Freeda Oneda Gragan
February 27, 1925 ~ November 28, 2013
Services:
A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at 11:00AM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD with Pastor Ron Blankenship officiating. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD.
Visitation:
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM with prayers recited at 7:00PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD.
Freeda Oneda Gragan, 88, of Loveville, MD passed away on November 28, 2013 in Leonardtown, MD. Born on February 27, 1925 in Floyd County, VA she was the loving daughter of Almeda and John E. Alderman. Freeda was the loving wife of James Elwood Gragan whom she married on December 27, 1947 in Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church Chaptico, MD, and he preceded her in death on August 22, 1981. Freeda is survived by her son Steve Gragan (Debra) of Leonardtown, MD, 2 grandchildren Tammy Lynn Sellers of Salisbury, MD, Samantha Nicole Jacobs of Towson, MD and 1 great-grandchild Kolby James Sellers of Salisbury, MD, and her sister Gertha May Aldridge of Floyd County, VA. She is preceded in death by her daughter Carolyn Jacobs, siblings, Edgar Ellis Alderman, Elizabeth June Sowers, Ruby Marie Gray, Lula Alice Alderman, William Henry Alderman, Hazel Louise Alderman, and Selva Jean Alderman.
Freeda moved from Floyd County, VA to St. Mary’s County in 1945 and worked as a homemaker and day care provider. She loved her years in daycare and has stayed in contact with many of “her kids”. She also watched her two granddaughters and her great grandson, Kolby, who was the light of her life. Freeda never was a driver, but she liked to visit her friend’s everyday by phone. In her younger days, she loved to sew and cook. She was an excellent cook; you never left her home until you had “a bite to eat”. She would help anyone in need. She was loved and will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 from 5:00 Pm – 8:00 PM with prayers recited at 7:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Leonardtown, MD. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at 11:00 AM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Ron Blankenship officiating. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens Leonardtown, MD. Pallbearers; Jerry Norris, Billy Alderman, David Gray, Edward Gray, Joe Hancock, and Brian Klear. Honorary Pallbearers; Kolby Sellers, Gary Gray, Billy Abell, Ronnie Norris, and George Redmond. Contributions may be made to the Leonardtown Vol. Rescue Squad P.O. Box 299 Leonardtown, MD 20650, and/or Seventh District Vol. Rescue Squad P.O. Box 7 Avenue, MD 20609.
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“To the Gragan Family: You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Freeda was a very special lady.”
“My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Gragan Family! My prayers are with you all during this time. God bless you all!”
“Samantha and family, I am so sorry to hear of Freeda’s passing. I have many fond memories of her and Carolyn, they both as you hold special places in my heart. Please know you are in my heart and thoughts right now. It has been a rough year , I lost my sister this year also, the earth has lost another great lady, but I know we all have another angel watching over us. God Bless you all. “
“Stevie, Debbie, Tammy & Kolby, We send our deepest sympathies to you in this time of sorrow. Freeda was a wonderful woman and will be missed by many. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Micky, Vicki, Lindsey & Hailey”
“STEVE AND FAMILY, SO SORRY ABOUT THE LOSS OF YOUR MOTHER. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS SAD TIME. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU.”
“Stevie, Debbie and Family. We have lost a true friend and neighbor. Your Mother was a wonderful person. Her cakes were some of the best we ever had. Mom will surely miss their calls. Our memories go back to childhood and all the times in Loveville. She, along with your dad and sister were wonderful people. God Bless you all during this difficult time. Please know that we are praying for you and are here. Freeda is up in Heaven now with your Dad, Carolyn and Pop and talking about the good ole days. “
“Stevie and family: So sorry to hear about Freeda’s passing. She was a great lady and lots of fun to be around. I will keep her in my prayers.”
“Words simply do not convey how saddened we are to hear of Freeda passing. What beautiful memories we have of her. Always the Lady. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.”
“Stevie and all the family, We have such fond memories of Freeda in the two-story tan shingle house on Loveville Road. She never changed in all the years we’ve known her; especially that wonderful accent and adorable smile. Our most heart-felt thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time!”
“Steve, Debbie and family, Just want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless and be with you throughout this trying time. Freeda was a very sweet woman!”
“Stevie, Debbie & family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. You now have another Special angel to watch over you. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.If there is anything we can do, let us know. “
“Samantha – I am so sorry to hear about your grandmother’s passing. You are in my prayers and thoughts. “
“To the Gragan Family, Our hearts are heavy with the news of Freeda’s passing. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all. My God give you the strength to get through this difficult time.”
“To The Gragan Family: So sorry for your loss. Your mother/grandmother has been reunited with those who have gone before her. Cathy Mattingly & family”
“Stevie/Debbie & family, Your family has made an everlasting impression on our family. Starting way back in the day when Freeda was the daycare provider for J.W. Freeda talked of J.W. as if he were another son. Then, not realizing, the next generation of our family, Jake, would be cared for by the next generation of your family, Debbie. When Freeda first saw Jake at your house, she would affectionately call him “little J.W.” and all the memories would come flowing back. Freeda was a kind and loving person & will be missed, but will always remain in our hearts. We are grateful and blessed to have your family in our lives. Our family extends are sympathy, love and prayers to you all. “
“It’s hard to understand why some people who are ready to go Home to their loved ones in Heaven have to wait to be taken; and some people are taken away from us so quickly and unexpectedly. It was not long ago that your family came to pay their respects to my Mom. Was that your goodbye to me? God must have seen how tired you were and did not want you to suffer so He called you Home to be a special angel to watch over us all here on earth. No matter where we are; we will be reminded of you. You are forever in our hearts Freeda. I will remember how much you loved babysitting, going shopping at those Going Out of Business stores and included me in finding good deals, making me coffee when I desperately needed it and your wonderful corn bread and BBQ with cabbage. I won’t forget your beautiful smile. You are in good hands now Freeda and God will take good care of you. You were a kind and loving person. Freeda you also had a heart of gold. May you rest in peace and may the many memories of you comfort your loved ones here on earth until we meet again when our time is over. “
“Stevie, Debbie & Family, so sorry to hear of Freeda’s passing. I have been out of town and just returned to hear this news. She was a lovely lady, neighbor and friend. May she R. I. P. Love Ann”
“Our condolences go out to the Gragan Family. Freeda always love to shop. She will surely be missed. May she rest in peace.”