Catherine Freeman

Catherine Freeman, also known as Cathy or Aunt Kat was born on February 20, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York, the third child born to Howard Kinney and Justine Kinney (nee Everett). The family enjoyed living in the “Big City” but eventually relocated to Suffolk, Virginia for a taste of southern living. It was on the naval base in Suffolk, Virginia where Catherine caught the eye of a young gentleman in the service, Luther Freeman. She united in marriage to Luther on December 22, 1957, and to their union, two children were born, Luther Jr. and Hernando. When Luther retired from the service, they relocated and settled their family in Chicago, Illinois. She was the epitome of a remarkable mother who always put her children first! She would often pack up her young children and take them on long road trips across the country introducing them to exciting places and sharing new experiences. Undoubtedly a selfless, caring person, she expressed those qualities and spent much of her career as a dedicated nurse for the Hines VA Hospital and later the Jesse Brown VA Hospital in Chicago, Illinois where she eventually retired. She was introduced to Bible truths and Jehovah’s Witnesses by her mother, Justine. She initially was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses at the tender age of five years old in 1941. As time went on, her understanding and love for Jehovah grew. With a mature and complete heart, on December 6, 1972, she again dedicated her life to her Jehovah and symbolized it through water baptism as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She unshakably, stood firm and served Jehovah faithfully for 47 years until her very last moments. She would read and study the literature from cover to cover the instant she received it. She enjoyed her friends who became family at the Southtown, Beverly, Princeton Park, University Park, and lastly Burnham Congregation and they enjoyed her and her lively comments at the meetings. Catherine was known for her generous, gregarious, and SASSY nature. She will be remembered for her unwavering love and faithful service for and to Jehovah God. Until her resting, she had a profound desire for witnessing about Jehovah and Jesus Christ and diligently did what she could in the preaching work. On Saturday morning, January 26, 2019, at Community Hospital in Munster, Indiana, Catherine fell asleep in death. She was proceeded in death by her parents: Howard and Justine Kinney; husband: Luther Freeman, Sr.; son: Luther Freeman, Jr.; two brothers: Howard Kinney Jr. and Claude Kinney; one sister: Catherine Kinney also known as “Rat.” Catherine leaves to cherish her memory two sisters: Lilian Kinney and Agnes Williams; one son: Hernando Freeman; two daughters-in-law: Marilyn Freeman and Sharon Pittman; four grandchildren: A’yesha Freeman, Shanell Freeman, Elliot Freeman, and Marcus Freeman; five great-grandchildren: Edward Shines IV, Havyn Shines, Cardell Starks, Channell Starks, Christopher Starks; one extra special niece: Justina Hanson and a host of nieces, nephews, close family and friends.

Tributes

Catherine Freeman

February 20, 1936 - January 26, 2019