Dorothy Juanita Freeman

Dorothy Juanita Hardy Freeman, age 98, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2025, in McLean, Texas. Born on October 22, 1927, in Detroit, Michigan, Juanita affectionately known to nearly everyone as 'Maw' lived a long, meaningful life filled with perseverance and humor that left a lasting mark on all who knew her.

In 1943, Juanita moved to Texas with her mother, stepfather, and siblings, beginning a journey that would shape the rest of her life. She was a hard worker, taking on a variety of roles throughout the years. Her first job was as a jeweler repairing watches. She later worked at a bra factory, Form-O-Uth, locally known as Marie's Foundation, during the time when McLean proudly earned the nickname "The Uplift Town." She waited tables, became a cosmetologist, and eventually found her place at the Shamrock Police Department, where she served as a dispatcher for 23 years until her retirement.

Maw was known for many things, especially her quick wit and cooking. If she loved you, you knew it, because she fed you. Her baked goods and homemade treats always found their way to friends and neighbors.

Her daily routines were simple but cherished. She never missed an episode of The Price Is Right, The Young and the Restless, As the World Turns, or Jeopardy! These shows were a daily ritual, and her family will always remember the familiar sound of their theme songs playing in the background at her house.

Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, Dalton Hardy and Pearl Mercer; her sister, Rosalee Henley; and her brothers, Joe Mercer and Jack Mercer.

She is survived by her children: Randy Jones and wife Linda of Lefors, Texas; Gary Skelton and wife Catherine of Alto, New Mexico; and Jackie Perez of Shamrock, Texas. She leaves behind 12 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and several precious great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Myrtle Billingsley of Vernon, Texas, and her brother, Bill Mercer of Amarillo, Texas.

Maw's life was defined by small but enduring gestures. Thoughts of her sharp one-liners and quick 'to-the-point' comments will always bring a smile to those who loved her most. Her legacy will live on in the recipes passed down through generations, in the stories told, and in the hearts of her family and friends.

She will be forever cherished and deeply missed.

Graveside services will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery in McLean, Texas, on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 11:30 AM.

2 Corinthians 5:8 To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

We ache in her absence, but rejoice in her healing.

The family request memorials be sent to the Humane Society or the Alzheimer's Association.

Arrangements are under the care of Robertson Funeral Directors of Shamrock.