Barbara Jean Freeman

Born on December 23, 1940, in Boone County, Missouri, Barbara was the daughter of Wren and Margaret Nelline (Coats) Niles. A lifelong Boone County resident, she spent part of her childhood in Rocheport before her family moved to Columbia. She graduated from Hickman High School and, on August 14, 1959, married the love of her life, James Edward Freeman. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and lasting memories.

Barbara dedicated many years of service to Shelter Insurance in Columbia before retiring. While she took pride in her work, her greatest joy came from her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of many.

She cherished time spent with those she loved and found happiness in gathering family together. Barbara also had a passion for travel and enjoyed exploring the country, creating treasured memories along the way. Her gentle spirit, caring heart, and unwavering love for her family will be remembered and missed by all who knew her.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Marsha Schafer, Lance Freeman and wife Becky, and Tim Freeman and wife Karen, all of Columbia; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; her sister, Sue Vermillion and husband Tom of Lubbock, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, James Edward Freeman; her daughter and son-in-law, Belinda and Kenny Hulen; her brother, Edwin Niles; and her sister, Nadine Sargent.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Funeral Home.