Carolyn “Namee” Willis Freeman, 81, of Owensboro, Kentucky, passed away July 31, 2022 at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. She was born May 4, 1941 in Mt. Vernon, Missouri, to the late Howard and Elsie (Rudolph) Willis. Carolyn worked throughout her life starting at the Star News Newspaper, Several School Districts where she was loved by all the teachers and staff. She was a Store Manager for many years at K-mart in California as well. Her most important and favorite job was being a mother to her children.
Carolyn was a member of the Lutheran faith and her favorite scripture was Philippians 4:13; “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”
Along with her parents she is preceded in death by her infant son, Robert C. Hansen Jr.; brothers, Keith E. Willis and Bobby D. Willis; and sister Deloris E. Gamez.
Carolyn is survived by her loving husband of 42 years Fred Freeman and by her children, Melissa (John) Andesilich, Robin Anderson, Donna Hansen and her step-children; Gary (Lisa) Freeman; Penny (Adam) Blaydes. Her 10 grandchildren; 11 great grand-children; and siblings, Larry (Peggy) Willis, Harold (Shari) Willis, and Debra (Vince) Howard.
Carolyn was a truly giving person, she always put others needs before hers. She could not bear for someone to go without. She loved to cook and never knew how to make a meal for one, no one around
her ever went hungry. Fred and Carolyn enjoyed a love not only of each other but of their children and their animals. They also enjoyed their candy and spent years hiding their stash from each other but would always break down and share when one ran out. They spent years traveling together and when they moved to Springville, California they enjoyed the peace and quiet and the gorgeous views together. She loved to spend her free time reading, crocheting, painting or crafting things to give as gifts to others. She fought Cancer for 14 long years and kicked its ass and was a very proud survivor. She had an incredible ability to make people
augh in any situation (ask any nurse that ever took care of her). She was sassy and stubborn which is a trait she has happily passed on to her children and grandchildren (the girls mostly). She gave tough love followed by the warmest hugs and her children and grandchildren always knew they were loved by her. Her life revolved around her grandchildren and great grandchildren and she just loved seeing and hearing everything about them and their lives. She was filled with so much happiness and pride seeing them grow and succeed. Her beautiful smile and infectious laugh are something that we will all truly miss, along with the smirks and silly looks she would give us. If she didn’t tease you then she didn’t love you. She had the biggest heart and loved every animal she ever met, and they all loved her. No animal could resist her affection.
I know Heaven gained an Angel, but we truly believed she was one on earth the whole time she was here with us. She will be greatly missed by us all.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is both honored and privileged to be entrusted with the care of Mrs. Freeman. Leave your messages of condolence for the family of Carolyn “Namee” Willis Freeman and sign her virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.