LINDA FREEMAN

Linda Katherine "Katy" Brumley Freeman died Monday, July 16, 2018 at the age of 91. She was born the fourth daughter to James G. and Dora Leatress Turner Brumley on February 27, 1927. She was married at the age of 17 to the love of her life, James M. Freeman for 47 years until he died in 1991. Katy never looked for another husband because she said she had the best and no one could measure up. She was also preceded in death by her son, James, Jr. Katy was devoted to her family as they were very important to her. She is survived by two daughters and their spouses, Donna and Albert (Andy) Anderson and Sue and Robin Beck of Texarkana and one daughter-in-law Gloria Freeman of Idaho. She is also survived by her best friend, sidekick sister Esther Wittu of Texarkana along with many other relatives. She loved her grandchildren with her whole heart. It was imperative to her that her grandchildren know Jesus. She was quick to offer advice if she saw one of them veer off the path even if a little bit. Her grandchildren and their spouses are Michael and Veronica Freeman of DesMoines, WA, Andrea and Steve Mathews of Benton, AR, Tracie Elmore of Greenville, SC, Randy and Staci Beck of Texarkana, Jenifer and Lance Crum of Meridian, ID, Jon Anderson of Austin, TX, Eric and Melissa Beck of Plano, TX, Emily and Greg Richards of Palacios, TX. She is also survived by 19 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson. She was a faithful member for over 40 years of First Baptist Church, Downtown and Moores Lane. She was a Sunday School teacher in the children's department for many years. Katy was an extremely talented artist. Her preferred medium was painting on porcelain. She studied hard to learn any medium that she decided she wanted to master. She was honored as Texas China Painting Teacher of the Year, has a hand painted ornament in the Smithsonian and has a patent on her signature design. For many years she painted a Christmas plate for her family, friends and students, that included over 40 plates each year. She was a featured artist in the Texas Porcelain Art Club magazine. In the beginning of her career she visited porcelain art clubs in Arkansas and Louisiana. She decided she wanted that for her Texarkana china painting buddies and founded the Texarkana Porcelain Art Club in the 70's. She had a studio/shop in her house, China Creations, where she painted her lovely china and passed on this art to her students. Tributes by her grandchildren: "A piece of my heart and soul left today. She is completely healed and I will be forever broken." " she's given me the best memories and has taught me so much how to be like Jesus probably more than anyone else in my life. I remember her telling me how important and why to hide the Word in our hearts. Her crown is heavy with jewels. I will cherish her forever." "she is in His arms now and for that I'm thankful." "I'll never again feel like I have my whole heart, a big piece went with her." We will miss our momma so much just because of who she is. We are so thankful for your love and prayers. She lost the battle with Alzheimers but won the war. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, July 20, 2018, at Chapelwood Memorial Gardens Mausoleum Chapel with the Rev. Larry Sims officiating. Burial will be under the direction of Texarkana Funeral Home, Texas. The family will receive friends from 6-7:30 P.M. Thursday, July 19, 2018, at Texarkana Funeral Home, Texas. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Texarkana, 2407 Galleria Oaks or The Barnabus Fund at First Baptist Church, 3015 Moores Lane, Texarkana, TX.