MAE MORTON FREEMAN
Sept. 24, 1915-Feb. 29, 2012
Mae Morton Freeman, 96, died peacefully Wednesday evening, Feb. 29, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center.
She was born Sept. 24, 1915, in Rocky Mount to Annie Hewett and Julius Edward Morton.
She is the lone survivor of three sisters and four brothers, Kathryn Morton, Grace Patterson, Bessie Ellen, Thomas, Leonard, Bill and Jesse Morton.
She was married to Ottis Clinton Freeman for 67 years before his death in July 2002.
Mae lost her only child, Betty Williamson, May 13, 2011, and her granddaughter, Louann Williamson Heath, Dec. 12, 2010.
She is survived by her much-loved son-in-law, I. K. Williamson; her grandson, Lee Williamson and his wife, Mandy, of Winterville; four great grandchildren, Michael and Kelly Heath and Cooper and Ethan Williamson; and sisters-in-law, Jennie Morton of Rocky Mount, Mae Freeman Fortner of Weaverville and Jean Freeman of Sparta.
She was a long-standing member of Daniels Memorial United Methodist Church, a church whose people she loved dearly, and who returned the love to her generously.
She took much pride in the "special friends" program at her church, adopting several little girls through the years, and sticking with them as they matured into young ladies.
"Miss Mae," as she was affectionately known by all her friends at Daniels, was an adult Sunday school teacher until October 2011, and was the oldest living member of her church.
Her passion was reading and studying her Bible, her grandchildren and great grandchildren, crocheting and working crossword puzzles. She received much joy in making and giving away to her family and friends sweaters, afghans, baby blankets, scarves and many other crocheted novelty items.
It has been her son-in-law's joy and pleasure to care for her since her daughter's death.
Both Betty and I. K. were joined in caring for her by her wonderful nine-year caregiver, Sherry Toler. Before Mae's health failed dramatically, the two of them did many fun things together, along with another special friend, Ernestine Hardy, who helped keep her homes in order for the past 12 years.
A celebration of her life will be held at Daniels United Methodist Church at 3 p.m. Friday, March 2. Officiating ministers will be Dr. John Dutton, Dr. Robert Fulkerson and the Rev. Robert Bandy.
Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the church preceding the funeral from 1:30 to 3 p.m., and at other times at the home, 2602 Lemuel Drive.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Daniels United Methodist Women, 2803 E. Ash St., Goldsboro, or Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on March 1, 2012 1:49 PM