Kelly Carnell Freeman, was born into pioneer families in Madison County. The beloved son of George Freeman and Julia Miller Freeman, was born on January 20, 1936, in Madison, Florida. At the age of eight years, his mother transitioned and his uncle Tommy and aunt Tecola gladly welcomed him into their home. He did chores after school and on Saturdays he worked in the family-owned neighborhood Miller’s Grocery Store where he learned the value of hard work and dedication. This strong work ethic he developed sustained him throughout his life.

 

Kelly was preceded in death by his loving parents, George Freeman and Julia Miller Freeman; his benevolent uncle and aunt: Tommy and Tecola Miller; and his dear sister, Geneva Freeman Johnson, and caring brother, George Freeman.

 

After he graduated from Madison County Training School, Kelly moved to St. Petersburg, FL where he met Johnnie Mae Gipson, who caught his eye and stole his heart. Kelly later relocated to Passaic, New Jersey where he and Johnnie Mae Gipson created a life together. Kelly worked tirelessly at J. Josephson, Inc. until he retired in 1998.

 

Kelly loved the Lord and tirelessly served Him with gladness. He was a Trustee and a member of the Male Chorus at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Passaic, New Jersey, a member of the Male Chorus at Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist church in Passaic, New Jersey and a member of the Male Chorus at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Byron, Georgia. His unwavering faith in Jesus and his commitment to church and community were evident in everything that he did.

 

A pillar in his Warner Robins, Georgia, community, Kelly was known for his favorite quote, “The man of the hour, too sweet to be sour!” which highlighted his vibrant spirit and charismatic personality. He was passionate about fishing and bowling and enjoyed sharing this experience with others.

 

Kelly’s life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and hard work. His kindness, positivity, and dedication to his family and community will be remembered and cherished by everyone whose lives he touched in a unique manner.

 

Kelly Carnell Freeman lived to die only to live again. For this reason, he gently departed this earthly life on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, and peacefully transitioned to his heavenly home.

 

Kelly Carnell Freeman’s life, love, and legacy as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather will forever be embedded in the hearts of his loving wife of 61 wonderful years, Johnnie Mae Freeman of Warner Robins, GA; son: Kelly (Shellion) Freeman, Jr. of Lauderhill, FL; daughters: Mardestine “Toy” (Chavez) Murry-Williams of Newark, DE and Monique (Jayson) Johnson of Monticello, FL; bonus son: Lenus (Keitha) Gipson of Charlotte, NC; nine grandchildren: Lamont, Contessa, Janeen, Janelle, Carnell, Diante, Mosahn, Jabari, and Alize’; ten great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; godchildren: Jason Miller of Madison, FL and Joshua Bradley of Greenville, FL; brother: Walter ( Alpharetta) Freeman of Clementon, NJ; 5 brothers-in-law; 6 sisters-in-law; along with sorrowing relatives, and loving friends.