Brother Henry C. Freeman

DOUGLASVILLE, GA/UTICA, NY – Brother Henry C. Freeman, age 90, went home to be with the Lord early Saturday morning, January 17, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on July 17, 1935, in Abbeville, Alabama, to the late Freddie and Ruby Jewel (Carter) Freeman, and was the second oldest of eleven children.

Bro. Henry Freeman was educated in the public schools of Abbeville, Alabama and was an apprentice barber at Four Way Barber Shop in Abbeville, Alabama. In 1960, he relocated to Utica, New York, where he continued his apprenticeship under Elder James Griffin at Griffin's Barber Shop, located at 130 Washington Street.

In 1961, he met the love of his life, Barbara Jean (Cunningham) Freeman, and the two were united in marriage in 1963. He became a member of St. Matthew's Temple Church of God in Christ in 1963 and earned his New York State barber license in the same year. In 1978, he established the legendary Freeman's Barber Shop at 200 Liberty Street in Utica, New York – a place that grew into a treasured cornerstone of the community.

Bro. Freeman was deeply devoted to his church and to his pastor, Superintendent Rev. J. L. Griffin and First Lady Missionary Eva Griffin. His commitment was evident in every role he held-Chairman of the Board of Trustees, member of the Usher Board, and member of the Senior and Men's Choirs. He also took great pride in caring for the sanctuary and church grounds, tending to them daily with the same pride and dedication he gave to his own home. Upon relocating to Douglasville, GA he and Barbara joined Greater True Vine Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder Morgan W. Green. He, along with his wife, Evangelist Geri Green lovingly watched over them, checking on them with calls or stopping by for a visit.

Bro. Freeman was unwaveringly loving, patient, kind, generous with his time, steady in spirit, and disciplined in character. A true family man, he remained steadfast in his faith, devoted to God, and grounded in the values that shaped his life. He carried a gentle sense of humor and a tender heart, often moved to tears when surrounded by the love of his family-a trait fondly known among the Freemans. He cherished life's simple joys: resting beneath the pecan tree with his siblings, spending time at Freeman's Barber Shop which his late wife affectionately called "his second love," barbecuing and perfecting his well-known barbecue sauce and enjoying the peace of the outdoors.

He inspired many young people, helping several begin careers in barbering and proudly watching them open their own businesses. He also shared practical life skills, teaching many how to manage their finances and build a secure foundation for their future.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted children: daughter, Alyce Yvonne Freeman Samuel (Donald); his sons, Mark Henry Freeman (Anesiha) and Jeffery Coleman; his nephews, whom he loved and regarded as sons Christopher Freeman (Laconduas) and Keenan Freeman (Marie); Judy Brooks, who he loving referred to as his daughter.

His memory will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Justine M. Samuel (Kelvin Ampofo) and Christine A. Samuel, whom he referred to as "his two frogs" too many times to count. As well as by his grandchildren who came to him later in life to love Denajhae Clyde, Rod Jackson, Merv Smith, Danielle Brooks, Jonathan Jackson and Raymond Brooks. And great-granddaughter Frankie Ampofo. When visiting, Frankie and Poppie could be found outside just puttering around or heading to go listen to the frogs sing.

He will also be remembered by his sisters-in-law, Joyce Reese, Lillie Franklin, Deborah Freeman, and Mary Freeman; and brothers-in-law, Zelmon Crenshaw and Timothy Cade (Laverne). Goddaughters, Michelle Williams and Tamika Blair; godsons, Todd Crenshaw (Shannon), Charles Roshon Braddock, Al Henderson Jr., Kyle Lamar Jones, and Theodore "Michael" Watson; Spiritual Children, Gwendolyn Jones, Derrick Brooks, and Pamela Martin. Spiritual Grandchildren, Vanessa Tucker, Emma Monroe, Jia Mack, Cynthia Monroe, Stasha Dunkley, Nigel Dunkley, D'sean Mack, and JiQuel Dunkley; special friends, Superintend Rev. J.L. Griffin and Ernest "Bub" Brown; He further leaves to his memory a host of beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws; and dear friends and customers of a lifetime.

He was predeceased in death by his loving wife Barbara Jean Freeman and all of his siblings, whom he lovingly remembered, sisters Mamie Dell Martin, Mary Dean Freeman Butler, Everee McKay, Betty Freeman; brothers Quincy Freeman, Willie "Billy" Freeman, Charles "Bubba" Freeman, George Freeman, Bobby Freeman and Raymond Freeman; father-in-law and mother-in-law, McKinley and Alberta M. (Charles) Cunningham.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to consider a donation to the Junior Frontiers of the Mohawk Valley (https://www.mvfrontiers.com/junior-frontiers/donations-dues-fees/), an organization that held a special place in Bro. Freeman's heart. Donations can also be mailed to: Mohawk Valley Junior Frontiers, PO Box 712, Utica, NY 13503. The Junior Frontiers support local youth through internships, career shadowing, and an annual HBCU College Tour.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at St. Matthew's Temple COGIC, 110 Washington Street. Brother Henry's Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence at 12:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

This obituary was lovingly written by Brother Henry's family.