Gloria Marie Freeman

Gloria Freeman was lovingly prepared for this world on May 29, 1952, in Lincolnton, Georgia, born to the late Mr. Dave Bennett and the late Mrs. Callie Mae “Earlene” Jones Bennett. She was the second ingredient in a family of seven children, blended together in love and faith. On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Doctors Hospital in Augusta, Georgia, the Master Chef gently called her from labor in the earthly kitchen to rest in His heavenly banquet.

At an early age, Gloria accepted Christ as her personal Savior and united with Parks Grove Fire Baptized Holiness Church in Lincolnton, Georgia. There, she faithfully served until her health no longer allowed her to do so. Her life of service was seasoned with dedication and love as she worked tirelessly in many capacities. At the time of her passing, she served on the Pastor’s Aide Committee, Senior Mission Committee Chairperson, and the Mother Board. Throughout the years, she also served as Church Secretary, choir member, Head of the Kitchen Ministry, Sunday School teacher, and District Secretary Emeritus. Whatever role she held, she poured her heart into it, serving God and His people wholeheartedly.

Gloria was educated in the Lincoln County School System and graduated from Westside High School in Lincolnton, Georgia, in 1970. With a desire to further develop her God-given gifts, she continued her education at Augusta Technical College, where she earned degrees in Early Childhood Education and Culinary Arts—two callings that reflected her nurturing spirit and her passion for feeding both minds and bodies.

Her professional journey reflected her love for caring and cooking. She was employed at Childcare Network and Lindale, where she served as a teacher and also assisted in the cafeteria, joyfully sharing her culinary talents. Gloria later became gainfully employed for over fifteen years at French Market Grill, where she served as Head Chef. In that role, she mastered her craft, preparing meals with excellence, love, and intention. She later retired from French Market Grill, leaving behind a legacy of quality, leadership, and flavorful memories.

Gloria united in holy matrimony on July 12, 1970, with her high school sweetheart, Grady Freeman, and from that union three children were born. Outside of work and church, she delighted in traveling and seeing the world, sewing, knitting, cooking and baking, reading, tending to her flower gardens, and—above all—praising the Lord. Whether in the kitchen, the church, or her home, Gloria had a way of bringing people together and making them feel nourished, welcomed, and loved.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Sherard Demetrius Freeman; her parents; and her siblings, Janice Leveret Bennett, John Newton Bennett, Willie Echols Bennett, Jessie James Bennett, and Frank James Bennett.

Gloria leaves to cherish her memory a devoted husband 55 years 6 months and 2 days, Grady Freeman of the home; a loving daughter, Yolanda Matise (Rickey) Freeman-Williams of Augusta, Georgia; a loving son, Dedric Germaine (Shirneata) Freeman of Augusta, Georgia; a niece and nephew raised in her home as her own children, Jane`t Bennett and Ta’varis Wilson; one loving brother, Dempsey Bennett of Augusta, Georgia; thirteen grandchildren: Daneicia Freeman, Callena Williams, Sharoddric Williams, Tatiyanna Bennett, Devon Alston, Demetrius Nair, Germaine Freeman, Aisha Brunson, Jamari Murray, David Cody, Kamariyah Collins, Lamirah Murray, and Omarien Murray; five great-grandchildren; a Godchild, Jamie Nicole Murray of Augusta, Georgia; two god-brothers, Mark Parks and Marty Beard; sisters- and brothers-in-law: Brenda (Charlie) Crite, Freddie Virginia Beck, Cherical Lee (Ibolya) Anderson, Melvin Anderson, Dorothy (Donald) Parks, Ulysses Rodney Anderson, Preticia Bennett, Willie (Joann) Davis, Peggy Mahoney, Maybelline Leverett Norman, and Annie Pearl Banks; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends.

Her life was a beautiful recipe—mixed with faith, seasoned with love, and served generously to all she encountered.