Doris C. Freeman
Sunrise: April 1, 1933
Sunset: April 8, 2021
Doris Freeman was born in Long Branch, Texas on April 1, 1933 to “Mama” Lula Ballard (Nealy-Smith) and Edmond Ballard, Senior.
Doris was the eldest daughter of eight siblings. They were a close-knit family. She and her two sisters were especially close and often inseparable – like triplets – even though they were between four and six years apart. To those who knew them well, they were affectionally known as the “butt sisters”. Her sisters reflect on their fondest memories being the laughter and love shared and felt throughout mom’s courageous eight-year battle with Alzheimer’s dementia. “Sometimes it felt like you had to laugh to keep from crying”, but through it all they were devoted to one another.
Doris was united in love with Jerome Freeman, Jr, and to this union six children were born.
She was a devoted housewife and avid gardener for many years before embarking upon a full-time career as a Floral Designer; first at Janousek Florist in North Omaha, before relocating to Bakers in South Omaha – where she excelled in designing and creating extravagant signature floral arrangements; which morphed into creating personalized arrangements for the weddings of her daughters and, by word of mouth, lucrative side gigs. Doris loved preparing and hosting Saturday and Sunday meals – most consisting of her home-grown, mouthwatering collard greens, and an assortment of other delicious garden vegetables. For many years, before her memory began to fail, mom faithfully sent out birthday cards, with thoughtful monetary tokens of love to her children and grandchildren. She was a voracious reader of Harlequin Romance novels and loved her some Gladys Knight.
Doris was preceded in death by her three brothers: Edmond, Jr., George “GW”, Harvey Ballard; her loving husband, Jerome Freeman; daughter, Lisa Freeman.
Her surviving siblings are John Ballard, Orris Portley, Shirley Wilson, and her youngest brother, Dail Ballard, who made annual road trips from Texas, with sidekicks; daughter, Agnus Porter, niece, Cheryl Brantley, and grand-niece, Lasonya Lee “Scootie”, to visit mom at her memory care residence.
Along with her siblings, Doris leaves behind to uphold her legacy and cherish her memory, her offspring: Agnus Porter, Tena Chambers, Leda Harris, Edward DeVance, Gerald DeVance, Yolanda Bryce, Yvette Freeman Fraser, Jerry Freeman, Sherry Freeman Brown, and LeRam Freeman. An impressive tribe of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
*Special mention is given to her daughter, Yolanda Bryce, who acquired Guardianship during mom’s long bout with Alzheimer’s and who was at her bedside through her final transition; and especially attentive grandchildren, Coriouno, Jonathan, and Serenity Bryce.
VISITATION observing CDC guidelines: Wednesday, April 28th from 2pm to 3pm at the West Center Chapel followed by FUNERAL SERVICE at 3pm.
To view a live broadcast of the Funeral Service, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click on the “View Live Cast” button on our home page.
24 Comments
Family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers, I remember those beautiful gardens and delicious collard greens. My mom Annie Dot, loved your mom dearly. God keep you in his loving care.
To the family and my dear friend Sherry, we offer our deepest condolences and pray strength as you celebrate the life and legacy of Ms Doris.Cherish the memories!
Love Mr and Mrs Faulk
My prayers and thoughts are with the loving family on the loss of dear Ms. Doris. She is the mother of my close friend, Sherry. Our mom’s were the same age and both battled Alzheimer’s/dementia as their health declined. I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Doris a few years ago. I remember thinking how Sherry had not only inherited her mother’s beauty but also her sweet spirit. Strength and resilience, too. We often spoke of the strength of our mothers…our queens. What blessings they have given us in addition to the very precious gift of life itself and their presence in ours. Remember this: “Our mothers are not gone…they live on within us, every minute of every day. With each beat of our hearts…Their endearing love is everlasting…”
My condolences to the family Doris was a great person may god keep her she will be with uncle Sonnie and my mother Annie Dot in heaven may god bless you my family
“Mama D” was such a Blessing in my life. I will remember “my long legged Lady “fondly. Thank you for sharing her loving and ornery spirit with me! Never a dull moment!
Sharing our prayers and condolences with the family of Mrs. Doris Freeman on behalf of her offspring, ,Agnus Porter. We are in constant prayer for our classmate and the family. We know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ doesn’t discriminate. Every now and then He picks a Beautiful Rose, but one thing we are sure of, Mrs. Doris does not know of suffering and pain her earthly home had to offer. Our prayer is for strength for each family member to accept His will.
Humbly submitted,
MCW CLASS OF ’69, LONGVIEW, TEXAS
MCW/DFW CHAPTER CLASS OF ’69
Loisportley1@yahoo.com
To my precious sustafriend, Yolanda Bryce and “nieces abd nephews”: my prayers are with and for you as you process this great loss. May the memories of every moment you shared with your mom and grandmother bring you joy. May you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit walking with you through this valley. You are never alone…H e and we who love you walk with you. May this sleep be just a short, sweet nap until resurrection morning.
Yolanda, Cory, Jonathan, Serenity my love and prayers are with and for you.
To My Brother Tic ,
Profound Love Respect to the whole Family .
Eternal Love and Divine Blessings 💝
Morgans / Wells /McGhees
I am praying for you Yolanda and the family. What we have once enjoyed we have never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us. Helen Keller
Sherry, may you and your family find strength in all of your wonderful memories together. Our prayers go out to you all. Carolyn, Christal & Chiderah
Doris Freeman, who I affectionately called Mom, was a blessing to everyone she came in contact with. Regardless of who you were, she would embrace and welcome you with love. She was kind and warm and you saw it in her eyes and smile. She was loved by everyone. This world was a little bit brighter with her here. She will be truly missed. I’m praying that God will comfort the family and that they find solace in knowing that she deeply loved each of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchlidren..
To the family of Mrs. Doris Freeman, My deepest prayer of condolences are with you all. Yolanda, Corey, Jonathan, Serenity and Tatiana I am especially praying for the Lord’s comfort and peace during this difficult time of your loss. With Much Love, Michelle Nelson
To the family of Mrs. Doris Freeman,
My deepest prayers of condolences are with you all during this most difficult time of loss. Mrs. Freeman’s smile will forever be remembered as a beacon of light to everyone that entered her home and of the conversations on either her living room couch or her front porch. Mrs. Freeman truly be missed by those who knew her best her loving family; Yolanda, Corey, Jonathan, Tatitana and host of many more. With much love for you all. Michelle Nelson
To my dear friend Yolanda and the entire family of Doris Freeman, you have my deepest sympathy in your time of loss. I pray God’s love, peace, and mercy be upon each of you as you embark upon your healing journey. May the memories of all that your loved one meant to you individually and as a collective, be a soul-soothing balm to heal your heavy hearts. She loved you all, and God loves you most, for He gave you her. Abundant Blessings, Julie Davis
Sending you deepest my condolences for the loss of your beloved mother. Losing a mother can feel as the wind was knocked out of you. Nothing I can say or do can remove what you’re experiencing right now, but I do know you are strong and she would be so very proud of you. Love you 😘 ❤️
Sending my deepest condolences to the Freeman family for the loss of your beloved mother.
I am thinking about your loss and sending love.
To the Freeman family and our dear friend Yolanda. We want to let you know how sorry we are to hear of your mother’s passing.
Mothers are one of God’s greatest blessings, and your mother was no exception. Mrs Freeman had the most sweetest and kind spirit ever known. Her smile was contagious and would light up a room.
Your mother was a blessing to all, her warm and sweet spirit made anyone feel loved and welcomed. I know you feel blessed to have her a part of your life for so long. She was loved and will be greatly missed. Know that the special memories of your mom will live in your hearts forever. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the entire Freeman family. May God bless you and provide you strength during this difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Mrs. Freeman was a talented, creative and warm woman. She sent me one of the most beautiful floral arrangements that I have ever received. Please let us know if you need anything.
Frederick, Sheila and Family
May the Love Of God be with u guys today and always .❤️Condolences and Love
From : The DeVance Family in Longview Tx 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Family, my heart felt prayers go out to you at this time.
To the Freeman and Porter Family, we are praying for yor everyday.
Sincerely, The Powell Family
To the family you have our condolences. Aunt doris was a beautiful person.
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