Mary Elizabeth Freeman, age 94 of Deepwater, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at her home. Her infectious love, laughter and light was a beacon, an essence of joy and grace, and embodied the spirit of generosity. A pillar within her family. Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. Mary's wishes were to be cremated. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Fond memories and condolences may be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.
Mary was born February 29, 1932 in Kansas City, MO to Earl H. and Flora M. Oberholtz. Her grandfather Georee Shelley was mayor of Kansas City, MO. She was a member of the Church of Christ Scientisi Boston, MA. Her husband John E. Freeman passed away July 1995. They were married on January 28, 1951 in Kansas City, MO and were married for 44 years.
Mary started her career with the Army Map Service with Top Secret clearance, later transferring to the Corps of Engineers Kansas City, MO. She was involved with drafting the construction of Truman Lake and Missouri River levees. In 1979 she transferred to the city of Mesa, AZ. There she managed (As Builts) mapping. In 1986 she then moved back to Missouri to the Truman Lake area that she fell in love with when mapping for the lake. She worked and retired from Wal-Mart at 81 years of age. She volunteered her time at the Samaritan Center, Clinton, MO.
She is survived by sons Kent Freeman (Carolyn) of Deepwater, MO and John Freeman of Clinton, MO, grandson Trenton E. Freeman of Springfield, MO, great-grandsons Ryan & Trevor Freeman of Springfield, MO, step-grandchildren Jackie Price & Richard Fry, step-great-grandchildren Randall & Bryon Price & Alexandria (Fry) of Joplin, MO and 4 great great-grandsons, and a sister Julianna Henderson of Buena Vista, CO.
Services are under the direction of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, MO.
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