Obituary of Loretta Freeman

Loretta Young, the fifth of six children, was born on March 7, 1937, to Leroy and Willie Ann Johnson Young in Netherlands, Missouri. However, due to the unforeseen death of her mother when she was a toddler, Loretta was raised by her Aunt Lucy Johnson and cousin, Lucy Walters. At a young age, Loretta learned about the love of Jesus. She gave her life to Christ and was baptized. She received her formal education in the Memphis Adventist elementary school, Oakwood Academy, and enrolled at Oakwood College.

While selling magazines in Nashville, TN, Loretta met William Freeman. The friendship grew into a love relationship, and on July 12, 1959, the two became one in holy matrimony. To this union, seven children were born, with two additional children added to the family. After settling into marriage and motherhood, Loretta returned to college to pursue her dream of becoming an educator. She attended and graduated from Alabama A & M University with dual degrees: a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Education degree. Loretta began her career in the Madison County public schools. Later, she was hired by the South Central Conference Office of Education as a teacher. During her 25-plus years of service, she worked as a teacher, lead teacher, and Principal teacher. Loretta was passionate about educating souls for this world and preparing them for eternity. Not only did she ensure that all her children attended Adventist schools, but she also helped many other students with financial difficulties. She was instrumental in opening an Adventist elementary school in Hattiesburg, MS. Rarely would Loretta pass up an opportunity to build God's kingdom. She believed that ALL children should be taught of the Lord. 

After retiring, Loretta continued to allow God to use her for His glory. She created a set of Bible studies that have been shared with many. She also established the True Love Family Ministry, a non-profit organization, to continue the work of helping others spiritually, mentally, physically, and financially. With the financial support of many contributors, this ministry continues her work of blessing others. Her motto in song was, "If I can help somebody as I travel along, If I can cheer somebody with a word or a song, If I can show somebody who is traveling wrong, then my living will not be in vain." 

Loretta remained a dedicated, devoted, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend throughout her life. As a pastor's wife, she possessed the Godly characteristics others could model. Assisting her husband, Loretta played the piano for church services, evangelistic meetings, prison ministry, and other outreach programs. She also worked for the salvation of souls as a Bible worker for several tent efforts. Loretta enjoyed spending time with her family and made it her mission to help raise her 17 grandchildren and other "adopted "children and grandchildren. She wanted to ensure they knew and understood God's love. Falling in love with Jesus was her desire for all.

Loretta departed this life peacefully, with her family at her side and is resting, awaiting the Lord's return. She was preceded in death by her parents Leroy (Willie Ann) Young, Aunt Lucy Johnson, Cousin Lucy Walters; siblings, Ennix Young, Ruthie McAllister, Geneva Skates, Alma Young, Willie Ann Morgan; and children, William O. Freeman Jr., Willie Ann Freeman, and Janet M. Young.

She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband of 63 years, Pastor William O. Freeman Sr. of Westmoreland, TN; her loving children Jonathan C. (Margaret) Freeman of Madison, TN, Stephen L. (Shenita) Freeman of Madison, TN, Harold U. (Shellie) Freeman of Huntsville, AL, Cheryl M. (Andrew) McGee of Marietta, GA, Jeanette M. Allison of Antioch, TN, Sharon D. (Shawn) Holbert of Leeds, AL; and “adopted children,” David (Edorme) Shirley of Glasgow, KY, Sylvia McKissack of Nashville, TN, and Pamela (Juan) Campbell of Madison, TN; grandchildren: Jonika (Anthony) Gonzalez, Cameka Freeman, Stephanie Freeman, Stephen Freeman II, Shanna (Dorian) Allen, Nia Freeman, Harold Freeman II, Constance (Dumars) Franklin, Andrew McGee Jr., Pariis McGee, Korrey Young, Lisa McDonald, Ian Darden, Tamia Allison, Chyna Holbert, Shawn Holbert, and Pariss Holbert; “adopted grandchildren,” Brianna Martin-McKissack, Amayah Crisp, Dana Shirley, Ty’NekkiaDonnell, La’Taurus Wills, Julien Coggins, Jayla Coggins, Justin Ray Coggins, Jesalyn Coggins, Jerrica Coggins, Brionna (Deon) Rodgers, Armesha (Doug) Allen, Chloe Campbell; and “adopted great-grandchildren” Yazmine and Brandon Harris, Judah Allen, and Charlie Fox; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

THE SERVICE WILL BE LIVESTREAMED  ON YOUTUBE AT HILLCREST SDA CHURCH.