Anita Freeman

Anita Joyce Freeman, 64, of Jackson passed away Monday, Sept. 1, 2014, at home, surrounded by loved ones.

She was born Feb. 19, 1950, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, daughter of Eugene and Anita Stinson Freeman, who preceded her in death.

Joyce is survived by six siblings, Joan White of Biloxi, Mississippi, Barbara (Grover) Cleveland of Arnold, Missouri, Shirley (Mike) Gossett of Dittmer, Missouri, Ronnie (Nancy) Freeman of Festus, Missouri, Donnie (Lucy) Freeman of Pevely, Missouri, and Lonnie (Joan) Freeman of St. Louis. She is also survived by a lifelong and dear friend, Mari Bess Davis of Jackson.

Joyce, along with her parents and siblings, moved to Arnold in 1959, where she graduated from Fox High School in 1968. She then attended Arkansas State University where she earned a bachelor's degree, and also accomplished some under graduate work at Southeast Missouri State University.

She held many jobs throughout the course of her life: waitress, physical education teacher and dental office manager. She ended her career after 15 years at the Vision Center at Wal-Mart in Jackson as a manager under Dr. Allison.

Joyce also umpired the men's, women's and youth fast pitch in Cape Girardeau/Jackson area many years. She played on a women's fast pitch team, enjoyed playing golf, fishing, watching baseball games, listening to Elvis Presley music, Christmas and mostly playing at the beach with family members.

Joyce and her lifelong friend Mari Bess resided in Jackson. She never married nor had children of her own. However, she had a lot of kids and always made time to spend with each of her nieces and nephews, Gwen, Juanita, Darrell, Kim, Tammy, Cindy, Robin, Angie, Shirley-Jean, Stacey, Rene, Ben, Carissa, Sarah, Matthew and acquired niece and nephew Megan and Travis, and later even great- and great-great-nieces and nephews. Each of them could give you many stories of how she impacted their lives and what a "great aunt she was." Joyce loved being around babies, kids and family.

Joyce also is survived by many beloved friends whom have all touched her life along the way as she did theirs.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a niece, Juanita, who along with her Savior will welcome her to her new home in heaven.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Brad Bean officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to Southeast Hospice.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mccombsfuneralhome.com.