Viola (Cullars) Freeman

Maya Angelou once said, "All great storms eventually run out of rain.” So, it was for Viola Cullars Freeman on March 10, 2024, from her home in Lincolnton, Georgia, she transitioned peacefully into eternity. The late Marshall, and Ida Flournoy Cullars gave birth to Viola on November 21, 1935, in Washington (Wilkes County), Georgia. Viola was blessed to be surrounded with love from seven (7) brothers and eight (8) sisters.

To paraphrase a poem by the late Langston Hughes, "Life for Viola was no crystal stair! It had boards with splinters, and tacks in it- places with no carpet on the floors- bare!" Indeed, life and times were hard! Being the strong woman that she was, she didn't let life's circumstances keep her from pressing on. Her school life at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church School was interrupted in 8th grade because her labor was needed on the farm. Viola spent her early years in domestic service before joining Oxford Manufacturing in 1968, where she remained until the early-1980’s. It was at a rather young age that Viola was charmed by Jessie James Freeman of Lincolnton, GA. He had the same feelings about her and wasted no time in asking for her hand in marriage. She said, Yes!" To this union came the birth of 7 children. Viola was a devoted mother and wife. She created a home where family and friends often assembled not only to be in her presence but also to enjoy her delicious poundcakes, fruit cakes, blackberry, peach, or sweet potato pies. Viola also had quite the green thumb and spent time gardening to show it off!

Viola's life took on a new meaning when she became a grandmother. She glowed at the sound of them calling her to become a grandmother. 'Gramma Viola' or 'Gramma'! She also treasured the Sundays when we would gather at Aunt Lily Pink's house or Ollie and Lizzie Mercier’s house. Viola was determined to model strength, confidence, and love to both her children and grandchildren. She embraced Psalm 127:3-"Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord; and the fruit of the womb is a reward." She made sure to instill Christian values her children. She stressed the importance of getting an education. Viola accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. Her faith in God never wavered. She was a devoted member of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church in Metasville Community until health issues prevented her from attending. Viola, was a cherished wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend, will be missed. She leaves her memories to be cherished by the following: children six (6) James E. Freeman (Susan) of Decatur, GA, Dianne Swain of Charleston, S.C., Marshall Freeman (Tammy) of Lake Murray, S.C., Nathaniel Freeman (Dorothy) of Washington, GA., Sharon Calhoun (Eugene) and Steve Freeman (Lawanda) of Lincolnton, GA., sixteen grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, host of nieces, nephews and friends. She also leaves fond memories with her sister Evelyn Danner and her brother Jim Cullars of Washington, GA., one brother-in-law, Franklin (Christine) of Lincolnton and five sisters-in-law Evelyn Mims of McCormick, S.C., Easter Cullars, Ruth Freeman of Buffalo, N.Y., Nanleen Freeman of Lincolnton, GA. She is proceeded in death by her husband, Jessie James Freeman, a son, Mitchell Freeman, six brothers and eight (8) sisters, and a host of other loved ones.

Until that day comes when we, the Believers, will meet at the feet of Jesus where there will be no sunrise or sunset, no sickness, pain, or sorrow, we say to our beloved Viola. " We will keep your loving memories in our hearts, and we will never stop speaking your name."

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