Bertha Mae Freeman

Bertha Mae Freeman, 86, of Baton Rouge, LA, died peacefully at her home on June 30, 2025. Bertha was a person who knew no stranger and was Big Mama to all. She was known for her warm sense of humor and her beautiful smile. Bertha was born in Helena, AR on February 3, 1939, to Birdann Shaw and Lexie Prescott (both deceased). Bertha attended Lula Elementary School, in Lula, MS, eventually earning a GED high school equivalency certificate on April 24, 1964. Continuing her education, she received a BS in Business Education on May 27, 1968, from Alcorn A&M College, Lorman, MS, and an MS in Business Education on May 14, 1978, from Alcorn State University. She worked at Alcorn State University for several years as a librarian prior to moving to Baton Rouge, LA, where she continued working as a librarian for 14 years at Louisiana State University until her retirement on March 1, 1999. Bertha met the love of her life, Thomas Freeman, Sr, and the two were married December 23, 1956, in Lula, MS. The resulting fruit of that union were four children: Dr. Thomas (Georgia) Freeman, Jr of Fort Meade, MD; Eva (James) Anderson, Gloria Freeman, and Shirley (David) Wade all of Baton Rouge LA; and a bonus daughter, Keri (Christopher) White of Richmond, TX. Also, 14 grandchildren: Janet (Terrance) Edwards, Tracey (Micah) Goins, Kelsey Freeman, Dominique Moore, Crystal Wade, Melissa Wade, Darrell (Heather) Freeman, Thomas (Stephanie) Freeman, III, James (Briana) Anderson, III, Lataya Cryer, Latina Cryer, William Noble, Eric Freeman and Natalie Freeman. Bertha was an active member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, devoting her time and energy to the Deaconess board, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, decorating the church for Communion, special events and holidays, and assisting in the kitchen. Everyone who knew Bertha knew how much she loved gardening, decorating, shopping and working word find puzzles. She enjoyed sending cards to friends and family for birthdays or just to let them know that she was thinking of them. Bertha will always be remembered for her love of life and joyful spirit. She was deeply loved by all ages – from the smallest to the oldest. She was always looking for ways to help others. She gave of herself unselfishly – from making care packages for people in nursing homes to letting the little ones help themselves to snacks out of her personal snack closet. She had a profound love for children – whenever she was in their presence, she just beamed. Big Mama had a deep and impactful spirit of hospitality making all who visited or stayed temporarily in the Freeman home feel like “family.” Many looked forward to the extended family gatherings routinely scheduled on Sunday afternoons packed with plenty of fun, food and fellowship. We couldn’t have asked for a better Big Mama and we will miss her dearly. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her. Bertha is survived by her children, 14 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren; three sisters: Essie Furdge, Bernice Fludd, and Janice (Robert) Phillips; four brothers: Chester Minor, Sylvester Minor, Charles (Karolyn) Minor, and Willie James (Linda) Minor; in-laws: Jesse (Gertie) Freeman and Phyllis Freeman; a very special friend, Mrs. Earline (Andrew) Osaya; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and family. She is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Freeman, Sr; her parents, Sylvester and Birdann Minor; siblings: Catherine (Aaron) Stuckey, Jesse Minor, and Coretta (Eddie) McDaniel; in-laws: George (Shirley) Freeman, Willie Freeman, Sr, and Lawrence Furdge, Sr; and a special cousin, Essie B. Bush. Visitation will be at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70815, on Friday, July 11, 2025, from 5pm to 8pm. Visitation will resume at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 1334 Napoleon St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 11:30am until the time of funeral services at 12:30pm. Burial will immediately follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to 3172 Seracedar Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70816, or condolences may be submitted online at dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/baton-rouge-la/bertha-freeman-12437390 and then click “add memory”. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.greenoaksfunerals.com