Donna Davis Freeman

Mrs. Donna Davis Freeman, age 88, peacefully entered into rest on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Zoar Methodist Church on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 4:00 PM, officiated by Pastor Dan Sullivan, Pastor Randy Bishop, Reverend Jeff Davis, and Brent Taylor. Following the service, interment will take place in the Davis Family Plot of Zoar Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Wednesday, prior to the service at the church.

The Zoar Methodist Sunday school class #9 that Mrs. Freeman loved so much, is asked to serve as honorary pallbearers. Active pallbearers will be Ricky Wallace, Ronnie Freeman, Farris Pigg, Joel Rivers, Jack Rivers, and Bob Robeson.

Born on April 4, 1937, in Chesterfield, SC, Mrs. Freeman was the daughter of Don and Dot Jones Davis. She graduated from Chesterfield High School and furthered her education by obtaining a bachelor's degree from Coker College and a Master’s in Education from Winthrop College. Mrs. Freeman dedicated her career to teaching, beginning at Cheraw Academy and spending many years in Chesterfield County Public Schools. She passionately loved and nurtured her students, striving for their success. In recognition of her dedication, she received the prestigious SC Teacher of the Year award in the early 1970s.

A lifelong and faithful member of Zoar Methodist Church, Donna cherished her church and church family. She contributed significantly to church life as secretary, Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School worker, and participated in various committees, including her beloved Sunday school class #9. Notably, she played a key role in designing and sewing the church pall which will drape her casket and proudly contributed to the eternal flame on the altar in memory of her late husband.

Donna enjoyed reading, solving crossword puzzles, and cherishing moments with her family. Together with her husband, Mr. Emsley A. “Tunnie” Freeman, they often explored the countryside, creating treasured memories. She was esteemed as a classy southern lady and the matriarch of her family and was fondly referred to as “Mimi” by her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She actively supported their church, school, and sporting events, taking immense pride in their achievements.

The last five years as dementia took over her body, her inner beauty shone brightly and was always expressed through her loving spirit and beautiful smile. A lady who always put others ahead of herself, even in death, her generous heart is reflected in her decision to donate her beautiful long hair to Wigs for Kids.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Freeman has been reunited in heaven with her husband and love of her life for over 52 years, Emsley A. “Tunnie” Freeman.

She is survived by her son, Emsley D. “Dusty” Freeman (Linda Driggers) of Cheraw, SC; daughter, Christy F. (Wayne) Truesdale of Chesterfield, SC; grandchildren, Anna T. (Andy) Poole of Cheraw, SC, Seth W. (Molly) Truesdale of Chesterfield, SC, Chase A. (Lauren) Freeman of Columbia, SC, Lanie F. (Austin) Bradshaw of Fort Mill, SC, and Jonathan M. Freeman of Myrtle Beach, SC; great-grandchildren, Emsley Reid Truesdale, Ellison Reese Truesdale, Cecilia Claire Freeman, Peyton Lane Bradshaw, and Crawford Duvall Poole; as well as sisters-in-law, Alice Freeman of Florence, SC, and Annie Freeman of Pageland, SC; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to her caregivers, Clara, Annie, Trenease, Brenda, and Lois, and a special acknowledgment to hospice nurse Madison Lewis Sellers and the entire staff of Gentiva Hospice of Chesterfield for their extraordinary care and support over the years. Because of the wonderful care of her family and the amazing caregivers, she was blessed to remain at her home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zoar Methodist Church, 2842 Zoar Road, Cheraw, SC 29520; Gentiva Hospice of Chesterfield, 205 E. Main Street, Chesterfield, SC 29709; or to Purple Crusaders Working to End Alzheimer’s, P.O. Box 493, Cheraw, SC 29520.

Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home of Chesterfield, SC (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) is serving the Freeman family.