Lonnie Freeman

Published 11:46 am Tuesday, January 7, 2025

July 11, 1940 – Dec. 20, 2024

NATCHEZ – A celebration of life for Lonnie Freeman, 84, of Natchez, will be held at Natchez Church of God on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at 11 a.m. with Bro. Chris Sowell and Casey Young officiating, under the direction of Young’s Funeral Home, followed by fellowship until 1 p.m.

Lonnie was born on Thursday, July 11, 1940, in Liberty, to Adolph Freeman and Effie Mae Brooks Freeman, and passed away on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Natchez.

Those left to cherish Lonnie’s memories are his wife, Brenda Adams Freeman of Natchez, and his fur-baby companion, Jake. He loved both of them with all of his heart. Lonnie is survived by his two children, Christopher Charles Freeman (Sydney) and Leah Freeman Whitfield (Dana). He opened his home to Lorie Smith Skaggs and Kenely Smith Bailey and provided many years of love and support after the passing of their mother, Vickie Weaver Smith. He left behind his grandchildren, Hunter Freeman, Garrett Freeman, Daniel Whitfield, Stephen Whitfield, and Amber Whitfield; a great-grandchild, Leon Stetson Whitfield; his siblings, Joyce Allred, Nina Ashley, Jack Freeman (Kathy), Wilma Welsh (Philip), and Lester Freeman (Tammie), who will all miss him dearly. He had numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who will all remember him in their hearts.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dowyal Wayne Freeman; and a nephew, Anthony “Tony” Ryan Ashley.

Lonnie loved golf in his younger years. He and his son, Chris participated in many tournaments and golfed as often as time would permit. He spent many years at various automobile dealerships in and around the Miss-Lou area providing his expertise as a fantastic salesperson. His first dealership was Volkswagen of Natchez. He sported around in his yellow Carmangia. He was a partial owner of DeKeyzer Freeman Chevrolet and owner of Lonnie Freeman Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge, Jeep, and Eagle, both of Ferriday. In later years he owned several Lonnie Freeman Used car lots which provided a means of transportation to those who could not purchase a brand-new automobile. Another passion was gardening which he learned from his dad. Every summer he planted tomatoes, cucumbers, okra, squash, and beans and tried his hand at eggplants. He and Brenda worked together canning and freezing the vegetables for later enjoyment. He was immensely proud of his producing Blueberry bushes, and many fruit trees including fig trees. Again, he and Brenda canned strawberry figs and loved to share their produce with others. A great passion of his was his beautiful flowers, roses (especially yellow, his favorite color), peonies, hibiscus, and other assorted species. When he could no longer work his garden or tend his flowers Brenda stepped into the role of gardener. Lonnie, an avid LSU fan, loved watching games with his wife. Together, they eagerly anticipated the college playoffs, sharing excitement and many discussions about who would take home the trophy. The love and the joy he brought to those around him will never be forgotten, he will continue to live on in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the American Cancer Society, Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN, or a memorial of your choice.

To leave an online condolence for the family please visit www.youngsfh.com.