Freddie Henry Vines

Freddie was born in Los Angeles on December 29, 1925, to Gilda Elize Henry and Ernest Linwood Vines Sr. He would be Gilda's only surviving child and the 1st born to Ernest.

Freddie's mother worked steadily in homes located in Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Los Angeles. And any "domestic" who had children relied on friends or babysitters to keep their children during the week while they worked. Freddie stayed with many people in the south Los Angeles area and attended 20th Street, Ascot Avenue, and Nevin Avenue Elementary schools. Gilda discovered that Freddie was being mistreated and decided a safer support system was needed. At age 12 Freddie took the long train ride to Portsmouth, Virginia to live with his paternal grandparents Nettie and Richard Vines. Freddie bonded with his protective grandmother Nettie. He was close to his cousin Inez and boyhood friend, Freddie Walker. The city-born boy from L.A. became immersed in the natural, country life of Portsmouth. He attended I.C. Norcom High School with the famous jazz singer, Ruth Brown.

Freddie returned to Los Angeles, attended Jefferson High School, and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1944. He was honorably discharged in 1946 having received the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal. Fred later served in the U.S. Air Force from 1956 to 1959.

A mutual friend introduced Fred to Constance "Connie" Marsh during a dance/boat ride. To this union Valerie Lucille (1962) and Derek Ernest (1963) were born. On August 29th 1965 Freddie married Althea Marisette and to this union his "baby" Eunice Elizabeth Vines was born in 1968.

Freddie held several jobs. He worked as a grocery store clerk; drove a cab; and delivered mail for the U.S. Postal Service. Freddie worked for several years as a custodian for the Los Angeles Unified School District before successfully completing the academy for California State Police in 1969. Fred enjoyed his work as a patrol officer. He was especially proud of his last position as a logistics officer and enjoyed the business trips to Sacramento. After 30 years of dedicated service Freddie retired in1990.

Brother Freddie Vines was a 32nd degree Mason and an active member of Hiram of Tyre Grand Lodge A.F. & A. M. In 2012 he received a 20 Year Meritorious Service Award from the lodge.

Freddie enjoyed golfing, attending jazz concerts, taking road trips, and fishing. He took an extended fishing trip to Alaska with his cousin Johnny Vines. Freddie talked about this trip for years. In 1995 Fred treated Al to a 30th wedding anniversary trip to beautiful Jamaica, the birth country of his mother Gilda.

After years of praying, poking, and prodding from Althea, Freddie started regularly attending First A.M.E. Church, Los Angeles. He enjoyed every opportunity to fellowship and worship the Lord.

Fred leaves behind his devoted wife of 49 years, Althea Marisette; daughter, Valerie Vines Lee (Robert); and his loving daughter, Eunice.

Also left to cherish many good times and memories are: brother Ernest Linwood Vines Jr. (Myra); son Derek Vines and grandson DeRay; sisters Cynthia Wilkins (Theodore), Mozell Butts (JB), Constance Bright (Wendell), Golenia Vines, and Ondria Leary (George); brother Joseph ( Brenda); cousin Johnny Vines (Adrienne); sister-in-laws Lila Walker, Lois Bland, Lola Coleman (Irvin); brother-in-laws John Marisette, Todd Jordan; and a host of nieces and nephews. Sisters Ersell Senior, Gloria Vines; brothers Gilbert, Jackie, Robert, and Elbert Vines preceded Freddie in death.