Celebrating the life of
Myrlene Wade Free
October 19, 1932 - January 13, 2011
Myrlene Wade Free, age 78, died Thursday, January 13, 2011.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Bob, a daughter, Mary Ann Chuck Noonan of Brooklet, a son, J. Fleming Marsha Free of Duluth, Ga, her sister, Aileen W. Freasier of Ruston, Louisiana, a brother, J.R. Wade of Mercedes, Texas, a brother-in-law, Jim Free of Swainsboro, Ga, two grandsons, Justin and Jarad Amber Brown of Savannah, three granddaughters, Rachael and Mara Akins of Brooklet, and Sara Free of Duluth, a great grandson, Peyton Wade Raynor of Brooklet, and several nieces and nephews.
Myrlene was born October 19, 1932, in La Villa, Texas. She graduated from Mercedes High School, and attended Pan American University in Edinburgh, TX. She moved to Savannah in May 1955. Myrlene was a homemaker until she became active in local politics in the early 1980's. She served as a delegate to 1992 National Republican Convention and was a delegate for numerous county, district and state Republican Party Conventions. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Georgia State Republican Party Executive Committee, the First District Republican Party Committee, and served as Second Vice-chairman of the Georgia Federation of Republican Women and as Chairman of the Chatham County Republican Party. She received the Chatham County Republican Party Foundation Award in 1996 and received the Savannah West Point Society Award. She served as senior staff member to Susan Weiner, Mayor of Savannah from 1992-1996. Since 1996, she has served her fellow citizens through the Congressional and Campaign offices of U.S. Congressman Jack Kingston as an advisor and dedicated senior staff member until the time of her death.
Visitation: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, January 16, 2011 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel with a Vigil Service at 5:00 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 17, 2011 at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church with Reverend Monsignor Francis J. Nelson, Celebrant.
Burial: Greenwich section of Bonaventure Cemetery.
Remembrances: St. Joseph's/Candler Foundations, St. Joseph's Chapel Fund, 5356 Reynolds St., Suite 400, Savannah, GA 31405.
Please sign our on-line guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
It is never to late to express ones concern and sense of loss as we remember a special lady of grace here in the 1st.district and her service to her family and country. May she rest in peace .
- john O & Mary F Ewaldsen, savannah, GA
I did not know you that long,but you had and still have a special place in my Heart.You are sorely missed.My condolences to your Family and your Friends.USA Sincerly Tina Mock
- Armande Tina Mock, Savannah, GA
Mr. Free, Fleming and Mary Ann, I will cherish the memories of dear Myrlene, always. My memories first were of Fleming's mother, who was always at school when she needed to be for her children. I so admired her for that and she was always so kind to me. Then we were together again as she insisted I call her Myrlene. Politics brought us together and we withstood many challenges together, as she constantly displayed dignity and grace. She helped me keep my cool many times. We also had the privilege of going through the high school years with Justin and Jared and my daughter, Stefanie. All at Windsor at the same time. Myrlene never changed. Always professional, always kind, always going above and beyond anyone's expectations, loyal and loving. She was a dear friend to me. I know you all will miss her more than we can imagine. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time and I pray that time will turn your sorrow to joyous memories for a lifetime.
- Pat Ferguson Mincey, Savannah, GA
Myrlene was such a nice, beautiful person inside and out. Always so cordial and polite over the phone.
- Peggy Murphy, Alma, Georgia 31510, GA
I originally met Myrlene on the ball field when Justin and my son, Wes Lord played baseball when they were about 12 years old. Then we were reacquainted through work. She was just a great person to know and I will miss her.
- Amy & John Wing, Midway, GA
Bob, Our prayers are with you and your family. She will be missed by the 1st dist.
- Louise/Jerry Gill, Savannah, GA
Uncle Bob, Fleming & Marsha, MaryAnn, Justin, Jared and all of your families - Our family loves all of you dearly and shares in your loss. At times like these, words are truly inadequate to express the things that need to be said. We love you and are praying that God will comfort you now and in the days ahead. Rev. 21:4-5 Terry, Sue, Brian, & Emily Gaiser
- Terry Gaiser, Albuquerque, NM
Fleming and Marsha, We'll keep you in our prayers as you get through this period of loss. Ravi and Ashima
- Ravi Venkatesan, Lawrenceville, GA
Fleming, Marsha, and Sara, We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you have our deepest sympathy. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
- Robby and Janet Roberts, Lilburn, GA
It is with a great deal of sadness that we see this great lady pass on. As ill as she was as a youth, it was a triumph of Wade spirit to live as long and fufilled life as she did. We were blessed that our children were able to meet her at this last Wade Farms meeting and hear the stories of her life growing up. She will be sorely missed. Our condolences to Bob and the rest of the family. Aileen Wade Freasier, Ben Colin Freasier, Doretha FreaiserChristoph, Barbara Freasier Protzman, and John Freasier
- Doretha, Erie, PA
Our family gatherings will not be the same without Aunt Myrlene's loving and caring thoughts and conversations. We will miss her stories of growing up on the farm with all our aunts and uncles. We send our condolences to all the Free family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. James Howard, Lynda Wade James, Maribel Wade and family Chris, Tana Marisa Moore and family
- James Howard & Lynda Wade, Mercedes, TX
We are so sorry to hear of Myrlene's passing, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.. Please let us know if we can do anything for you. Our sincere sympathy, Les and Gaye Johnston
- Mr & Mrs Lester Johnston, Savannah, GA
Bob,Justin,Jared and family, I am sorry for your great loss. Mrs.Free will be greatly remembered and in my thoughts and prayers. I will always miss her radiant presence.
- Joey Geathers, Savannah, GA
Please know that Myrlene will be missed. I was fortunatly to have known her. Sidney
- Sidney Strickland, SAVANNAH, GA
Dear Bob and all the family: Although it is diffficult to comprehend, we know that Myrlene has gone with the Angels throuh Heavens doors to be with the one who loves and cares for us all. It has been an absolute pleasure knowing you through the years. Your warm smile and generous heart will be truly missed. We loved you, but God loved you more. May you rest in peace forever more. Sincerely, The Geathers Family
- Joseph & Synthia Geathers, Savannah, GA
Bob, We are thinking and praying for you and your family at this sad time. May God bless each of you.
- Joyce and Steve Burns, Springfield, GA
Our prayers and sympathies go out for all in the Free family.
- Lou and Diane Klaiber, Savannah, GA
Dear Bob and family. I will miss not seeing Myrlene at St. Francis for 8:30 Mass on Sunday. She is in Heaven now and happy with Our Lord. I guess it was our job to hold down the back rows in church. God bless you all.
- Caroline Cleary Banker, Savannah, GA
My heart goes out to Mary Ann & all the Free family. You are & will be in my thoughts & many prayers.
- Harriette Cone-Adams, , GA
Our thoughts,blessings and prayers to all of Bob and Myrlene's family; she was very helpful and always busy. She had a good life.
- Melvin and Margarete Freese, Savannah, GA
You are all in my thoughts & prayers.
- Kimball Harville, Jr., Statesboro, GA
Our prayers and sympathies go out to Bob and the entire Free family. The Kirby Tyler Family Elberton, Georgia
- Kirby Tyler, Elberton, GA
Bob, we are so sorry for your loss. Myrlene was a friend and mentor to many. We will miss her. Our prayers and sympathies go out for all in the Free family.
- Pat and Art Gunter, Savannah, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Free family. Myrlene was an influence of what's right in the country. She will be missed by the 1st district and the entire state of Georgia.
- Jim & Nancy Golden, Enigma, GA
We are so sorry that our Aunt is gone, we will miss her dearly. She has been an integral part of our lives, the Wade Farm meetings won't be the same without her. Rest in Peace. We love you.
- Stewart Wade, Leslie Wade Fragiacomo, and Mitchell Wade, Peoria, AZ
My sympathies to the Free family. Myrlene will be forever in my childhood memories--especially birthday parties, as she's right there in all the home movies helping out. I'm thinking about you all during this time.
- Lynsley Tyler, Atlanta, GA
Free Family, We send our sincere sympathy. God bless all of you during this sad time in your lives.
- Ed and Kathleen Orzada, Savannah, GA
Dear Bob, Mary Ann, Fleming, Marsha, Sara, Justin and Jared, We were so sad to learn of Myrlene's passing. I know how much she loved her family and how proud she was of you all! She was gracious and caring with always a smile on her face and a hug to give. May God give you the strength and peace you will need to help you through the days ahead. Fondly, Kelly & Alex Hunt
- Kelly Hunt, Savannah, GA
Fleming, Marsha & family, Thinking of you in this time of sorrow. Our deepest sympathy to you all. Fondly, Tim & Cindy
- Cindy & Tim Taylor, Roswell, GA
Myrlene was dedicated to her family and country. A fine lady who will be missed by many. Condolences to all of the Free family.
- Karen Thompson, Savannah, GA
Please know how sorry we are and know that your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Maureen and Steve Spellman
- Maureen and Steve Spellman, Lilburn, GA
Dear Bob and Family, We send our deepest sympathy on the passing of Myrlene.She was a good person and contributed a lot to the political scene.Please know you are in our prayers.
- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Our heartfelt sympathy to the Free family. We love Myrlene and will miss her dearly.
- Mike & Joy Povec, Savannah, GA
My prayers are with the Free Family. Fleming, your mom sounds like she was not only a wonderful person, but a great American! God bless all and peace be with you.
- Mary Valles Jones, Alpharetta, GA
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
- Dale and Sandy Stanley, Snellville, GA
Our hearts and prayers go out to you in your time of loss. Happy memories of myrlene. Love Sheryl & Eamonn O'Riordan
- Sheryl & Eamonn, Suwanee, GA
I will always remember your beautiful face and the sound of your laughter. You spoke the truth from your heart and we were better for it. You will be missed. I love you, Aunt Myrlene.
- Susie Wade, St. Petersburg, FL
My thoughts & prayers go to everyone at this time of loss. Her love will live on with you forever. All my best to the Free family, Cindy Haslam
- Cindy Haslam, The Woodlands, TX
I'm so sorry for your loss. God's Peace to you all.
- Mary Chamberlin, Tucker, GA
It is never to late to express ones concern and sense of loss as we remember a special lady of grace here in the 1st.district and her service to her family and country. May she rest in peace .
- john O & Mary F Ewaldsen, savannah, GA
I did not know you that long,but you had and still have a special place in my Heart.You are sorely missed.My condolences to your Family and your Friends.USA Sincerly Tina Mock
- Armande Tina Mock, Savannah, GA
Mr. Free, Fleming and Mary Ann, I will cherish the memories of dear Myrlene, always. My memories first were of Fleming's mother, who was always at school when she needed to be for her children. I so admired her for that and she was always so kind to me. Then we were together again as she insisted I call her Myrlene. Politics brought us together and we withstood many challenges together, as she constantly displayed dignity and grace. She helped me keep my cool many times. We also had the privilege of going through the high school years with Justin and Jared and my daughter, Stefanie. All at Windsor at the same time. Myrlene never changed. Always professional, always kind, always going above and beyond anyone's expectations, loyal and loving. She was a dear friend to me. I know you all will miss her more than we can imagine. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time and I pray that time will turn your sorrow to joyous memories for a lifetime.
- Pat Ferguson Mincey, Savannah, GA
Myrlene was such a nice, beautiful person inside and out. Always so cordial and polite over the phone.
- Peggy Murphy, Alma, Georgia 31510, GA
I originally met Myrlene on the ball field when Justin and my son, Wes Lord played baseball when they were about 12 years old. Then we were reacquainted through work. She was just a great person to know and I will miss her.
- Amy & John Wing, Midway, GA
Bob, Our prayers are with you and your family. She will be missed by the 1st dist.
- Louise/Jerry Gill, Savannah, GA
Uncle Bob, Fleming & Marsha, MaryAnn, Justin, Jared and all of your families - Our family loves all of you dearly and shares in your loss. At times like these, words are truly inadequate to express the things that need to be said. We love you and are praying that God will comfort you now and in the days ahead. Rev. 21:4-5 Terry, Sue, Brian, & Emily Gaiser
- Terry Gaiser, Albuquerque, NM
Fleming and Marsha, We'll keep you in our prayers as you get through this period of loss. Ravi and Ashima
- Ravi Venkatesan, Lawrenceville, GA
Fleming, Marsha, and Sara, We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you have our deepest sympathy. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
- Robby and Janet Roberts, Lilburn, GA
It is with a great deal of sadness that we see this great lady pass on. As ill as she was as a youth, it was a triumph of Wade spirit to live as long and fufilled life as she did. We were blessed that our children were able to meet her at this last Wade Farms meeting and hear the stories of her life growing up. She will be sorely missed. Our condolences to Bob and the rest of the family. Aileen Wade Freasier, Ben Colin Freasier, Doretha FreaiserChristoph, Barbara Freasier Protzman, and John Freasier
- Doretha, Erie, PA
Our family gatherings will not be the same without Aunt Myrlene's loving and caring thoughts and conversations. We will miss her stories of growing up on the farm with all our aunts and uncles. We send our condolences to all the Free family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. James Howard, Lynda Wade James, Maribel Wade and family Chris, Tana Marisa Moore and family
- James Howard & Lynda Wade, Mercedes, TX
We are so sorry to hear of Myrlene's passing, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.. Please let us know if we can do anything for you. Our sincere sympathy, Les and Gaye Johnston
- Mr & Mrs Lester Johnston, Savannah, GA
Bob,Justin,Jared and family, I am sorry for your great loss. Mrs.Free will be greatly remembered and in my thoughts and prayers. I will always miss her radiant presence.
- Joey Geathers, Savannah, GA
Please know that Myrlene will be missed. I was fortunatly to have known her. Sidney
- Sidney Strickland, SAVANNAH, GA
Dear Bob and all the family: Although it is diffficult to comprehend, we know that Myrlene has gone with the Angels throuh Heavens doors to be with the one who loves and cares for us all. It has been an absolute pleasure knowing you through the years. Your warm smile and generous heart will be truly missed. We loved you, but God loved you more. May you rest in peace forever more. Sincerely, The Geathers Family
- Joseph & Synthia Geathers, Savannah, GA
Bob, We are thinking and praying for you and your family at this sad time. May God bless each of you.
- Joyce and Steve Burns, Springfield, GA
Our prayers and sympathies go out for all in the Free family.
- Lou and Diane Klaiber, Savannah, GA
Dear Bob and family. I will miss not seeing Myrlene at St. Francis for 8:30 Mass on Sunday. She is in Heaven now and happy with Our Lord. I guess it was our job to hold down the back rows in church. God bless you all.
- Caroline Cleary Banker, Savannah, GA
My heart goes out to Mary Ann & all the Free family. You are & will be in my thoughts & many prayers.
- Harriette Cone-Adams, , GA
Our thoughts,blessings and prayers to all of Bob and Myrlene's family; she was very helpful and always busy. She had a good life.
- Melvin and Margarete Freese, Savannah, GA
You are all in my thoughts & prayers.
- Kimball Harville, Jr., Statesboro, GA
Our prayers and sympathies go out to Bob and the entire Free family. The Kirby Tyler Family Elberton, Georgia
- Kirby Tyler, Elberton, GA
Bob, we are so sorry for your loss. Myrlene was a friend and mentor to many. We will miss her. Our prayers and sympathies go out for all in the Free family.
- Pat and Art Gunter, Savannah, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Free family. Myrlene was an influence of what's right in the country. She will be missed by the 1st district and the entire state of Georgia.
- Jim & Nancy Golden, Enigma, GA
We are so sorry that our Aunt is gone, we will miss her dearly. She has been an integral part of our lives, the Wade Farm meetings won't be the same without her. Rest in Peace. We love you.
- Stewart Wade, Leslie Wade Fragiacomo, and Mitchell Wade, Peoria, AZ
My sympathies to the Free family. Myrlene will be forever in my childhood memories--especially birthday parties, as she's right there in all the home movies helping out. I'm thinking about you all during this time.
- Lynsley Tyler, Atlanta, GA
Free Family, We send our sincere sympathy. God bless all of you during this sad time in your lives.
- Ed and Kathleen Orzada, Savannah, GA
Dear Bob, Mary Ann, Fleming, Marsha, Sara, Justin and Jared, We were so sad to learn of Myrlene's passing. I know how much she loved her family and how proud she was of you all! She was gracious and caring with always a smile on her face and a hug to give. May God give you the strength and peace you will need to help you through the days ahead. Fondly, Kelly & Alex Hunt
- Kelly Hunt, Savannah, GA
Fleming, Marsha & family, Thinking of you in this time of sorrow. Our deepest sympathy to you all. Fondly, Tim & Cindy
- Cindy & Tim Taylor, Roswell, GA
Myrlene was dedicated to her family and country. A fine lady who will be missed by many. Condolences to all of the Free family.
- Karen Thompson, Savannah, GA
Please know how sorry we are and know that your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Maureen and Steve Spellman
- Maureen and Steve Spellman, Lilburn, GA
Dear Bob and Family, We send our deepest sympathy on the passing of Myrlene.She was a good person and contributed a lot to the political scene.Please know you are in our prayers.
- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Our heartfelt sympathy to the Free family. We love Myrlene and will miss her dearly.
- Mike & Joy Povec, Savannah, GA
My prayers are with the Free Family. Fleming, your mom sounds like she was not only a wonderful person, but a great American! God bless all and peace be with you.
- Mary Valles Jones, Alpharetta, GA
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
- Dale and Sandy Stanley, Snellville, GA
Our hearts and prayers go out to you in your time of loss. Happy memories of myrlene. Love Sheryl & Eamonn O'Riordan
- Sheryl & Eamonn, Suwanee, GA
I will always remember your beautiful face and the sound of your laughter. You spoke the truth from your heart and we were better for it. You will be missed. I love you, Aunt Myrlene.
- Susie Wade, St. Petersburg, FL
My thoughts & prayers go to everyone at this time of loss. Her love will live on with you forever. All my best to the Free family, Cindy Haslam
- Cindy Haslam, The Woodlands, TX
I'm so sorry for your loss. God's Peace to you all.
- Mary Chamberlin, Tucker, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
