Jo Ella Freeman

A Celebration of Life for Jo Ella D. Freeman will be held March 1, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Fox & Murray Funeral Home with Pastor Dave Downey officiating. Calling hours will be held prior to the service from 11:00 AM until the start of the Celebration. Jo Ella passed away Friday, February 23, 2024 surrounded by family at St. Joseph’s Nursing Home. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Fox & Murray Funeral Home.

Mrs. Freeman is survived by her two sons, Mark (Becky) Freeman of Fairfax, VA and Matthew Freeman of De Peyster, NY; her daughters, Donna (Richard) Pray, Amy Price, and Sue (Randy) Pray all of De Peyster, NY. She was predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Richard T. Freeman; her parents, Charles and Thelma Downey; brothers, J. “Rodney” Downey, and C. “Kent” Downey; and her sister, Linda (Downey) Cole. Mrs. Freeman has 12 grandchildren, Andrew (Jill) Pray, Debra (Jeremy) Carpenter, Jennifer Brooks, Anna Freeman, Joseph Freeman, Joshua Price, Ashley (Bob) Ingersoll, Michael Pray, Daniel Pray, Brandon Pray, Emma Burnett, and Teagan Freeman; 11 great grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews.

Jo Ella was born February 3, 1945, in Ogdensburg, NY to the late Charles and Thelma (Clark) Downey. She graduated from Ogdensburg Free Academy in 1963. On August 21, 1965, Jo Ella married Richard T. Freeman who predeceased her on May 24, 2009. She worked many different jobs starting at the Boys Club for their grand opening in 1964, serving as a Choir Director for two years, the Ogdensburg Trust Company for a period, St. Lawrence Gas doing Secretarial work, George Hall in the accounting department until July of 1966 before taking some years off to raise her children. In 1984, Jo Ella went back to work part time for Hackett’s and eventually went to United Way working as a Secretary until retiring in 1992.

She regularly attended Ogdensburg Command Performances, was active in the De Peyster Festival and played the organ at the De Peyster Methodist Church. Jo Ella enjoyed directing and producing Variety Shows, singing, and playing the piano. She directed the De Peyster Christmas Eve service for over 20 years. Jo Ella was also a Sunday School Superintendent and taught Sunday School for many years. She greatly enjoyed assisting the Heuvelton Central School Marching Band during parades for several years when her children participated. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jo Ella’s name to the National M.S. Society at nationalmssociety.org; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org; or by planting a tree in her name. Condolences and fond memories can also be shared online at www.foxandmurrayfuneralhome.com . The Celebration of Her Life Funeral Service will be available on live stream at 1:00 PM at www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100047389671455 (our Fox & Murray Funeral Home Facebook page).