MOUNT PLEASANT – Jean Carolyn Freeman, age 90, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many, passed away at Hospice House in Pleasant Prairie and was called home to be with her Lord on Tuesday, May 3, 2016.
She was born in Wilmot on November 24, 1925, to Fred and Hilda (nee Lambrecht) Pierson. Soon afterward her family moved to Zion, Illinois, where she grew up and received her early education. She was married to William (Bill) Freeman with whom she celebrated their 55th anniversary before he preceded her in death on February 28, 1998. Jean and her family left Zion in 1954 and moved to New Orleans to pursue further education. They previously made their home in Racine from 1957-1962, and were founding members of Immanuel Baptist Church in Racine.
Following her husband's death Jean moved back to Racine to be near her family, having lived in Green Ridge, MO; Brisbane, Australia; Worth am Rhine, Germany; Toledo, OH; and Springfield, MO, during the intervening years while her husband served various pastorates and later retired from the ministry. She graduated magna cum laude from Toledo University in 1975, achieving membership in Alpha Kappa Delta and Pi Gamma Mu, and was a graduate of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary where her husband was also graduated. Jean retired from Jobst Institute in Toledo. She was a member of Friends of Seniors, Inc.; Racine Zoological Society; Wisconsin Historical Society; American Association of University of Women; Countryside Humane Society and the Racine Theater Guild.
A lifelong deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ was central to Jean's life. She was an active member of Evangelical United Methodist Church for the past 18 years, having formerly been a Baptist more than fifty years. With an outgoing nature and a generous and joyful spirit, Jean led a happily busy life enjoying a variety of interests and activities which included knitting, gardening, reading, staying in touch with old friends and enjoying the company of her attentive family. While her husband lived they enjoyed traveling to many foreign countries. They celebrated their 40th anniversary with a trip around the world. At age 88 years Jean accompanied her family on a glorious 24-member vacation trip on the Mayan Riviera, a gift from her grandchildren.
Surviving to cherish their mother's memory are three loving children: Barbara (Bill) Pucci, Bonnie (Tom, Jr.) Wrixton all of Racine; son, Steve (Harriett) Marshfield, MO. She leaves four devoted grandchildren: William (Gale) Pucci, Michael (Mary) Pucci, Carrie (Paul) Nolden, all of Racine and Rob Paeth of Playa Zancudo, Costa Rica and Racine; also, seven precious great-grandchildren who loved their "GG" and will miss her dearly: Annelise and Will Pucci, Mikey, Joey and Elena Pucci, Jonathan and Lilly Nolden, all of Racine. Further surviving are two much loved brothers: Wayne (Shirlee) Zion, IL and Wesley, Davenport, IA.; sisters-in-law Marion Pierson, DeKalb, IL, Mariann Pierson of Rehoboth Beach, DE. Also surviving Jean is brother-in-law Don (Earlene) Freeman and his family: Ron (Barbara), Justin (Kimberly) and Brett (Jessica) all of Missouri; special niece Janet; many other dearly loved nieces and nephews; relatives and special friends, especially all those in her Sunday School class. In addition to her parents and husband, Jean was preceded by daughter Shirley, sister Marion, nephew Kenneth, brothers Don and Lloyd, brother-in-law Delbert.
Family and friends are invited to meet at Evangelical United Methodist Church (212 11th Street) on Thursday, May 12, 2016 from 3-5 p.m. for a visitation and time to meet with her family. A service celebrating Jean’s life with Rev. Dr. Creighton Kaye officiating will follow at 5:00 p.m. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Smith Chapel Cemetery in Ozark County, MO. Those wishing to commemorate Jean’s memory may designate memorials to a charity of their choice, to Willerup Bible Camp, Cambridge, WI, c/o Tim Eckblad, Treasurer, 3206 Pierce Blvd., Racine, WI 53405 or Hospice Alliance, 10220 Prairie Ridge Blvd., Pleasant Prairie, WI.
Jean’s family extends a heartfelt thank you to Hospice Alliance and Hospice House for the professional and loving attention she received while under their care. Your work is truly valued and appreciated.
Maryellen Carlson says
what a beautiful life! May she rest in peace.
Andrew Pierson says
Marcia & Scott Kelley says
Jean was such a dear friend to our family. Our daughters, Sarah and Emily, considered her as a grandmother. We had such fun with her. Her laughter would get the whole neighborhood laughing with her. She was such a wonderful person. We will miss her but the memories of her will always be with us. Sympathy to her family who will miss her so much.
Scott & Marcia Kelley