Wilda Mae (Bowles) Freeman

On September 21, 1945, Larry and Gladys Bowles welcomed the birth of twin girls, Wilda and Hilda Bowles. Although Hilda passed away at birth, Wilda and her siblings, Alvin, Janie, Joyce and David Bowles were Gladys and Larry’s pride and joy. She grew up as a fine young woman residing in Skelton, West Virginia. Wilda was a high stepping majorette and drummer during her high school years at Stratton High School. Thereafter she met Lawrence Freeman and they joined in holy matrimony. From that union, two children were born: Chandra and Lori Freeman.

Wilda Mae, a lover of the arts and music, made sure her daughters were involved in tap, ballet and music. A woman of so many talents, an avid piano player, a poet, seamstress and an all around fashionista, Wilda was also very family oriented, always willing to lend a helping hand, guidance or a shoulder for a loved one to lean on, she was an exceptional cook bringing her cooking skills that were passed on to her to the family’s table.

She relocated to Warren, Ohio eventually obtaining employment at Packard Electric as an assembler. It was during this time that Wilda met Sister Essie Haynes who began her spiritual journey in the teachings of Jehovah becoming baptized becoming a devout Jehovah Witness, who she loved and served. Thereafter Wilda, always looking for opportunities of career advancement, attended Trumbull Community College learning typing and short-hand only to seek even greater opportunities in her career by relocating her family to the Maryland/Washington D.C area where her entire family flourished.

After more than 30 years of dedicated service to the freight rail industry with Railinc after joining the company in 1985. Wilda received accolades for her willingness to learn and share her knowledge across the organization that has helped Railinc improve its office systems today.

A doting mother to her daughters Chandra, Lori and her stepson Wayne Walker, she was an exceptional grandmother to her grandchildren Lauren and Corey she was always a phone call away ready to share wisdom, encouragement, and an unwavering unconditional love that will live on through them.

Wilda departed this life on Saturday, December 28, 2024. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Alvin and David Bowles, Janie Rogers and Joyce Bly. She is survived by her two children; Chandra Freeman Soto, Lori Freeman, and her Stepson; Wayne (Denise) Walker, along with her loving grandchildren Lauren Soto and Corey Freeman, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, her Christian family, and friends.

A memorial service for Wilda Freeman will be held on January 10, 2025 at 1:00pm at the Kingdom Hall, 6045 Sunset Lake Rd, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526.

Apex Funeral Home is serving the Freeman Family.