Ella A. Freeman

Ella Ann Norwood Freeman, 76 of Kansas City, MO died Sunday, January 8, 2012 at Clara Manor Nursing Home. She died peacefully, surrounded by four generations of her family and friends. Ella was called “Red” by many who were close to her. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 13, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Jamison Memorial Temple, 3115 E. Linwood, KCMO. Cremation to follow.

Ella Ann was born March 14, 1935 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Herbert and Anna Norwood, Sr. of Ft. Smith, Arkansas. She was the oldest of 6 children; four sisters and one brother. Ella spent her childhood in Ft. Smith, where she attended elementary and high school. She married Elzie E. Freeman on June 5, 1954. During their 33 year marriage, Ella and Elzie had four children; Diana, Shelia, Tracy, and Terri Lynn. In 1959, Ella, Elzie and their children left Ft. Smith to start a new life in Kansas City where she continued her education in the nursing field.

Ella dedicated her life to helping and serving others, and trained others in the nursing field for over 40 years. Ella was employed with Leisure Care Corp. for over 30 years until she was diagnosed with cancer in June 2011. She worked at Clara Manor for 32 years and chose to become a resident of the facility when she became ill. Ella was beloved by the residents she once cared for, and the staff she once worked with cared for her until her death. She was converted and baptized at a very young age at Mt. Zion CME Church in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. Ella became a member of Jamison Memorial Temple CME in 1964 where she remained a member until her departure. She was preceded in death by her parents and Elzie.

Ella leaves to cherish her memory four children; Diana Freeman-Clay (Carmel) of Kansas City, Shelia Freeman of Shawnee KS, Tracy Freeman (Margaret) of Shawnee KS, Terri Lynn Dozier (Carlos) of North Kansas City. She also leaves to cherish her memory 5 siblings; Ruth of West Helena, AR, Wynona (Nolan) of San Antonio, TX, Javana of Kansas City, Mo, Lorina of Ft. Smith, AR, Herbert, Jr. (Linda) of Ft. Smith, AR; Ten grandchildren; Abdullah (Jean), Renald (Adrien), Tiffany, Sabirah (David), Hassan; Tracy, Jr, Tahirah (Antoine); Brandon, Christian, and Stanley. Ella also leaves behind thirteen great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, as well as a host of other family and close friends.

Special prayers and blessing for Ella’s Aunt Francis, Elmer Freeman (Marie), Mikhail Muhammad, Charles Bruce and the staff of Clara Manor Nursing Home. Online condolences may be left at www.mcgilleymidtownchapel.com