Bertha Freeman

Bertha Mae Freeman was born February 25, 1940 to the late Cleo & Annie Mae Dow in Pastoria, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by daughters Betty and Beverly Freeman and brother Robert Dow.

She confessed her hope in Christ at an early age and was active on the mother board and an ordained deaconess of Rice Memorial Baptist Church. Bertha was the personification of the phrase “faithful servant”. She served passionately and unselfishly to anyone that crossed her path. She was always such a hard worker and wore many hats during the years she was employed.

She has served as surrogate mother and grandmother to children all over the state who all claimed her as a safe haven. It didn’t matter what walk of life you were from, she treated everybody like family, hence the title “Neighborhood Grannie”.

Though she was not rich financially, she was rich in spirit and in her faith. In knowing this we are for certain that the heavens are rejoicing.

She departed life on October 14, 2021. Her precious memories will be cherished by her children: Deborah Freeman, Thornton (Maddolyn) Freeman , Kenneth (Lora) Freeman, Sr, Kevin (Carol) Freeman, Shirley (Craig) Brown and LaKeisha Freeman, all of Little Rock, Arkansas; siblings: Sam (Ursula) Dow of Missouri City, Texas, Patricia Bell of Conway, Arkansas and Harry Dow of Council Bluffs, Iowa; and 23 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and host of friends.

Family will receive visitors Friday, October 22 from 5-7 p.m., at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home. Funeral services are Saturday, October 23 at 10 a.m. at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home, with burial following at Elmlawn Cemetery.