Freeman Primes

Freeman "Sonny" Primes, age 79, of Rockford, Illinois, peacefully passed away on July 15th, 2025. He was born on July 14th, 1946 in Durant, Mississippi, to the late Limmie and Rosie Primes. On January 30, 1966 Freeman became husband to the beloved Lillie Mae Young. Freeman proudly retired from the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department. He later returned to work as a security guard at PNC Bank, where he absolutely adored his co-workers. He also was a member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church and served as the landscaper and was a member of the men's choir. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army. Freeman leaves behind 5 loving children: Dorothy (Craig) Brown, John (Tina) Primes, Patricia Primes, Edward Primes, and Lakesha Primes. Freeman also cherished Felicia Holmes, Tina Primes, Jessie "Lil Maine" Lewis, Michael Lewis, James, Tony and Charles Dukes, Eddie Primer, Johnnie Primer and Craig Brown. 19 grandchildren: Anitra (Floyd) Aborom, Xavier Brown, Deon Freeman, Montail Primes, John Primes Jr., Asia Primes, Tinesha Primes, Cliffvon (Jasmine) McCullough, Waynesha "Puddin" Clark, Danielle Challenger, Lavonne Hill-Primes, Edward Primes Jr., La'Nija Woodfork, Montwain Carter, Samiyah "Boo Baby" Ferguson, Sontierra Johnson, Tazjane Smith, Felicion Chandler, and Ebony Curry. Along with 22 great-grandchildren. Freeman is also survived by his sister Gennie Ella Bailey, Sister-in-laws Rosie Wright, and Clara Primes, Brother-in-laws Jessie "Shoeman" Lewis, Rev. Ronnie Charleston, and Bennie Kimes, aunts, uncles, a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends. He also shared special friendships with Clyde Purifoy, Melvin Wilks, Frank Moore, Frank Lemon, Sylvia Lumpkin, Randy and Calvin McMillian, Randy Scott, Sammy "Deonn" Ferguson, John Owens St., and Pastor Donald Hart. Freeman was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lillie Mae Primes; great-granddaughter Ariyah Smith; his parents, Limmie and Rosie Primes; sisters Rosie Ella Charleston and Mary "Lou-Lou" Lewis; brother Arthur "Junior" Primes; brother-in-laws Booker T. Bailey, Eddie Williams, George Holmes, and Roscoe Kimes. Services will be held 12:00 noon Thursday, July 24, 2025 at Mt. Zion M. B. Church 404 N. Avon St. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.