of Ratcliff, AR
May 4, 1962 - July 8, 2023
Eileen Freeman, 61, of Ratcliff, Arkansas went to her heavenly home to be with the Lord, Saturday, July 8, 2023.
She was born May 4, 1962 in Fremont, California to her parents, Jim Mayo and Elizabeth "Betty" (Shanahan) Mayo. Eileen was a teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School in Paris for twenty-six years and also taught a religion class at the church. She was the only private school teacher in Western Arkansas to receive the Guy Fenter Educational Teacher of the Year Award and the United States Air Force Association Chapter Teacher of the Year Award in 2016. She enjoyed snow and water skiing, scuba diving, fishing and playing the flute and piano. Eileen was a very kind, generous, loving and kindhearted person who loved to make a difference in people's lives.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sister, Kathy Burns.
She is survived by her husband of forty-one years, Kent Freeman of the home; two brothers, Pat Mayo and wife, Kathy of California and Mike Mayo and wife, Christina of California; one sister, Moira Heidweiller and husband, Rene of California; several other family members and friends.
A Memorial Mass will be held 10:00 A.M. Saturday, July 29, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Paris. There will be no graveside burial service at this time.
Memorial mass and cremation arrangements are under the direction of Roller Funeral Home.
The family request that memorial donations be made to the St. Joseph Catholic School Education Fund at 25 South Spruce Street, Paris, Arkansas 72855.
Mrs. Freeman was my 4th & 5th grade teacher when she was teaching at Durham Elementary in Fremont, Ca - I’ll never forget when she first became a teacher and had just moved back to CA from AR with her long blonde hair and accent =) Throughout all my grade school years, she was by far my favorite teacher, I was blessed to have her as my teacher twice, I cried in front of everyone when I didn’t get her a third time for my final 6th grade year before moving onto Jr. High. My deepest condolences to all that were blessed to know and love her. After all these years I still think of her often and will never forget her.
Ms. Freeman was the best teacher I could ever ask for. She inspired me as a catholic and person. She always helped in our community. She loved and cared about all of her students like we were her family. She made school feel more like a home than a place you were forced to go to. Although I only had her as a teacher for less than a year it felt like ive known her my entire life. I will never be able to explain in words how much she ment to us. At my graduation she gave us her class stuffed animals. It makes me happy that I have something to cherish from Ms. Freeman. She always had a amazing aditude and smiled through everything. She was a blessing to everyone. She will be missed greatly.
Mrs. Freeman did more for my son, William than probably anyone that isn't related to us. She believed in him and she loved him, rough edges and all. He felt that, and still does. He loves and misses her deeply but treasures the time he had with her. She will be deeply missed.
The world lost a bright soul when mrs.freeman passed. Mrs.Freeman was my teacher when she first got cancer, and even through sickness she was the most amazing teacher. In class she made learning fun, and if anyone didn’t quite understand a lesson, she’d take time to “reteach†the lesson and really show she cared. Mrs freeman was also my confirmation sponsor. She was one of my biggest catholic influences, she taught me so much, and helped me through the confirmation process, and showed me how amazing it is to be catholic! She was the image of happiness, kindness, and love. In the mornings she’d always have upbeat music, and greet us by name with a smile on her face. She loved each and every one of her students, and truly loved teaching. I have so many great memories with her, and although I’m sad to see her go, I know she’s in a much better place now. My condolences to the family, and all those she loved.
Kent, I have never met you or Eileen, but Mike is like our own son. He has been a big part of our lives for years. I am so sorry for your loss and Mike I know how much you loved your sister and how hard it was to watch her suffering. Know that the Lord and savior greeted her with open arms and now she is able to rest peacefully His arms. No more pain or sorrow. She is HOME!! May God's grace, love and comfort be with you all until you meet up with her again.
Mrs. Freeman was simply the best! I was blessed to be able to chaperone many field trips and help out with classroom holiday parties. She also welcomed my littles to tag along. She was a top notch teacher that went above and beyond. My girls excelled academically after leaving St Joseph. She will be deeply missed by all. Prayers for her familyâ¤ï¸
Mrs. Freeman taught both of my boys at St. Joseph's!! She never forgot them!! After they graduated, Everytime she saw me, she asked how they were doing!!! Wonderful teacher with a caring attitude! Teaching the young was definitely what she was meant to do!! You can tell she loved her job!!! RIP Mrs. Freeman!!! Job on earth Well Done!!
Mrs Freeman taught my daughter and my nephew. She'll be missed by many. May God comfort you in this difficult time.
🙠Dava Bowen Ross
Kent, I am so sorry for the loss of your precious Eileen. I saw how much she loved you during our time together. Even though we only saw each other two or three times over the years, my time in London with her is so precious to me. She helped me grow up and stand on my own two feet. Her generous spirit and contagious laughter will stay with me forever. I will miss your forever, Leenie. "You belong among the wildflowers. You belong in a boat out at sea. You belong somewhere you can be free." Love you, Leenie.
Eileen was more than my 7th and 8th grade teacher. She was my mentor and one of the reasons I became a teacher. It would be impossible to put into words the impact she had on my life and so many others. I pray you have peace the Spirit gives, Kent. She's remembered for what she did, and those who knew her struggle are grateful she's no longer suffering. Your memory lives on with us.
PSALM 139:14
You are beautiful for you are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Thankful for your love and kindness to children and others. A sweet soul.
Cousin
May you find the peace you were looking for.
Brian
I’ve known Eileen for almost all her teaching career. I count her amongst the “best of the best†of educators. She was a fellow teacher and fellow musician and a friend. Her faith grew stronger as she gave of herself to her students year after year. I’m sure she impacted each and every one of them in some way as well as her fellow teachers. Eileen fought the good fight and finished the race. You will be missed, my friend.
1 Timothy 6:12
“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.â€
Hebrews 12:1-2
“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.â€
Our deepest condolences. Praying that you find consolation in Our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Mrs. Freeman, you made a magnificent change in Isaac and every student you taught. Your friends and family and students are missing you greatly but we rejoice in knowing that you are resting in the Fathers arms. We shall see you again one day. May God grant peace and comfort to all those who are missing you, and carry your family, friends, & students. You were not only a teacher, but a guiding light for Gods love. Thank you and may you rest easy in the arms of Our Father.
Thank you for making a difference in my life. Your belief in me inspired me to make a difference in others lives.
Eileen had both of my boys in her class at St. Joseph School. She was a wonderful teacher and person. We are all so sorry for your loss Kent. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of Eileen's family.
Mrs. Freeman taught both of my kids at St Joseph Catholic School. She will be missed. We grew to love her as family. So sorry she is gone. May her eternal rest with Christ.
Eileen was a sweet lady and will be miss by many. She spent her life making a difference to the kids of this community. Our Deepest Condolences to Kent and the family.
My Most Heartfelt Sympathy to all of Eileen's family! May she finally rest in peace! God Bless her. she was a very special woman and will be missed by very many!
Words Alway Fail,
But Please Know,
You Are In Our Thoughts
& Prayers.
The World is a Lessor
Place Without Eileen.