Freeda Gilbert

Freeda June Pruett Gilbert 

6-28-1929 - 10-30-2024

Four months before the Stock Market Crash of 1929, Freeda June Pruett was born. She was born in Wichita Falls, Texas as the fourth child of Elmer Wade Pruett and Georgia Roberta Pruett. She had two sisters, Joyce and Glenda, and one brother Dale. Times were very tough in the years after the crash. Her parents divorced and her mother became ill. Freeda and her sister, Glenda, were sent to the Corsicana State Orphanage Home after their mother became too ill to care for them. The two older children went to work. Freeda loved Corsicana State Home and often said she was so grateful to have gone there.

She was a majorette, the Team Co-Captain for the basketball team and a lifeguard on the swim team as well. She was Secretary in the National Honor Society and graduated with honors as Salutatorian in 1947. She received both sports and academic scholarships. She earned a Beautician's License before graduating. She attended East Texas State Teachers College (now known as East Texas A&M).

She met Lennon Eugene Gilbert at East Texas College. He saw her walking across the campus and told his buddies that he was going to marry "that" girl and pointed to Freeda. Neither one knew each other at the time, but indeed, they did meet and eventually marry.

Freeda had a wonderful life with Lennon and their children. They were married for 72 years before his passing in 2020. In 1984 they bought a motor home and over the years traveled the United States and some of Canada. She liked to travel and go dancing with Lennon. She loved being the homemaker and mother to her 3 daughters. She was active in the PTA, YMCA/YWCA, Girls Scouts, RV Clubs and volunteered in many, many organizations.

Freeda is survived by her daughters; Brenda Cichon, husband Richard, and three sons, Brian and wife Amber, Greg and wife Danielle, and Andrew and wife Deeann; Janice Peace, husband Mike, and two children Michael and wife Carley, and Angela; and Gina Trantham, husband Mike, and one son Mitchell; and 9 great­ grandchildren. She was loved dearly by all her family and will sincerely be missed.