Freida Harris O'zell

Freida Mae was born August 28, 1941, to Lucious and Luella Harris in Red Cap, Camden County Georgia. She attended Waverly Elementary School and Ralph J. Bunch High. She had a dream to work for the Sea Island Company and in the early 1960s she became the first African American woman to become a supervisor in The Cloister's main building. There she met Harold O’Zell and became his wife on January 18, 1963. To this union was born Harriette and Christopher.

In 1974, after the birth of Harriette, she went on an extended maternity leave then in 1977 she gave birth to Christopher. She stayed home to raise her children returning to work in the 1990s at The Clarion on Jekyll Island and in 2000 she returned to Sea Island working at Ocean Forest until her retirement in 2008.

Family was paramount to her, and she was known as everyone’s favorite, foxy and sassy Auntie. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, sewing and was always an avid angler, but crabbing was her specialty. In retirement she enjoyed spending time at Overlook Park, the bridges on St. Simons Island and Jekyll, traveling and her meeting with her friends at her various watering holes as she called them.

Freida's smile would light up any room and her strength, courage and resilience were yet to be matched. She was well spoken and always in control. She said what she meant and meant what she said. And if you did not like it… Then, that was your problem and not hers.

On Friday, May 12, 2023, what appeared to be a weak moment, she still managed to smile and give orders. Instructing the doctors and nurses on her expectations for the next phase of her care and laying down the law to her children. Encouraging them to stay strong in faith and to trust that God knows best.

Freida leaves to mourn her two precious children, Miss Harriette Michelle O’Zell, and her precious son and beloved daughter-in-law Mr. Christopher and Ramonia O’Zell. Two sisters, Mary Randolph, and Martha Carrol. Brother-in-laws Willie (Jackie) Norris, Stephen Randolph, and Emanuel O’Zell and sister-in-law Katie Crooks. A host of nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews and other beloved family members.

A homegoing celebration for Freida will be held Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home, 3321 Glynn Avenue, Brunswick, Georgia 31520.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.edomillerandsons.com for the Ozell family.