Grace, age 76, was adored by her husband of over 50 years, Joseph T. Freeman, and much loved and appreciated by her children: son Justin L. Freeman and stepdaughters Margot and Jennifer, and their spouses. She was an attentive and doting grandmother to her eight grandchildren: Wendy, Traci, Jesse, Sam, Isaac, Sarah, Angelina and Lawrence, and a proud great grandmother of 6 great grandchildren.
Grace was the youngest of 27 siblings, the children of William Henry and Ella Godwin Moore Salmon. She grew up in Lillington, NC, where she enjoyed an idyllic childhood on her family’s farm. Grace remained close with her siblings and her nieces and nephews until the day she died. Her two living sisters – Daisy Stephens and Iris Pendergrass – were her best friends, and were with her at the end.
Grace was a founding member of the Cary Arts Ball, established to support the expansion of visual arts in Cary, and she continued to provide her expertise and assistance for many years to this endeavor. And, she was the first female member of the Board of Directors of the McGregor Downs Country Club; in which role she was instrumental in improving the clubhouse, as well as orchestrating the 20th Anniversary celebration for the club.
Grace was a talented cook and gracious hostess. Her family, friends and neighbors enjoyed her generous hospitality often. Her extended family will especially miss the family parties around the holidays in which Grace provided delightful meals for 30 or more in attendance.
Grace and Joe enjoyed boating for many years, both off the coast of North Carolina, as well frequent trips up and down the east coast: to Maine and to Florida. They enjoyed hosting their friends on these trips.
Grace’s cooking resulted in commercial success, as she sold her famous fruit cakes for many years through Fresh Market. Cooking was not Grace’s only creative endeavor, she also produced charming oil and watercolor paintings.
Throughout her illness, Grace’s friends Kay Martin, Sally Adams and Liz Ross, visited her often, bringing with them laughter and love. Grace’s family is especially grateful to the aides who assisted Grace and Joe during this difficult time: Jennifer Nevious, Sharee McClain Alex Lee, and Karen Jep.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Grace’s life will be held at 2:00 PM, on August 5, 2021 at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 SE Maynard Road, Cary, NC.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM prior to the services at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made at www.BrownWynneCary.com
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