Obituaries 11-06-25

JOANN PARKER FREEMAN

Nov. 10, 1936-June 30, 2025

A Celebration of Life service for JoAnn Parker Freeman, 88, will be at 2 
p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025 at the family home in Mansfield, Texas, 
the weekend before what would have been her 89th birthday.

Her cremated remains will be placed with her husband in the Dallas-Fort 
Worth National Cemetery shortly thereafter.

Born on Nov. 10, 1936 in El Dorado, Ark., to Theodore Allen "Jimmy" 
Parker and Willie Faye White Parker, she graduated from El Dorado High 
School in 1955.

From an early age, JoAnn loved being around friends and taking part in 
social activities. As a young girl, she was a Girl Scout and loved 
accompanying her father on his Curtiss Candy sales routes to meet 
customers, though she was often disappointed when there were no candy 
samples to satisfy her sweet tooth. Her love of shopping began as a 
child, inspired by her Aunt Vera, who would take her on special shopping 
outings whenever she came to visit.

When it came to academics, JoAnn was the first to admit schoolwork 
wasn't her favorite, but she loved the social side of school. In high 
school, her calendar was full. She was active in Allied Youth, Beginning 
Chorus, Girls Glee Club, A Capella Choir and the Chorister Choir of the 
First United Methodist Church. She served as Sophomore Chairman for the 
Dance Committee, was involved in decorations for numerous dances and 
proms, served as President of her Junior Home Roon, worked as an office 
assistant and was even a Senior Beauty Candidate. She was also a 
Thespian for two years, a member of Troupe No. 42 of the National 
Thespian Society and participated in school plays such as The Golden 
Butterfly.

After graduating, JoAnn worked in the billing department at Lion Oil in 
El Dorado for two years.

It was during her high school years that JoAnn met the love of her life, 
Louis Leslie Freeman, Jr., who was two grades ahead of her. Their first 
official date was in November 1954 where they shared a Coke after 
church. When Louis joined the Army in early 1955, they continued their 
courtship through letters and visits during his leaves. JoAnn and her 
girlfriends even made trips to Fort Hood to visit Louis and their 
boyfriends. After two years of dating, the couple became engaged in 
November 1956.

One of JoAnn's fondest memories from that time was a trip with friends 
to a University of Arkansas-LSU football game in Shreveport, where the 
two "very dry hot dogs" they ate were redeemed by a "marvelous 
shrimp supper" and, of course, a shopping trip.

JoAnn and Louis were married on Jan. 26, 1957 and settled in Ruston, 
La., where Louis attended Louisiana Tech University and JoAnn worked at 
the Guidance Center. In 1960, Louis accepted a job that took them back 
home to El Dorado, where JoAnn worked at First National Bank for three 
years. She later confessed that working made her nervous, but she did 
enjoy earning her own money to shop.

A promotion for Louis in 1963 led to their move to Longview, Texas. 
Though initially hesitant to move far from home, JoAnn accepted the 
offer after Louis promised she wouldn't have to work outside the home 
again. She quickly settled into her new role as homemaker and immersed 
herself in local social circles.

In 1971, JoAnn and Louis adopted their son, Les, and JoAnn 
wholeheartedly embraced motherhood. When Les was 3, the family moved to 
Meadville for Louis's work. There, JoAnn became active in the Pine 
Burr Garden Club (serving as Secretary and the on the publicity 
committee) and winning several ribbons (many first place) for her floral 
arrangements. She also enjoyed bridge, cooking, sharing recipes and tole 
painting.

After six years in Mississippi, the family returned to Longview (with a 
brief transfer to DuBois, Penn.). During these years, JoAnn was active 
in the Republican Women of Gregg County and Republican Women of East 
Texas, where she proudly shook hands with Vice President George H.W. 
Bush during his presidential campaign — a photo she displayed for 
years. She was involved in the local women's club, the Pine Tree Band 
Boosters and the Methodist Church.

In 1990, Louis's job took them to Fort Worth, Texas, where JoAnn 
became deeply involved with the Eagle Mountain Lake Women's Club, 
enjoying luncheons, committees, book clubs, bridge and frequent shopping 
excursions.

Of all of JoAnn's hobbies, shopping was her favorite. She was a loyal 
patron — and "major contributor," as she would joke — to 
Dillar'ds, Chico's, Lancome and occasionally Neiman Marcus. She was 
also known for her impeccable appearance — her hair perfectly styled, 
makeup flawless, clothes coordinated with matching jewelry and a 
complexion that drew compliments everywhere she went.

At home, she loved watching the Dallas Cowboys, tending to her flower 
garden and spending time with family, especially her two grandchildren.

After 56 years of marriage, Louis died in 2013. JoAnn continued living 
in Fort Worth until 2017, when her health declined and she moved in with 
Les and his family. It was during this time that her journey with 
dementia began. Though she remained fairly independent at first, a 
debilitating stroke in 2020 marked the beginning of a more difficult 
stage.

She died on Monday, June 30, 2025 at home after a long battle with 
vascular dementia.

While she will be deeply missed by her family and those who knew and 
loved her, they take comfort in knowing she is now at peace and reunited 
with those who went before her.

She is survived by her son, Les, and his wife, Stephanie; her grandson 
Bryan and his wife, Karlee and granddaughter Samantha, all of Mansfield, 
along with many extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Louis, her parents and 
her parents-in-law.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Jason and his staff at Amada, 
as well as JoAnn's many caregivers over the years: Ernestine, Evelyn, 
Kisha, Candice, Jackie, Julie, Darlene and especially Gemmil, who cared 
for her at both the beginning and end of her journey. Deep appreciation 
also goes to the clinicians and staff from Modern Medical House Calls, 
the therapists and staff at Enhabit (formerly Encompass) — including 
Taylor, Valerie, Patty, Heather, Rish, Autum, Joe, Anna, Chelsea, 
Lindsay, Chris and Michelle as well as the compassion Enhabit Hospice 
team, especially Doris, Glenn, Udochi, Delaina, Sharon, Sherry, Dana and 
Chaplain Brian.

There are countless others — family, neighbors, friends and caregivers 
— whose love and support sustained JoAnn and her family through the 
years. The family is deeply grateful to all of you.