Freda Martin

Freda R. Martin, 102, of Jackson passed away peacefully into the lord's loving arms Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009, at Landmark Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

She was born April 24, 1907, at Sedgewickville, Mo., eldest daughter to Henry and Sarah Hahs Barks. She and Walter Martin were married Jan. 10, 1925, and lived at the former Leming Orchard northwest of Oak Ridge until they moved to Jackson in 1943. He passed away Dec. 14, 1986.

Freda enjoyed life to the fullest and was a positive blessing and inspiration to all who knew her during her 102 years. She always attributed her long life to "hard work and loving the Lord."

She was a member of First Baptist Church in Jackson for more than 60 years where she attended weekly church services, taught Sunday school class, was a member of Joy Choir, WMU, and participated in many other activities at the church.

She worked at the former Jackson International Shoe Factory in the lasting department 35 years, until her retirement in 1974.

Freda loved going to the Jackson Senior Center daily for many years. She enjoyed the food, activities and visiting with her friends. Freda would arrive early every day so she could be the "official greeter" at the door to the senior center.

Loving survivors include five daughters, Wanda Schweer, Doris Grebe, Ella Dee Keith, and Shirley (Bill) Adams, all of Jackson, Karen (Rick) Wooley of Orange, Calif.; two sisters, Effie Riehn and Hazel Henson of Jackson; 10 grandchildren, Larry Schweer, Bill (Lucille) Schweer, Barbara (Craig) Floyd, Janet (David) Kirkpatrick, Donna (Dallas) Seabaugh, Dennis (Jeanne) Keith, Michael (Kim) Adams, Tammy (Kirk) Francis, Sarah (Bill) Cramer and Courtney Thayer.

Also surviving are 15 great-grandchildren, Terry Schweer, Tracy Proffer, Keith and Kevin Kirkpatrick, Scott Seabaugh, Staci Glass, David and Kristina Keith, Ryan and Tyler Adams, Katie Biri, Amy Langston, Amanda Durio, Jackson and Katie Cramer; 10 great-great-grandchildren, Brittney and Bethany Schweer, Morgan Heisserer, Bailey Proffer, Austin Seabaugh, David and John Kirkpatrick, Matthew Biri, Rowen and Wyatt Glass; and special caregivers, Danny and Martha Bowers of Jackson.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years; a brother, the Rev. Loy Barks; a sister, Gladys Bollinger; a grandson, Mark Adams; a great-grandson, Darren Seabaugh; and four sons-in-law.

Visitation and a celebration of Freda's life will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Paul Mason officiating. Interment will be in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson, where Freda will be laid to rest next to her husband.

In lieu of flowers, it is respectfully requested that donations be made to First Baptist Church of Jackson or the Jackson Senior Center in memory of Freda Martin, or the charity of your choice.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.