of Helena, AR
October 27, 1931 - April 22, 2015
Patsy Ann Bennett Freemyer completed her earthly journey and slipped quietly from this world on Wednesday, April 22, 2015. She will best be remembered as a difference maker to her family, her students, the community of Helena-West Helena and her church.
She was married to the love of her life, Wesley Neal Freemyer, for almost 62 years. They began their lifelong partnership together in 1953 after graduating from Hendrix College.
Pat approached every task, role, relationship or obstacle with dignity, grace and her ever present smile. Her passion for teaching influenced decades of both students and educators.
Pat was a trailblazer for issues centering on equality, advocacy and mission. She provided exemplary leadership for United Methodist Women and the United Methodist Church locally in Helena and through service at the Conference, Jurisdictional and Global levels. Perhaps Pat's greatest accomplishments centered around service, including Terrific Tuesday, an after-school tutoring program she founded and directed, Lenten Listening, a community-wide devotional series that she championed and the countless students that she influenced to pursue higher education from Phillips County.
Pat instilled in her children and grandchildren a sense of wonder about the world, a love of reading, the importance of hospitality, kindness to all and generosity of spirit.
She was greeted in heaven by her two sons, Richard Wayne Freemyer and Kenneth Wesley Freemyer.
Her legacy in this world will be joyfully carried on by her daughters, Norma Edmonds Hargraves (Bev Hargraves and Simon Ortiz), Patti Freemyer Martin (John, Ellen and Bennett Martin), Emily Freemyer Atkins (Charlie Atkins; Mary Michael, Matthew, Joseph, Nicholas and Anne Henry Maggio), Wesley Ann Freemyer Thomas (Kelly; Easton, Beck and Rowan), and Virginia Jackson Freemyer.
Memorials made be made to the Helena United Methodist Church, 502 Porter Street, Helena, AR 72342 or to Hendrix College, 1600 Washington Avenue, Conway, AR 72032.
A graveside service for Pat Freemyer will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 25, 2015 at Sunset Memorial Park in West Helena. Following the graveside service, a Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Helena United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held Friday evening from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in West Helena.
Services will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571.
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30 Condolence(s)
Patsy Snyder
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Dear Wes & Family, My heart goes out to all of you in the loss of Pat!! Praying God will bless each of you at this time of sorrow!! She was a very special person!
Ann Peters
Monday, April 27, 2015
Emily,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Reading your mother's obituary and comments by friends and loved ones, made me wish I had known her. I know she was a very special lady. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Ann and David
Rev. Mary Olson
Saturday, April 25, 2015
We called Pat "Ms. United Methodism" because she gave so much to so many different ministries of the church - locally, state-wide, and globally. We praise God for the life she lived and the legacy she leaves.
Annette Fortuño
Friday, April 24, 2015
Dear Norma;
Please accept my condolences.My thoughts and
prayers are with you and your
family.
Annette Fortuño
Annette Fortuño
Friday, April 24, 2015
Dear Norma;
Please accept my condolences.
My thoughts and prayers are
with you and your family.
Annette Fortuño
Max Conner
Friday, April 24, 2015
There were several wonderful adults in my childhood, she was a leader in that group.
Bennie an fran
Friday, April 24, 2015
So glad we came to Conway to see patsy a few weeks ago. What a precious lady an a special cousin. All our love and prayers are with all of you. Bennie and. Fran
Faleasha Smith-Tate
Friday, April 24, 2015
This news is received with a heavy heart; yet the fondest of memories. You cared so much about your students. I remember struggling in your class and worrying about passing. You called my mom over the summer break to say, "please let Faleasha know that she passed." That news made my summer. I remember watching the Great Gatsby at your home, you invited the whole class, no teacher had ever done that-before or since you. You were tough-with love. I appreciate you and will think of you often, as I have always. Rest In Love.
Linda Wesson
Friday, April 24, 2015
Pat was a dear friend to me and my family. She was the kind of person who gave of yourself without asking or expecting anything in return. She was always there willing to help all those around her-friends, faculty and students at Central High School, the Phillips County Community, and the Methodist Church International Community. Her beautiful spirit of equalitarian service will be greatly missed by many.
Evelyn and Howard Griffin
Friday, April 24, 2015
Mr. Freemyer and Family,
Mrs. Pat was a loving and caring Lady.
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during your time of loss.
Lisa Bowden Gregory
Friday, April 24, 2015
I had the pleasure of having Ms Pat as my teacher for both 9th & 10th grade English. She is to due all the credit for my love of reading. She was always a positive role model and the bell of the Southern Ball. Her gracious ways and love of literature will forever reign in my memory. You will be truly missed Mrs. Pat, so many of us were blessed to have you as our teacher.
Lynette Murphy
Friday, April 24, 2015
Freemyer family:
What a precious and dear lady and friend. Mrs. Freemyer was truly beautiful inside and out. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this time.
Lynn Baker
Friday, April 24, 2015
Pat was a beloved friend and mentor. I cherished her ongoing prayers for our son and her unquenchable spirit.
She was a United Methodist Woman - a true woman of PURPOSE.
She has left a legacy and will not be forgotten. Prayers and blessings to all.
Linda Teeter
Friday, April 24, 2015
So happy I had the opportunity to know Pat. She was an inspiration!
Earnest and Carolyn Davis-Jones
Friday, April 24, 2015
Our prayers are sent to the family of Mrs. Freemeyer, with special condolences to Emily. She was one of my favorite teachers and may her Spirit and legacy live within the souls of those who knew her best. GOD Bless.
Kathy Finch
Thursday, April 23, 2015
A truly classy Southern Methodist Lady! She always supported the Methodist Youth Programs of our District and Conference. She was a good friend and she will be missed.
Cindy (Copeland) Peters
Thursday, April 23, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. She was an inspiration for me. Whenever I think of her I smile. Praying for each of you in the days ahead.
Ed and Ramona Rose
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Dearest Wes and family,
Please accept our sincere sympathy in the loss of
Pat. We have so many special memories of her
and your family. What a beautiful person she was! She touched many lives and will be remembered by all who knew her. May God give each of you comfort and peace now and in the days ahead. We send hugs and love for all.
ED and RAMONA ROSE, Oro Valley, Arizona
Ben Davis
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Michelle & Dru King
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Prayers of peace for you all.
Gary & Theresa Kimberling
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Our friendship began over 40 years ago! Pat had a smile that would light up a dark room- she was a Southern lady in every way-she loved life, her family and her God. No doubt her light shines brightly now in Heaven. I wouldn't doubt if we looked upward we just might see her bright light! Love and prayers to you all.......
Carrie McBride
Thursday, April 23, 2015
My condolences. I probably have Mrs. Freemyer to thank, in part, for my English degree and subsequent path in life. CHS class of '95.
Clarice Summons
Thursday, April 23, 2015
I will continue to pray for the entire Freemyer family. My sincere condolences.
Cheryl M. Anderson
Thursday, April 23, 2015
My thoughts are with all of you. I loved your Mom so much! I'm sure my Momma, Mrs. Pat and Kenneth are all together in Heaven straightening out the World and certainly enjoying Everlasting Life....all my love to The Fabulous Freemyer Family and to extended family as well...
Diane& Jim Mayer
Thursday, April 23, 2015
A fabulous wife mother and friend. A true woman of valor missed by all who knew her. The Mayer Family
Kevin and Sissy Smith
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Thank you for all you gave to your community and family.
Steve & Teresa Benthal
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Dear Emily,
Please accept our heartfelt sympathies in the passing of your mother. She was my honors English teacher in the 9th grade; and your brother, Kenneth, was a good friend of Steve's. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you now and forever. It is such a terrible loss to those of us who remain but mortal servants. This world has lost an amazing woman, but God has granted the much needed and long-promised rest to one of his most faithful servants. We feel blessed to have known her at all.
Steve & Teresa Benthal
DALE AND PAM BROWN
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Mrs. Pat was one of my favorite people. She loved everybody and always had that beautiful smile. She made a difference in alot of people's lives! Individuals that would have otherwise chosen a difficult direction, she drove and taught them to go in the right direction. Her patience and compassion for life and people will leave an everlasting impression to all who knew and loved her. She is one that will never be forgotten and greatly missed. God bless her family.
Charlotte McCarty
Thursday, April 23, 2015
What a classy, fun, Christain lady she was . She will be missed by all who knew her,
She is with The Lord and I know she's getting everything and everyone in order, God bless all the family
Stewarr Juengel
Thursday, April 23, 2015
So sorry to hear of the loss of this wonderful lady. Thoughts and prayers to all of you.