Lula Freeman

On Wednesday, December 21, 2011, Lula B. C. Freeman, or “Lu” as called by most, departed her earthly life. She was born September 27, 1943 in Sussex, VA, the ninth child born to the late Dennis T. and Helen V. Crowder. She received her education in the Sussex County school systems. After graduating from high school, she moved to New York where she continued to advance her studies. Lula enrolled in a regional business school and took secretarial courses. After completion, she worked as a Secretary with the Division of Senior Centers. While working days she attended Wilfred Beauty Academy at night. After receiving her cosmetology license, she worked in various salons. Lula didn’t stop there. She attended NYC Technical College majoring in Human Services. She worked as a Human Resource Specialist with the City of New York for 21 years. Lula loved her job and her clients loved her. She was always helping people. There was nothing positive she wouldn’t do for you. Her kindness made everyone she came into contact with love and remember her. She put others first with no problem. Lula was not a procrastinator. If she saw something that needed to be done, she did it with love. Her favorite words were, “I don’t have all day.” Lula volunteered at Norfolk General Hospital in the gift shop where she loved serving people. She was a very spiritual person and found Christ at a very young age. She was a faithful member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Brooklyn, NY where she served as Secretary of the First Ladies Auxiliary, Secretary of the Virginia Club and the Flower Club. She worked diligently with each auxiliary until relocating from New York. She maintained a warm and caring spirit with everyone she met. Lula was married to the former Marshall Freeman. Together they shared many memories, including attending church, Sunday School and Bible Study together. They also loved to travel and spend time with family and friends. After moving to Portsmouth, Lula and Marshall joined Grove Church under the leadership of Dr. Melvin O. Marriner. Lula was preceded in death by her husband, Marshall L. Freeman, a brother, George E. Crowder, and a sister, Cora B. Tabb. She leaves to cherish her memory, two loving children, Lisa and Freddy; two precious grandchildren, Kayana and Ariel, her extended family, three stepsons, Terry (Vicky), Adrian and Marshall; four special step-grandchildren, Justia, Jenah, Chelsa and Alexander; three sisters, Effie, Minnie and Blanche; three brothers, David, Dennis Jr. and Thomas; two devoted sisters-in-law, Lillie and Perry; two brothers-in-law, Joseph and John, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Lula Freeman

September 27, 1943 - December 21, 2011