Evelyn Marie (Parker) Freeman, a resident of McKinney, Texas, passed away January 24, 2026 at the age of 91. She was born on September 29, 1934, to her loving parents, James Parker and Maner (Demary) Parker in Ahoskie, North Carolina, and graduated from Ahoskie High School. In 1961, she married the love of her life, Cornelius Freeman, in New Jersey, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned many years.
Evelyn worked as a sales associate at JCPenney, where her friendly nature, genuine kindness, and willingness to help others made her a favorite among customers and coworkers alike. After many years of dedicated service, she retired from the company.
Warm, outgoing, and deeply caring, she was a true people-person who found great joy in cooking and sharing meals with family and friends. Her faith was the foundation of her life. Evelyn attended Monmouth Bible Institute and was a devoted student of Scripture, known as a Bible scholar who loved learning and teaching God’s Word. She faithfully led Sunday School classes and served as superintendent, guiding and encouraging others in their spiritual journeys.
When able, Evelyn attended One Community Church, where she found strength, fellowship, and joy in worship, carrying her faith and love for others with her throughout her life.
Evelyn is survived by her children: Sharon McLaughlin of McKinney, Texas, Tamara Freeman-Burton and husband, Louis of Fort Washington, Maryland, and James Freeman of McKinney, Texas; grandchildren, Brittany McLaughlin of Dallas, Texas, and Jocelyn Morris of Fort Washington, Maryland; great grandchildren, Marleigh McLaughlin, Love-Amaka Ubani, and Saint-Emeka Ubani; and numerous extended family members and friends, who will miss her and cherish her memory.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, James and Maner Parker, beloved husband, Cornelius Freeman, her sisters, Armaza, Essie, Carolyn, Gloria Jean, Mamie Doris, Josephine, Mary, and Eva; and her brothers, Melvin, James, Julius, Bradshaw, and Raleigh.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas, 75013. The service will also be live streamed at the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/evelyn-marie-freeman. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location.
Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026, at the funeral home.