Verna Lee Hollier Freeman

Verna Lee Hollier Freeman was born in Ville Platte, La, August 4, 1927 to Rene and Bernadette Fontenot Hollier. The eldest of six children, Verna grew up in Mamou. The summer before her senior year in high school, she was invited to work as a nurse’s aid at St Joseph Hospital in Houston. “I had the time of my life with the nursing students. They were all older girls. I decided to take up nursing – it was the patriotic thing to do.”

Verna received a two-year Nursing diploma from the University of Houston School of Nursing and finished her degree at Sacred Heart Dominican College, including a special semester at Marquette University in Milwaukee to study Operating Room Theory & Practice and Nursing Education.

Verna began her career in nursing at St Joseph under the tutelage of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, including her aunts Sr Joan of Arc and Sr Leon, compassionate pioneers of Houston healthcare. Verna married Robert P. Freeman in 1950 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in downtown Houston and began raising a family that would grow to seven girls and three boys. She and Bob chose a life of service to family and faith, passing on Catholic teaching to their children and sacrificing daily to ensure a Catholic education for each of them. They remained active members of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church their entire lives, teaching CCD and participating in St Vincent de Paul School activities for each of their 10 children.

After Bob’s death in 1973, and with six children under 18, Verna returned to nursing full-time at St. Anthony’s Center, a noted healthcare facility run by the Sisters. It was at St Anthony’s that Verna shared her great compassion and skills in nursing to so many Houstonians and their families. Upon its closure, the Sisters invited Verna to care for them at their Villa de Matel Convent on Lawndale until her retirement.

Upon retirement a new life began as Verna increased activities in caring for and educating her many grandchildren, and took leadership roles in Catholic Daughters Court Queen of Heaven and St Vincent de Paul Altar Linens. She took great joy in gardening, visiting with friends & family and taking a hands-on role in the long-term healthcare of her daughter Cathy.

Verna is survived by sister Lillian Ann Tennille (Richard) of Houston and brothers John David and Felix Michael Hollier of Lake Charles, La.

Children: Joan Barry, Chris Freeman, Cathy Freeman, Fran Grothaus (Bill), Paul Freeman (Joan), Susan Massey (Larry), Mike Freeman, Mimi Holt (Mark), Judy Gorham (Jim) & Claire Malicki.

Grandchildren: Eric Stephan, Karisa Gilmer, Anne Bly, Michelle Carmona, Bill & Mike Sargent, Sophia & Robert Charles Freeman, Robert Paul & Matthew Freeman, Sara Martinez, James, Katie & Tim Holt, Meredith & Julia Freeman, Faustina and Claire Gorham.

Great-Grandchildren: Aaron Bly, Tonya Hirsch, Rebecca & Brooke Bly; Jessica, Christina & Melanie Carmona; Noah Rodriguez; Robert Paul Jr, Hannah Nadine & Hailey Freeman; Sean & Mason Freeman; Jaela, Jaeda & Joseph Martinez; Adrienne Freeman, Lawrence & Luis White; Lyla, Grey & Olin Gilmer; Aidan & Jackson Sargent.

Great-great Granddaughter: Blake Hirsch

And numerous nieces & nephews.

Verna is predeceased by husband, Robert P. Freeman, sisters Ethel Kravchuk & Madeleine Littleton, and granddaughter Taunia Renee Rodriguez.

Visitation at 6pm Dec 15, Vigil at 7pm. Funeral Friday, Dec 16 at 1:30pm. All services at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 6800 Buffalo Speedway. Committal immediately following at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank the very special staff and families of Autumn Grove Cottage in the Heights, The Amazing Place and Pin Oak Caregivers, especially Keyna Mason and Sarah Black.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the new Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 6800 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, Tx 77025.