Josephine Allen Freeman

• Ms. Josephine Allen Freeman, age 74, a native of Roanoke, Alabama, residing at 718 Broadway,Augusta, Woodruff County, Arkansas, passed away on March 13, 2012, at St. John Providence Hospital, 16001 W. 9 Mile Road, Southfield, Oakland County, Michigan.
• Public Viewing and Visitation Hours for Mrs. Freeman will be observed during family hour on Friday, March 23, 2012 between the hours of 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
• Funeral Services for the late Mrs. Freeman will be observed at 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 24, 2012, at the Mount Bethel United Methodist Church, 150 Banks Road, Roanoke, Alabama, where Reverend Anthony Sims serves as pastor, with Reverend William Crawford, Officiating, along with Reverend William Heard, Reverend LaMar Allen and Reverend Christopher Hale. The Reverend Gary Browning of Ward Chapel Church, Augusta, Arkansas, will serve as Eulogist.
• Burial will follow in the Rocky Mount United Methodist Church Cemetery, in Roanoke.
• Out of Town arrangements are being conducted by ONeil Swanson Funeral Home, in Detroit, MIchigan.

The Obituary
(To View Mrs. Freeman's Obituary, please scroll to the bottom of this page, and click the attachment.)

Josephine Freeman, affectionately known as "Jo" was born on July 6, 1937, to the late Reverend DeWitt Allen, Sr., and Rosa Lee (Poole) Allen. She attended Rocky Mount Elementary School and later graduated from Randolph County Training School in 1957 in Roanoke, Alabama.

A preacher's child, Josephine started at an early age serving the Lord. She grew up attended Rocky Mount United Methodist Church where she was involved in many youth programs.

In 1958 she moved to Detroit, Michigan and joined Carter Metropolitan Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Later she met and married Herbert Lee Smith, who preceded her in death. To this union one child was born, Joyce Marie Smith-Harrison. While a member of Carter Metropolitan C.M.E. Church, she served as a member of the Seraphic Choir under the direction of the late Mr. James L. Johnson, Minister of Music and the Bee B. Owens Missionary Circle.
In 1982 Josephine Freeman moved to Augusta, Arkansas, and married the late Gettes Freeman. In addition to a recent marriage, she continued her church service by becoming a member of the Ward Chapel Church. As a member, Josephine was given the honor to serve as their Sunday School Superintendent. While serving as superintendent, she constantly reminded everyone of their duty to be "On Time."

Josephine enjoyed many social activities, but her greatest joy was being with family and longtime friends. During her time with family, she would make everyone feel at home by preparing their favorite foods; whether it was breakfast or dinner. Her family in August will forever remember "Aunt Jo's" annual Barbeque Pig Feet Dinners. She placed a sprinkle of love on each plate.
In Roanoke, Detroit, and Augusta, Josephine never met a stranger; she graciously embraced everyone she met. Josephine's most memorable saying way, "I have come too far to give up now." This confirmation of her faith in God carried her through life challenges; as a result, she encouraged others to keep the faith when faced with adversity.

She leaves to cherish her memory: a daughter, Joyce M. Harrison and son-in-law, Jesse Harrison of Detroit, Michigan; one grandson, Isaiah Dewitt Harrison of Detroit, Michigan; three sisters: Doris Thompson of Roanoke, Alabama, Mary Emily Watts who preceded her in death, and Christine Allen of Detroit, Michigan; two brothers Dewitt Allen, Jr., of Roanoke, Alabama, and the late Reverend Rocelius Allen of Birmingham, Alabama and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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