Joseph Alexander "Jojo" Freeman

Joseph "JoJo" Alexander Freeman, age 15, left this earth on December 24, 2011. Mr. Freeman is the son of Frank and Beth Young Freeman of Hickory, NC. Funeral service will be 1:00 PM Friday at Lifepoint Church of Smyrna. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Joseph was born with a bang on March 24, 1996, (in record time!) and made a mark wherever his path took him in life. He was fast on the football field, baseball diamond, basketball court and track. He was also fast to love. One look at his contagious smile made the world a little bit brighter for friends, family and even strangers. In fact, Joseph had the ability to make people laugh and smile in almost any situation. His joy for life was contagious, and the world is a little bit less exciting with him gone Ð just ask anyone who knew him. Although he was born in Chattanooga, TN, JoJo considered Smyrna, TN home. For that reason, he will be laid to rest in Smyrna. Many people in Smyrna consider him family. His magnetic personality and ability to love unconditionally made him an easy person to "adopt" into family outings. While living in North Carolina, JoJo attended the Tabernacle of Faith in Hickory. His church family in Tennessee at Life Point Church in Smyrna will also miss this amazing young man. JoJo was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Raymond Young and his paternal grandmother Cathy Freeman. JoJo is survived by his parents Frank and Beth Young Freeman of Hickory, NC; a big brother Zachary Freeman; two little girls, Rebekah and Sarah Freeman, is missing their big brother; grandparents George and Becky Freeman of Hickory, NC; aunts and uncles Amy Zumstein of Cleveland, TN, Jamie Young of Colorado Springs, CO, Sandy and Tony Clukey of cleveland, TN; George and Shelia Freeman of Satellite Beach, FL, and Gina and Dewayne Townsend of Hickory, NC; several cousins Gloria Zumstein, Nikki Freeman, Sean Freeman, Kyle Clukey and Steven Clukey; maternal great-grandmother Beddie Young of Hixson, TN; and numerous great-aunts, great-uncles and other family members. There is no way to list all the people who feel the void left by this remarkable young man. The family would like to mention two of JoJo's best friends. Jamie Kent and Mattie McClaran have been friends with Mr. Freeman for years. First loves are also very important, Katie Bustos was that person to our Joseph, and the family is very thankful for all the support and love they showed him during his short life. While the whole community and family are mourning the loss of this amazing young man, it is especially difficult on his father Frank. Frank Freeman and Joseph had a special relationship. While Frank has battled cancer for several years to stay on this earth with his four children, Joseph worked especially hard to make every moment with his father count. Frank enjoyed every second with his son and will cherish JoJo in his heart for the rest of his days. Visitation will be 2:00 until 8:00 PM Thursday at Lifepoint Church of Smyrna. WOODFIN FUNERAL CHAPEL, Smyrna is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.woofinchapel.com 615-459-3254.