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John Freeman Obituary
He was the son of the late Elder Johnny P. Freeman and the late Mother Mary Ann Jenkins Freeman and husband of Mrs. Shirley Bullock Freeman of the home.
He is survived by one son, Dr. Kenneth A. Freeman (Stephanie R.) of Clinton, MD; two grandsons, Jordan B. Freeman and Brian J. Freeman of Clinton MD; two sisters, Mary Belle F. Bullock and Ethel F. Carney (both of Tarboro, NC); five nieces, Thelma Carney-Kennedy (Rev. John) of Greeleyville, SC, Ann Carney Adams of Princeville, NC, Marilyn Powell Godete (Stevan) of Fayetteville, NC, Sharon Powell Jennings of Raleigh, NC, Wanda Bullock Newsome (Ernie) of Tarboro, NC; three nephews, Milton Carney (Deidra) of Greenville, NC, Anthony Powell of West Virginia, Mark Raynard Bullock of Princeville, NC, seven great-nieces, five great-nephews, three great-great-nieces, one great-great-nephew and a host of loving cousins, other relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by sisters Louise Freeman and Catherine F. Powell and nephews Connell Carney and Reginald Powell.
With the departure of John Freeman, a very bright light has gone from our view, but the light that shone from the heart and soul of John will continue to light all dim corners in education, in politics, in racial relations, in Christian faith, and in the hearts and minds of all whose lives he touched.
In the field of public education John Freeman was a leader, one whose vision others admired and implemented. In all of his years as a member of the Church of the Holy Comforter, John served in several distinguished positions, and he lived his beliefs throughout his life.
In the political arena, he was a community organizer and a leader in the local Democrat party and, thanks to God, he lived to see the first black American President of the United States.
His life, which was supremely blessed by his wife Shirley and his son Ken, and then later by grandsons Jordan and Brian, served as a model for all of the Burlington community.
John, some of your bright light will shine forever. We love you. Rest in the arms of Jesus.
The funeral is Saturday, June 13, 2015, in Cummings auditorium at 2 p.m. The family will arrive at 1 p.m. The body will lie in state from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A public viewing will be held on Friday, June 12 from 1-4 p.m. in the Roy Blackwell Chapel of Blackwell Funeral Home. A wake will take place at the Church of The Holy Comforter located at 320. E. Davis St., in Burlington from 5-7 p.m. with the program beginning at 6 p.m. The body of Mr. Freeman will be promptly transported to Blackwell Funeral Home at 7 p.m. There will be a repass hosted by the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in the Great Hall of the Church of the Holy Comforter from 7-9 p.m.
There will also be a visitation at Baker Funeral Home of Princeville from 2-3 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Burial will be in the Eastlawn Cemetery in Tarboro, NC.
Services entrusted to Blackwell Funeral Home, Burlington, NC
Online condolences may be sent to blackwellfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Freeman
Ray shelton
June 5, 2023
A wonderful man who was easy to work with.He always had the best interest of his students at heart and an outstanding citizen for the community. It was a blessing to have John in his position while I served as Chief of Police in Burlington. I am a better man by knowing and working with him. Ray Shelton retired
Rene' Coker
June 25, 2015
I worked as his assistant for 2 years and saw him days before he passed since I now work at Alamance regional Medical Center and he was there on personal business the last 3 weeks prior to his passing. He and Shirley are my friends and I referred to them as my adopted parents. During my time with him we spoke daily and I very much enjoyed his stories and his sayings of which he had many. He wanted me to call him and the day I called him his grandson answered and told me the news and I called the next day and was told of his passing. I'll miss him daily, I knew him well, and love him and his family dearly. He and his wife made my son and I part of his family and for that I am grateful and honored to have known him and spent time with him. He will be sorely missed and our prayers are with his wife Shirley and his family.
Michele Smith Class of 1990
June 16, 2015
To the Family-
Mr. Freeman will truly be missed. May God bless you and keep you. My thoughts and prayers are with you .
June 15, 2015
Thank you Mr. Freeman for your amazing life. You shared your intellect, your countless acts of kindness, and the laughter and compatible understanding with me.....I will miss you, my friend....but at the same time I will remain thankful and grateful for your role in my life. You will remain the best possible school administrator ever. I will always treasure our friendship and memories of the USSR along with your admonition to all of your teachers: "You are the captain of your own ship.....and as you will hold your students accountable, so also I will, you..." I embraced that challenge and was fully supported throughout my teaching years with you... always striving to discover and develop the very best the students had to offer. God Bless You, My Friend. Pamela Thompson
Lemuel Compton
June 14, 2015
It was a pleasure to have know this man. He was the best priniple I have ever known. He kept me and a multitude of kids on the right path. He will be sorely missed by the students that knew this gracious and caring man. Class of '74.
Mitzi Long
June 14, 2015
It was a pleasure to have known Mr. Freeman for the many years since I was at Cummings. He was always a fair man in everything he did. My prayers are with his family as the go on without him. I loved he and Mrs Freeman. He always meant a lot to me & my family.
Mitzi Stewart Long
Class of 1974
Alice Bordsen
June 13, 2015
Could there ever be a more gracious, intelligent, and honest man? We are not likely to see the likes of John Freeman again for a long time. He approached the political arena with a sense of dedication and grace which left his opponents liking and respecting him. He has left a void in this county, in the world of public education, and in the Democratic party that will be felt deeply. I was fortunate to know him for the relatively short number of years that I did.
June 13, 2015
Mr. Freeman was an amazing man,fair and caring principal. We were so fortunate to have him as a leader at Cummings High School for many years. To his family I am sorry for your loss, know he made a tremendous difference in this world. Lisa Loftis Sims Cummings High Class of 84
Michael Kirby
June 13, 2015
Thank you Mr. Freeman for everything that you have done for me. Mrs. Freeman I am just a phone call away.
June 13, 2015
I HEARD HE WAS GREAT MAN BLESS U IN PEACE NOW GOD TOOK U HOM TO BE WITH HIM
Mrs. B. Harris
June 13, 2015
I have known Mr. & Mrs. Freeman for years , and he was a good man and he will be missed. My condolence go out to the family of your loss.
Vicki Harris Young
June 13, 2015
Mr Freeman will be greatly missed I enjoyed talking to him at Freeman Motors. Mr. Freeman was such a good friend to my brother, a good person, great man, and he will greatly be missed I'm so sorry for your loss.
June 13, 2015
gentleman,customer and friend--thinking of you Shirley--McPherson Cleaners!
Ann Batts Sye
June 12, 2015
Mr. Freeman and wife Mrs. Freeman were my neighbors and wonderful family friends. It is with sadness I
say goodbye to a kind, gentle man
who saw the goodness in others. What a privilege the world has had and especially my family for knowing this global educator. May peace surround all that grieve.
Ernestine Smith
June 12, 2015
Sorry to hear of the passing of someone very dear to me. What a great, friendly and caring man who was willing to listen. He always wore a smile which invited you into his presence. He will be greatly missed.
to the family I say, walk the path he carved for you. Proud to have been one of his students.
Christie Graves
June 12, 2015
Proud to have know such a great man. My prayers are with the family.
Cummings High School C/O 1993
Tina Summers-House
June 12, 2015
Prayers for the family and friends. Mr. Freeman touched the lives of many and left a positive impact on all who graced the halls of Hugh M. Cummings High School.
May God strength and comfort you during this time.
June 12, 2015
proud to have been one of your students.
jordan sellars high school class of 1969
my prayers are with the family. may all be richly blessed....jettie conyers bryant
Catherine Smith
June 12, 2015
To Soror Shirley, the life, light and legacy left by John will never dim nor be extinguished. Thanks be to God for allowing him to part of our lives!Prayers for you and family.
Karen Baldwin Wolthuis
June 12, 2015
I always had the utmost respect for John and have fond memories of him and Shirley at Holy Comforter Church. He will be missed at church and in the community.
Brenda Poole
June 12, 2015
John was a grand person, none better anywhere or any place. His light is shining bright still. My heartfelt condolences to Shirley and John's family. Much love to you all.
Otis Swint
June 12, 2015
I hold so many memories of Mr. Freeman and they are all positive. Good-bye to a pioneer and a great man. You not be forgotten.
Geraldine Jones
June 12, 2015
To Shirley and Family,
May God keep you in his care,
surround you with his kindness, and bless you with his love. (Pattillo High Class of 1957)
June 12, 2015
So many memories of Mr. Freeman during my years at Cummings High School. My thoughts are with the family at this time.
Tracey Terrell
James Yarbor
June 12, 2015
Mrs. Freeman, Ken and family,
Mr Freeman made a difference and now he has reaped his reward. My prayers go out to you.
Veronica Powers
June 12, 2015
What a wonderful inspiration you were to all who were lucky enough to have crossed your path. I love you. Thank you for making me proud to be black. RIP
Mittie Fuller
June 12, 2015
Dear Freeman Family:
Truly a "bright light" has gone out in Burlington, NC. An avid educator, community leader, business and family man - that was JA Freeman. Please know that he is missed by many! I pray that God will bless and keep you in every way during this very difficult time.
Traci Butler
June 12, 2015
JA,
You were a tough but fair principal during my time at Cummings (83-87. I will never forget how you were there for me during my senior year. Thanks for the kind words. You will always be in our hearts.
Ethel Dixon
June 12, 2015
My condolences to the Freeman family:
MICHAEL GRAVES
June 12, 2015
GREAT MAN! MR. FREEMAN MAY YOU REST FROM YOUR LABOR AND COLLECT YOUR RICHLY DESERVED REWARD ON HIGH.
MRS. FREEMAN MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND THE ENTIRE FREEMAN FAMILY. MAY MR. FREEMAN'S LEGACY BE PART OF YOUR COMFORT.
Tim Manning
June 11, 2015
Mr.Freeman I am glad I helped secure your name on Cummings gymnasium. You were truly second to none. RIP.
Brad & Mindy Buchanan
June 11, 2015
You were such a kind and thoughtful man. You will be truly missed...
Mindy & Brad Buchanan
June 11, 2015
You were such a wonderful and kind man. You will truly be missed...
Terri and Rob Stevens
June 11, 2015
The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. 2 Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death. Isaiah 57:1-2
No one was more devout in so many ways! What a blessing to have known John. Prayers to the Freeman family.
Matthew Clark
June 11, 2015
RIP Brother Freeman. Your legacies will always be in our lives and memories.
Ray Shelton
June 11, 2015
It was a pleasure to have known and worked with.such a gentleman as John. He was a terrific leader in our community and as principal of Cummings High School certainly made my job much easier while serving as Chief of Police in Burlington. Thank John for all you did.
Virginia Miles
June 11, 2015
It was a pleasure to have known Mr.Freeman Jordan Sellars High Shcool Cummings High School and all ABSS Bus Drivers.
Lynda Alexander
June 11, 2015
"To educate a man is to unfit him to be a slave."
Frederick Douglass (1818-1895), escaped slave, abolitionist, author.
Thank you Mr. Freeman for a life dedicated to improving the lives of others; your presence will be sorely missed.
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