Jacqueline (Butler) Freeman

Jacqueline Butler Freeman was born January 18th, 1930, in Ocala, FL to the late Herbert L. and Chivalette (Smith) Butler. She moved to Leesburg, FL as a baby, attended Leesburg schools and was valedictorian of the class of 1947 at Leesburg High School.

Mrs. Freeman attended Randolph-Macon College in Lynchburg, VA for 2 years before transferring to the University of Florida where she graduated with honors. She was a member of Phi Kappa Phi, National Honorary scholastic society, Sigma Tau Delta, National Honorary English Fraternity, and Chi Omega Sorority. She was selected Kappa Alpha Rose, on the staff of the UF yearbook, and was a member of the UF Blue Key Speakers Bureau traveling throughout the state speaking about the University of FL. She was an avid Gator and lifetime member of the UF Alumni Association.

Mrs. Freeman was on the board for the Triangle Club of Leesburg and illustrated the cover of the 1st edition of the “What’s Cooking in Leesburg” Cookbook. Proceeds went towards the building of what is now Leesburg Regional Medical Center. This board was also instrumental in helping build the Leesburg Girl Scout House. She also served on the building committee of the First Presbyterian Church, taught as a substitute teacher, and was a member of the Garden Club where she taught artistic design to a group of young girls who won many honors throughout the state of FL in flower shows. She became a real estate broker then a partner with Golden Realty Century 21.

At the University of Florida, she met Vaughn Freeman from Orlando. They were married in 1951. Vaughn passed in 2016. Mrs. Freeman is survived by her daughters, Lynn and husband, Wallace Howard and Joy and husband Kelly Nead; her two grandsons: Cameron Nead and Travis Nead and wife Stephanie Bemiss Nead and her two great-grandsons: Finley and Asher Nead.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Polka Dogz Pet Rescue in Central Florida: https://polkadogz.org/ who brought her adored Yorkie, Molly into her life!

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