Shirley Jean Freeman

Shirley was born on March 5, 1942, to William and Alberta Neal in Ruleville, Mississippi. A devoted Christian with a profound love for God and the Church, Shirley was baptized in Jesus' name at an early age. From that moment until her final breath, she dedicated her life to spreading the Word of God to everyone she encountered. In 1970, Shirley moved to Los Angeles, California, where she began working at Kelly’s Steakhouse alongside her sister, Bessie Mae Neal Martin. She possessed a passion for cooking and was always creating something new and flavorful in the kitchen.

When Shirley moved to California, her faith remained her priority. She became an active member of Greater Bethany Community Church, where she met Daniel E. Freeman, who would later become her husband. After a few years in Los Angeles, Shirley and Daniel moved to Compton. There, they continued raising their children, ensuring that God and the Church were the foundation upon which their lives were built. Prayer and Bible study remained the heart of their household.

While living in Compton, Shirley began working for the Compton Unified School District as a cook at the Charles Drew Central Kitchen. After many years of service, she transitioned to being a stay-at-home mother, allowing her to devote herself fully to her five children. This also gave her more time to teach the Word of God—whether at church or wherever she found a listening ear. She loved to speak about the goodness of Jesus, sharing what He had done for her and what He could do for others. Shirley and her husband eventually moved to Perris, California, where they quickly found a new church home at Grace Fellowship Ministries. She remained a faithful member there for more than 25 years until the Lord called her home.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, William and Alberta Neal; her husband, Daniel E. Freeman; her daughter, Sylvia Ann Neal; her granddaughter, Kendra P. Law; and her sisters, Maggie Lee Neal Banks, Mary Ann Neal Burns, Bessie Mae Neal Martin, Lillie Mae Neal, Louis Helen Neal, and Pearly Mae Neal.

Shirley’s memory will be forever cherished by her sisters, Janet Neal and Sylvia Foster; her daughter, Lisa Neal; her daughter-in-law, LaShonda Neal; and her sons, Tyrone Neal, David E. Freeman, and Daniel E. Freeman Jr. She also leaves behind a legacy through her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends. Shirley will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.