Jo Freeman

Jo Earlene Cork Freeman, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, educator, and friend, passed peacefully in her home on December 28, 2025, at the grand old age of 97. She was born on March 3, 1928, in Alabama and was raised in Newton, Mississippi, by her devoted parents, James Arnold Cork and Lillian Richardson Cork, who instilled in her the values of faith, hard work, and quiet strength that defined her life.

Jo was preceded in death by her husband, John Carl Freeman, Sr., her cherished daughter JoAnn Freeman Tisdale, and her parents. She is survived her children, daughter Lillian Freeman Trahan (Byron), son John Carl Freeman, Jr. (Sherry), her sister, Marjorie Ann Cork; and son-in-law, Lynn Tisdale. Nothing brought Jo greater joy than her family. She was a proud grandmother to seven grandchildren: Logan Tisdale (Shea), Josh Tisdale, John Paul Trahan (Sarah), Michael Trahan (Jessica), Reagan Freeman Watson (Bryan Robert), Conner Freeman, and Owen Freeman. She was also blessed with three great- grandchildren, Charlotte Trahan, Kennedy Trahan, and Eli Zigler, each of whom was a source of delight and pride to her.

Jo dedicated her professional life to education, a calling she pursued with integrity, fairness, and quiet leadership. She concluded her distinguished career as principal of A.W. James Elementary School, where she influenced countless students and teachers before retiring. Even in retirement, she remained an educator at heart, always valuing learning, discipline, and kindness. This love of learning fueled her love of reading and traveling. Her mother went so far as to lovingly call her a “bookworm with itchy feet.” Known for her stoicism and her refusal to complain, Jo met the later years of her life with humor, grace, and dignity. She navigated aging with the same steady resolve that characterized her entire life, earning the admiration of all who knew her.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her four devoted caregivers—Jeanette Smith, Analese Tabb, Donna McDonald, and Madi Pruden—whose loving care allowed Jo to remain comfortably at home in her final years. Jo was also deeply loved and supported by her church friends and neighbors, who faithfully surrounded her with compassion and fellowship when she was no longer able to get out as much. Jo Earlene Cork Freeman leaves behind a legacy of strength, service, humility, and love. Her life was a quiet testament to faithfulness and perseverance, and she will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to know her.

Services will include visitation Tuesday, December 30 from 6:00-7:30 PM at Robinson Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Wednesday, December 31 at 11:00 AM at the funeral Home.  There will be a family graveside service at Newton Masonic Cemetery in Newton, MS Wednesday afternoon. Robinson Funeral Home in West Point will handle all arrangements. Pallbearers will be Logan Tisdale, Josh Tisdale, John Paul Trahan, Michael Trahan, Conner Freeman, Owen Freeman and Bryan Robert Watson.

Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society 607 W Main St. Tupelo, MS 38804.