Willie Ruth Broome Freeman

LINCOLNTON – Willie Ruth Broome Freeman, 92, retired educator, died Thursday, December 16, 2010, at her residence.

She was the daughter of the late Robert Toombs and Susan Ethel Addison Broome of Danielsville. A native of Madison County, she had made her home in Lincolnton since 1943. She was a member of the Lincolnton Baptist Church, where she served as Sunday School Teacher and church musician for many years. She was an active member of the Mamie Kirkland Missionary Circle and also participated in many activities of the church, school and community. She was a charter member of the Homer Legg Chapter #535 Order of the Eastern Star, where she served as organist.
She graduated from Madison County High School with honors. She later graduated from the University of Georgia with a BS Home Economics degree. She was inducted into the Phi Upsalon Omicron honorary society for outstanding Home Economics students. During her 32 years of teaching, she received many honors and accolades. She was chosen as “Star Teacher” of Lincoln County High School, was inducted into the Alpha Theta Chapter of Women Educators and was selected as an Outstanding Secondary Educators of America.

Mrs. Freeman was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Johny Ross Freeman; son, Robert David Freeman; sisters, Robbie B. Brooks, Jimmie B. Benton and Charlene B. Strickland.

Survivors include a daughter-in-law, Lisa Freeman, St. Augustine, Fla.; two grandsons, Robert David Freeman Jr. and wife, Alma, Statesboro, and William Bowen Freeman and wife, Megan, Charleston, S.C.; four great-grandchildren, Mary Peyton, Mills, Emma and Robert Bowen Freeman; a niece, Linda Ginnerick and husband, Gary, Ponte Vedra, Fla.; and sister-in-law, Nancy Catherine Freeman, Athens.

Funeral services will be held Monday, December 20, at 11 a.m., at the Lincolnton Baptist Church with the Revs. Dan Rosser and Craig Williamson officiating. Burial will be in the Old Danielsville Cemetery in Danielsville. Serving as pallbearers will be Tony Rowland, Mark Hill, Eddy Turner, Dwain Moss, Marion Aycock and William Cartledge. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be members of the Homer Legg Chapter #535 Order of the Eastern Star, Dr. Robert Williams, Larry Campbell and Charles Estes. Former students of Mrs. Freeman are welcomed to sit together as a group.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lincolnton Baptist Church, P.O. Box 357, Lincolnton, GA 30817.

Rees Funeral Home, Lincolnton, is in charge of arrangements.