman of Midland.; 6 grandchildren – Michele Richardson, Brian Richardson, Aimee Barlow, Ira Freeman, Matt Freeman and Jade Ogden; 12 great grandchildren – Cole, Jake, Elizabeth and Olivia Vest; Jaci Jo Richardson; Avery and Wilson Barlow; Bede and Zollie Freeman, Sidney and Sarah Freeman, Jimmy Tillotson; two sisters – Sara Eugenia Fabans and Patricia Johnson
She is predeceased by her beloved husband James A. Freeman and one brother – Frank Lowery.
Funeral services will take place at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at the First Baptist Church of Blue Ridge, 316 Hwy 78 North in Blue Ridge, Texas with burial to follow at the Blue Ridge Cemetery. Visitation/viewing will take place from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Church just prior to the funeral. The funeral will be officiated by Parish Cundiff. Pallbearers will be Drew Freeman, Brian Richardson, Ira Freeman, Cole Vest, Jake Vest and Jack Harris. Honorary Pallbearers are Matt Freeman, Mike Richardson, Tyler Ogden, Darren Barlow and Larry Brooks. Funeral services will be under the direction of Hurst Fielder-Baker Funeral Home.