Celebrating the life of
Mary McKoone Freeman
June 21, 1918 - June 07, 2017
Mary McKoone Freeman, 98, of Savannah, GA died Wednesday, June 7th. She was a resident of Savannah Square. She was born in Woodbury, Georgia and spent her early years in central Florida. She moved to Savannah with her husband, Henry Grady Freeman, in 1937 when he began work with Seaboard Air Line Railroad.
Mary was always active in the lives of her children. She was involved in the PTA at schools, Boy Scouts and her church. She was also active in auxiliary organizations for Grady’s work such as the Eastern Star and the Grand International Auxiliary (GIA) to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) and held national office in that organization. She served as secretary of the Bonaventure Historical Society and was very successful in increasing its membership until physically incapacitated. She was always looking for new challenges and even began piano lessons at age 80 and learned to play quite well.
She was a very devout lady and an active participant in the in the activities and ladies circles at her church. Grady died in 1997 and Mary suffered a stroke in 2004 and went to live at John Wesley Villas. She later experienced a fall and went into nursing care at Savannah Square.
Mary felt her calling in life was to help others and she was always reaching out. She had a zest for life and a great sense of humor. Her attitude was that she would not give in to defeat. She tried to uplift anyone that seemed to be downtrodden. Mary loved people and always saw the best in everyone. She worked for many years as director of housekeeping at Telfair Hospital and was a member of Windsor Forest Baptist Church.
Mary is survived by sons Stanley Freeman (Diana) and Ron Freeman (Judy) of Savannah and daughter Marilyn Faulkner (Gordon) of Hilton Head Island. Grandchildren are Stan Freeman (Nancy), Leith Daly (Eric), Kate McEvoy (Brian), Chad Tillman (Loriann) and Brian Tillman (Shayna). Great-grandchildren are Timothy, Amanda, Kirsten and Shannon Freeman; Greyson and Mary Davis Daly; Owen, Mattie and Fenton McEvoy; Cassie Tillman Hawley (Noah), Callie and Claire Tillman; and Dylan and Jack Tillman.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 9th at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah. Visitation will begin at 10:30 prior to the service. Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel is in charge.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Bonaventure Historical Society in Savannah or the charity of choice.
Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com
Marilyn, I am so sorry to read of your mother's death. Mary was a beautiful, charming, and loving friend of my late mother, Rita Follum. We often talked about our fond memories of Mary long after she moved to Savannah Squares. Mary was a sweet, gracious woman and I know you miss her. Fondly, Martha
- Martha Knowlton, Guyton , GA
Stanley, Ronnie and Marilyn, sorry for your loss. You were very lucky to have your mom with you so long. I'm sure she's now in good hands. You were my next door neighbors for many years and are all unforgettable for me. Hope you are all well and happy. Bill Bray
- Bill Bray, Key West, FL
Stanley, Ronnie and Marilyn and your respective spouses, Just a brief note to say that I was sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She lived a very good log life and was loved by many I know. I remember her and all of you best from the Lawton Ave days. Please know that you are in my thoughts, losing your parents especially your mom is always a very strange emotion no matter how old we are. My prayers are for your memories of your mom to brighten your days and diminish your loss.
- Nancy Mathews Harold , Cheyenne Wy ,
I grew up with Marilyn years ago on Lawton Ave.We all attended Morningside Church together. So sorry for your loss. Mrs. Freeman lived a long life. I have lots of good memories from my childhood.
- Mary Fulcher Lamer, Palm Coast, Fl
Mrs. Freeman was a good friend of my mother's almost 70 years ago, and is one of my most cherished childhood memories. She was a bright and gentle lady whose kindness enriched the lives of those around her. I share the sorrow of her passing with her loving family, especially her son, Stan, who has been my friend for so many years. Rest In Peace, lovely lady, your work here is done. You made a real difference in many lives and I am so glad I knew you.
- Sandra Bramblett Mull, Brunswick, Ga
May the memories of your loved one and the words found at Isaiah 26:19 ("Your dead will live. My corpses will rise up. Awake and shout joyfully, You residents in the dust! For your dew is as the dew of the morning. And the earth will let those powerless in death come to life.") bring you comfort during your time of grief.
- Trotty Family, Atlanta, GA
Marilyn, I am so sorry to read of your mother's death. Mary was a beautiful, charming, and loving friend of my late mother, Rita Follum. We often talked about our fond memories of Mary long after she moved to Savannah Squares. Mary was a sweet, gracious woman and I know you miss her. Fondly, Martha
- Martha Knowlton, Guyton , GA
Stanley, Ronnie and Marilyn, sorry for your loss. You were very lucky to have your mom with you so long. I'm sure she's now in good hands. You were my next door neighbors for many years and are all unforgettable for me. Hope you are all well and happy. Bill Bray
- Bill Bray, Key West, FL
Stanley, Ronnie and Marilyn and your respective spouses, Just a brief note to say that I was sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She lived a very good log life and was loved by many I know. I remember her and all of you best from the Lawton Ave days. Please know that you are in my thoughts, losing your parents especially your mom is always a very strange emotion no matter how old we are. My prayers are for your memories of your mom to brighten your days and diminish your loss.
- Nancy Mathews Harold , Cheyenne Wy ,
I grew up with Marilyn years ago on Lawton Ave.We all attended Morningside Church together. So sorry for your loss. Mrs. Freeman lived a long life. I have lots of good memories from my childhood.
- Mary Fulcher Lamer, Palm Coast, Fl
Mrs. Freeman was a good friend of my mother's almost 70 years ago, and is one of my most cherished childhood memories. She was a bright and gentle lady whose kindness enriched the lives of those around her. I share the sorrow of her passing with her loving family, especially her son, Stan, who has been my friend for so many years. Rest In Peace, lovely lady, your work here is done. You made a real difference in many lives and I am so glad I knew you.
- Sandra Bramblett Mull, Brunswick, Ga
May the memories of your loved one and the words found at Isaiah 26:19 ("Your dead will live. My corpses will rise up. Awake and shout joyfully, You residents in the dust! For your dew is as the dew of the morning. And the earth will let those powerless in death come to life.") bring you comfort during your time of grief.
- Trotty Family, Atlanta, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
