Earnest Lee Freeman, 71, Marksville
Earnest Lee Freeman was born on September 2, 1951, and entered into Glory on Sunday, October 2, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents Johnny and Theresa Freeman of Raymond, Mississippi. It was in Raymond where Earnest developed his appreciation for agriculture from an early age: tending to the family farm, working in the garden of a neighbor where he earned money for trips to the movies, and attending an agricultural high school. He was a graduate of Alcorn State University, where he not only graduated with a BS in Agriculture Education, but also where he met his beloved wife, Beverly Ann Eloby Freeman.
Earnest was a faithful servant of God. He embodied service throughout his life. Serving his country, his family, his community, his beloved Church, and most importantly, his Lord and Savior. 1976 was an eventful year for him: he joined the United States Air Force and married Beverly on October 12th. Earnest was stationed at England Air Base which relocated them from Mississippi to Alexandria. In Louisiana, they made houses into homes. Doing so included welcoming his beloved children and grandchildren. He was immensely proud of each of them.
Earnest found joy in doing (Ecclesiastes 9:10). He was highly active at St. John Community Church-Baptist where he served in numerous roles, including Sunday School teacher and Superintendent emeritus of Sunday School (for over 10 years), member of the Deacons Ministry, and Church Building Committee. His activities extended to the local, state, and national levels of the Brotherhood Union. He loved fellowshipping with his Brothers. His service to others even went beyond his Church to the greater Avoyelles Parish community, where he served on the Board for the Avoyelles Parish Commission of Tourism, the Avoyelles Hospital Board, and while employed as a county agent through the LSU & Southern University Cooperative Extension Services, he would write for the Marksville Weekly’s AgNotes feature.
He leaves many to cherish his memory: his loving wife of 46 years Beverly; their three children: Quinton Andre (Adrienne) of Houston, Texas, Jerald Anthony of Destrehan, Louisiana and Earniece Levette Freeman of Alexandria, Louisiana; his two grandchildren Sarah Jalecia and Jerald Anthony Freeman; sisters, brothers, cousins, nieces, nephews, and numerous friends.
A service celebrating his life and legacy will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at St. John Community Church-Baptist, 531 St. John St., Marksville, LA 71351. Public viewing and visitation will begin at 9:00 am and continue until the start of service at 11:00 am. Mr. Freeman will be laid to rest in the St. John Community Cemetery immediately following the service with Military Honors.