Roberta Freeman Harriman

Roberta (“Bobbie”) Freeman Harriman, 92, formerly of Lake Wales, FL passed away on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, in Orlando, FL, where she resided with her daughter, Cheryl (“Sheri”) Sherman since 2014.

Roberta was born in Cordova, AL and enjoyed a childhood filled with adventures on the family farm. She moved to Frostproof, FL in 1942 and graduated from Frostproof High School as salutatorian of the class of 1949. She loved Polk County and moved to Lake Wales where she met and married Charles (“Chuck”) Harriman, Sr. and they enjoyed a long happy marriage filled with children and community. Roberta was devoted to her family and will always be remembered fondly for her whimsical spirit and creative storytelling with her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and neighbors. She was an avid reader, artist, and gardener. She loved poetry and all things nature related. She was a member of Lake Wales Inner Wheel and volunteered in the Polk County Schools. Roberta also enjoyed giving her time and support to Meals on Wheels with her dear friend and neighbor, Gwendolyn Burr.

Roberta was preceded in death by her husband, Charles (“Chuck”) Harriman, Sr.; her parents, Lacy Lougillah Freeman and Robert Edward Freeman; her siblings Thomas (“Tom”) Freeman, Faye Freeman Anderson, and June Freeman Beadle. She is survived by son, Charles (“Chuck”) Harriman, Jr. of Lake Wales; her daughters Teresa (“Tesci”) Chawi and husband Souhad of Bradenton, FL and Cheryl (“Sheri”) Sherman and husband Richard of Altamonte Springs, FL; brother, Jack Hudson of Louisiana; and sister-in-law, Cheryl Roddenberry of Clermont, FL. Known fondly as “Baboosh”, Roberta adored her five grandsons Christopher, Alexander, and Gabriel Chawi, Jonathan (Katherine) and Zachary Sherman. Roberta dearly loved her extended family of nieces, Roberta (Alan) Weissman, Jody (Fred) Saenz, Cindy (Anthony) Polston, and Jacquelyn Hudson; nephews, Lane and Steven Roddenberry and Alan Hudson. Roberta will always be remembered for her tender heart and warm and friendly smile.

A memorial is being planned at the Sarasota National Cemetery for Roberta to be laid to rest with her husband, Charles, later in the year. Condolences can be left for the family at Roberta Freeman Harriman Obituary - Altamonte Springs, FL (dignitymemorial.com). In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be sent to Bok Tower Gardens at 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales FL 33853 or Bok Tower Gardens Donation.