JUDITH DOUGLASS "JUDY" FREELAND

JUDITH DOUGLASS "JUDY" FREELAND, a resident of Franklin, Tennessee and former resident of the Williston Community in Fayette County, died at 4:45 P.M. Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at the Williamson Medical Center in Franklin where she had been a patient for one day. She was 63 years of age.

A Celebration of Life Service for Mrs. Freeland was conducted at 2 P.M. Saturday, August 16th at the Peebles Main Funeral Chapel in Somerville with Rev. John Michael Krech of the Somerville First Presbyterian Church, officiating. Interment followed in the Union Cemetery of the Laconia Community with Deacon Michael Blome, of St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church in Somerville, conducting the graveside service. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes-Main Chapel of Somerville.

A native of Memphis, Mrs. Freeland was born February 10, 1945, the daughter of the late William Lester Hamner and the late Mary Magdeline Herr Hamner. She was preceded in death by her husband, James W. "Jimmy" Freeland, Sr., retired Somerville Banker who died in 2001.  A Catholic for much of her life, she later joined the Somerville First Presbyterian Church after marrying her husband.

A Magna Cum Laude Graduate of the University of Memphis, Mrs. Freeland was a teacher in the Fayette County Public School system in earlier years. She also served as former Mayor of the Town of Williston.

A person active in charitable, civic and community affairs throughout her life, Mrs. Freeland was a multi-talented person and held posts in numerous organizations including the Association for Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Memphis Brooks Museum, Heflin House Museum and the Hannum-Rhea House, whose restoration project she held especially dear.

An accomplished equestrian and member of the Longreen Hunt Club of Rossville and the United States Pony Club, she had a great love for her horses, "Skipper", "Cricket" and "Hickory".

Giving generously of her time, talents and gifts, she lived her life with dignity, courage and faith and was an inspiration to her family, friends and all who knew her.

Survivors of Mrs. Freeland include her daughter, Melanie Holland Hicks (Donald Lamar, Jr.) of Franklin; her son, William Lewis Holland, Jr. of Memphis; her sister, Mary Francis Roman of Little Rock, AR; and two grandsons, Harris Holland and Wynn Douglass Hicks of Franklin.

Those honored to serve as casketbearers were Donald Lamar Hicks, Jr., Javier G. Roman, Dr. Juan C. Roman, Dr. Juan J. Roman, Armando J. Wheelock and Joseph Wheelock.

The family request that Memorials be directed to the Hannum-Rhea House Restoration Fund, C/O Judy Harvey, Treasurer, P.O. Box 325, Whiteville, TN 38075. Phone: 731-254-8920.