Fredia Lashel Henley

Obituary For Fredia Lashel Henley

Fredia Lashel Henley, the youngest daughter of six children, was born on February 27, 1954, in St. Augustine, Florida, to the late Freddie B. Henley and Eartha Lee Anderson Henley. Fredia spent her early years in St. Augustine, where she attended St. Benedict the Moor Catholic School for the city’s Black students. Known for her free and determined spirit, she was affectionately called “Fredia Bell” and “Fredia Cake” by those who loved her.

In pursuit of greater opportunities for their children, Fredia’s parents relocated the family to East Elmhurst,
New York, while she was in grade school. They later settled in Long Island, where Fredia attended North
Babylon High School. With an ambitious, visionary mindset and the support of her parents, she graduated early at the remarkable age of 16.
Circa 1977, Fredia returned to St. Augustine, where she would achieve her most impactful successes and build a legacy. During the early years of her career and as a single mother, Fredia worked for several different companies to support her family, including the Public Assistance Office. Later, she became one of few African Americans employed at Grumman. After leaving the company, Fredia opened Daddy’s Restaurant. The popular, soul-food eatery was one of few black-owned establishments in St. Augustine at the time and paid tribute to the legacy of both her parents.

Fredia’s willingness to accept new challenges fueled her decision to further her education. She earned an AA at St. Johns River Community College and shortly thereafter, she graduated from UNF with bachelor's degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice.
A pivotal moment in Fredia’s journey came when she joined Adams Acres, igniting her commitment to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities. This passion inspired her to establish Out and About People, Inc. in 2000. The organization began, initially serving one individual. Under Fredia’s astute leadership, the organization has grown exponentially and currently provides services to 17 individuals in Duval and St. Johns County, with a team of nearly 50 staff. Fredia was known for her compassion and generosity, strength, and resilience as well as her inspirational and exemplary leadership. Fredia was married twice, first to Herbert Simmons, and later to Freddy Backman. She enjoyed traveling and experiencing different places. In her later years, she found joy in the simple pleasures of life, like listening to music in the comfort of her home, watching her favorite African movies, savoring good food at her favorite restaurants, and cooking large meals for family and friends, as this was her love language.

Despite her accomplishments as a business leader, Fredia’s first commitment was to her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, cousin and friend. She was also like a second mom and adopted aunt to many others.

Fredia is preceded in death by her parents, Freddie B. Henley and Eartha Lee Anderson Henley, and her
brothers, Enoch A. Henley and Curtis D. Henley.

Fredia leaves to mourn her children, Schmeikqua Greene, Shenita Thompson, Herbert Simmons, and William Backman; her siblings, Solomon A. Henley, Claretha L. Smith, and Michael R. Henley; grandchildren, Ticia Ledet, Rasean Ledet, Issiah Backman, Naomi Backman, and Reign Backman; a great-grandchild, Yuri Ledet; an uncle, Rayfield Culler; two aunts; seven nephews, three nieces, along with a host of grand-nephews, grand-nephews, grand-nieces, cousins, and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held 11 a.m., Friday, January 10, at Anastasia Baptist Church, 1650 A1A , St. Augustine, Florida