Sunrise November 18, 1952 – Sunset February 15, 2023
The Freeman, Johnson and Sombai families announce the homegoing of Fred J. Freeman, Sr., a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and loving friend to many. He was 71. Fred transitioned to be with his creator on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, at the S.D. Cooper Hospital in Monrovia, Liberia, surrounded by loved ones. Affectionately called Daddy, Johnson, TJ, Pa Fred, and of course, Grandpa, Fred was born Frederick Johnson to the late Elick M. Johnson and Haja Kinii Goe, in Brewerville, Montserrado County, Liberia, on Nov. 18, 1952. Like many of his siblings, Fred adopted the Freeman surname from his uncle, the Late Edwin V.G. Freeman, who was an earlier guardian.
At about two years old, Fred, his parents, and two siblings at the time, moved to Bomi Hills, later named Tubmanburg, where his father was an employee of the Liberia Mining Company. He started his early education in the Episcopal church, first at St. Paul Episcopal School in Bomi Hills and later at Mbaloma Episcopal Mission in Grand Cape Mount County, where he completed his primary education. Fred spent several years in neighboring Sierra Leone, pursuing his secondary education. He returned to Liberia and spent several years in Bomi Hills, his adopted hometown.
With a love for big motors, Fred sought and gained employment with the LAMCO JV Operating Company in Yekepa, Nimba County, as a heavy equipment operator. He worked with the company for many years until its closure in the late ‘80s. He then moved to Monrovia, the capital, where he went into the transportation business. He later became an advocate for public transportation drivers’ rights, as a union representative. Through his LAMCO connection, Fred met, fell in love with, and married Philomena Nmah Freeman.
Fred was a member of St. Kizito Catholic Church in Paynesville, Liberia. A very outgoing, cheerful, and serious-minded individual, Fred was a friend to count on. His bright smile, baritone voice, and towering personality will be sorely missed. As gravely ill as he was, Fred mustered the strength to see one last dream come true before his death – the wedding of his youngest child, Emmanuel, to the very lovely Matu Momo, just weeks before he was hospitalized for the last time. The sight of his Father-Daughter-in-law dance with Matu was one to behold. But as we all know now, the Almighty God called, and Fred answered. We love you TJ, Big Brother, Daddy, Pa Fred but God, your creator, needs you. Rest in peace!
Fred is survived by his wife, Philomena. Children: Tina Kini Freeman, Weatta Musu Freeman, Fred M. Freeman II, and Emmanuel ST Freeman (Matu). Grandchildren: Blessing Freeman, Archie Archibong, Edmond Divine Freeman, Stephanie Esther Freeman, and Patricia Freeman. One great granddaughter, Doris Myers. Fred is also survived by his siblings: Ella Musu Coleman (Joseph – deceased), Emmanuel Siafa Freeman (Felina), Tenneh Freeman, and Jimmy M. Kiazolu. In addition to his parents, Fred was predeceased by his sister Bindu Freeman, and brother Richard Foday Caulcrick.
FINAL ARRAINGEMENTS ARE AS FOLLOW:
FUNERAL SERVICE
March 11, 2023, at 10 a.m.
St. Moses Funeral Parlor
Japan Freeway, Somalia Drive
Gardnerville, Montserrado County
BURIAL
Lee Hill Community Cemetery
Johnsonville, Montserrado County
REPAST
Family, friends, and well-wishers are invited to Mr. Fred Freeman’s residence in the Omega Community, Paynesville. Direction will be given at the funeral service.
CONTACTS – Liberia
Philomena Nmah Freeman (wife) – 0777513830
Ella Musu Freeman (Sister) – 0775138955
Tina Kini Freeman (Daughter) – 0776685399
Weatta Musu Freeman (Daughter) – 0775305028
Fred M. Freeman II (Son) – 0777409600
Emmanuel ST Freeman (Son) – 0775784075
CONTACTS – U.S.
Emmanuel S. Freeman (Brother) 229-347-5253
Georgia Freeman (Cousin) – 240-688-7606
Jassie Sombai-Mulongo – (Aunty) – 714-580-5908
Edwin V. Freeman (Cousin) – 404-539-2606
Roland Sombai (Cousin) – 917-575-2901
