Cheryl Freeman

Cheryl Freeman was sassy, vivacious, fiercely independent, and a lover of every animal imaginable. She craved the feeling of fresh dirt, sand, or grass under foot and in high school, drove a school bus barefoot; this distaste for shoes was imparted to at least one of her daughters.

She could grow anything. Point in fact: she once managed to coax a tomato plant to larger-than-life height from a strip of soil ringing a concrete patio—in downtown Columbus, Ohio, a feat so spectacular her daughter had to snap a pic and show her second-grade teacher.

She also loved a good party, and hosted countless in her younger days, with loud music spilling from the house, lots of dancing, and laughter booming into the next county. Sometimes there was even a pig turning on a spit in a suburban backyard, a throwback to her days growing up in rural North Carolina.

A successful careerist with the government, Cheryl possessed an amazing work ethic and prided herself on bringing benefits and relief to those who have served our country in uniform. The family moved across the country several times so she could accept various promotions, eventually landing outside of Washington, DC. She loved living in Virginia and danced many a night away at a local club up until retirement.

In her later years, she settled in Loris, South Carolina, where she planted, pruned and harvested what seemed like a miles-long and sky-high garden. This transition to the country brought her peace and harmony with the land she tended so devoutly, as well as her relationship with her long-term, caring companion Richard.

Cheryl leaves behind two daughters—Janet Freeman of Richmond, VA and Melissa Russ of Fayetteville, PA—three grandchildren, a cadre of feral cats, friends and a circle of caregivers she loved with all her heart. She is also survived by her sister, a niece and nephew, and extended family.

Online condolence may be left at www.ridgewayfh.com

Ridgeway Funeral Home of Georgetown is in charge of the arrangements. (843) 485-4242