Photo courtesy of T.E. Cooke-Overton Funeral Home - Suffolk
May 16, 1964 - Sep 26, 2025
To the family my thoughts and love and prayers are with y'all, Mrs Mary was a beautiful lady and she had such a beautiful spirit.I loved taking care of her and loved listening and singing with her especially Celine Dion and other music she's already missed dearly but she will forever be in my heart from her Aide with much love.
Lavonne Johnson
October 07, 2025 | Portsmouth, VA
Mary Ann Freeman was born on May 16, 1964, in Ahoskie, North Carolina, to the late Pernell Freeman and the late Beatrice Freeman. She was raised in Ahoskie, North Carolina, where she attended school and formed the foundation of her lifelong faith. At an early age, Mary accepted the Lord as her personal Savior—a decision that guided her life and brought her enduring peace and strength.
Mary had a warm, compassionate spirit and a giving heart. She enjoyed listening to Celine Dion, watching Chicago P.D., and her greatest joy came from spending time with her family and nurturing those she loved.
David L. Grimes, her devoted companion of over 50 years, was her soulmate. Together they shared a bond built on love, faith, and commitment—creating memories that will forever be cherished.
Alongside her late parents, she was preceded in death by her brother’s, Leroy Boone, James Freeman.
Mary leaves behind a legacy:Two daughters, Lakisha Freeman (Tim) and Natasha Freeman, both of Portsmouth, Virginia; and two sons, David L. Freeman Sr. (Shaneka) of Suffolk, Virginia, and Louis Freeman (Kwanna) of Portsmouth, Virginia.
She is also survived by her loving siblings: three sisters, Beulah Boone, Barbara Freeman, and Gloria Artis (Antonio), all of Portsmouth, Virginia; and one brother, Anthony Freeman (Trina), also of Portsmouth, Virginia.
Mary was the proud grandmother of many beloved grandchildren: Melvin Cousin Jr., Deshawn Freeman, Mariah Freeman, Aurelio Rivers Jr., Allen Dockery Jr., Keimond Dockery, Kameron Freeman, Nakayla Crawley, Dyshera Crawley, David L. Freeman Jr., Shaniyah Ethridge (step-granddaughter), Kyra Freeman, Kahliq Claud, Kayden Freeman, Khalid Freeman, Kyren Freeman, Kaliyah Freeman, Louis Jr. Freeman, Louis Freeman III, Kassidy Freeman, Lakiyah Freeman, and Kameron Freeman, all of whom brought immense joy to her life.
She was also a proud great-grandmother to several cherished great-grandchildren.
Along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, Mary will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and unwavering love.
Though Mary has gone on to her eternal rest, her memory will live forever in the hearts of those she touched. Her legacy of faith, love, and family will continue to inspire generations to come.
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