Joyce Freeman

Joyce "Red" Freeman (Dunn) of Houston, TX passed away peacefully at home Thursday, March 10, 2016 at the age of 76 years. Joyce was born September 30, 1939 in Houston, TX. She and her siblings traveled extensively with their parents at a young age because their father worked in the railroad industry. She settled in Houston as a young adult. Mom had a zest for living life that was powered by a deep and ever strengthening will to move forward, no matter what life would bring her way. Never did we hear Mom utter the words "quit" or "give up". She fought cancer and its related issues for 10+ years (in her own way of course). Telling doctors they were wrong about her future. And, they were wrong for many years because no one knows the will of another. Though mom had a very strong will, her biggest gift to friends and family was her "giving" spirit. She loved to help others and she was loved for that quality. She often would give to others even if it meant she would go without. She would give first and think last - a true "giver". Her zest for life led her to the dance floor. She enjoyed many styles - ballroom, waltzing, whipping (old school style) Belly Dancing and her favorite, the western swing. She danced for many years with many beloved dancing partners, including her sons. On the dance floor under the flickering lights she was given the nickname "Red" because of her fiery red hair. She was a very proud and feisty redhead. Mom, her sister and brother also sang gospel songs as young adults. They were known as the "Deep South Trio". They sang in many churches across the country and had a weekly radio show for a number of years. After retiring from the work force, she began her second career, raising her granddaughter and grandson from a very early age (due to the tragic death of their father, her youngest son, in a traffic accident). She did her very best and provided for them to the end. During that time Mom was presented with a beautiful great granddaughter named Skyler and a handsome great grandson named DeLeon III. She also had two beautiful granddaughters by her oldest son, Hannah and Kara. Mom is survived by her sister Patsy Williamson, brother Bill Dunn, son Buster Kelley and wife Tammy, son Jacque Dunn, grandchildren Crystal Riddell, DeLeon Riddell Jr, Hannah Kelley, and Kara Kelley, great grandchildren Skyler Riddell, and DeLeon Riddell III. She was preceded in death by her parents William Dunn and Bessie Mae Dunn and her youngest son DeLeon Riddell Sr. Mom, we will miss your strong will, your giving spirit, your zest for life, your love for family and friends, and especially your skillet fried pork chops and Lemon Jell-O Cake. Though you have departed this earth to enter Heaven with our Lord, you will live on in our hearts forever. We are who we are today, because of you. We look forward to being in your presence again soon. Your loving and thankful Family