Josephine Freed

Josephine Bennett-Freed was born in Uniontown, AL on April 7, 1945 to Mr. and Mrs. Willie Bennett. She was the third child of nine children. She was a graduate of Alabama A & M in 1969 with BS in Home Economics of Education. Later, she moved to Cincinnati, OH to pursue her passion for teaching within Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS). Josephine worked, and retired with a total of 30 years of service in the CPS. She was known as Mrs. Freed and had a quiet control of her classroom.

James Freed, Jr. found the love of his life, Josephine Bennett who was lovely, classy, meek and was marrying material. On September 23, 1972 James and Josephine Freed joined in holy matrimony. To this union two children were born, Justina and Joel.

On July 11, 1972 Josephine Freed was baptized in Jesus name and received the precious gift of the Holy Ghost under the pastorate of Mother Mammie Cowell in Lincoln Heights, OH. In 1978, due to the merging of two churches she became a member of Greater Emanuel Apostolic Temple under the pastorate of Eld. Paul A. Bowers, where she became an active member. She was a member of the Women's Choir, the Married Couples for Jesus and a Sunday School teacher for many years. She was also a member of the Minister's Wives Auxiliary.

Many knew that Josephine was an advent walker and believed in healthy eating. Josephine Freed was also known for her quiet strength. You may never have heard much from her, but you would have seen how great a Woman of God, she really was. She was a student of the Word of God. She was a wonderful encourager to all by saying simple, "Be Encouraged!"

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Edmond and Willie Bennett Jr. and one sister, Dorothy Howard.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory, her loving and devoted husband, Eld. James Freed, Jr.; one daughter, Justina (James) Dunigan; one son, Eld. James Joel Freed; two grandchildren, Janee' and Jasmine Dunigan; four sisters, Queen (William) Lyons, Catherine (Frank) Washington, Annie Coleman, Bernice (Robert) Bush; one brother, Vince Bennett; one brother-in-law, General A. (Marshallette) Freed; two sisters-in-law, Mittie (Jim) Singer and Pat Ruffin, over seventy nieces and nephews and a host of many relatives and friends.

"Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman that fearth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates". Proverbs 31:28-31