Delores A. Freeman

Obituary For Delores A. Freeman

God summoned Delores A. Freeman on April 27, 2024, at the age of 86, to join the Lord and host of angels in Heaven. Affectionately known as Bootsie or Dee to many, Delores was born March 14, 1938 in Youngstown OH to the union of the late Charles and Fannie Mae Cannon-Oliver.

Dee graduated from Youngstown’s East High School was a proud Golden Bear. She successfully continued her academic pursuits, attending the Saint Elizabeth School of Nursing where she became a licensed practical nurse serving on the main campus of the now Mercy Health Center.

In 1973, she transitioned professionally embarking upon a career at General Motors for more than three decades before retiring. Her talent and dedication were evident leaving behind a legacy of skillfulness, creativity and craftsmanship.

Bootsie was very genuine, touching the lives of many in both her professional and personal spheres. Her easy going and loving nature created a culture of respect by those who knew her. She enjoyed participating in the East Side Bowling League, traveling and spending time with family & friends.

Faith was integral in Dee’s life and expressed in through her worship and service at Union Baptist Church, where she attended. She was an active member of Union’s Core Team Ministry which helped to galvanize the community around quality-of- life matters.

During her lifetime Mrs. Freeman was an active and influential woman in the community. As an ardent community advocate for labor and human rights, Delores served as the secretary for the Ohio A. Phillip Randolph Institute, president of the Youngstown Area A. Philip Randolph Institute chapter and founding treasurer of the Community Mobilization Coalition. She was also a member of the United Auto Workers Local 1112 Women's committee and the UAW retirees, the Youngstown-Warren Black Caucus and the Black Trade Unionist Coalition.

On March 4, 1989, Dee married the late Raymond Freeman. Their union exemplified true love and the value of marriage even beyond Raymond’s passing in August 2023.

Aunt Bootsie leaves to uphold a stellar legacy, her nieces Kimberly Mack of Boardman Ohio and Darlene Williams of Youngstown Ohio who was her caregiver during her time of transitioning. Delores will also be fondly remembered by her stepchildren Gregory Freeman, Larry Freeman, Arnita Freeman and Patricia Greene. Dee also enjoyed a special relationship with Courtney Sims-Rogers who also provided her love and support, along with a score of additional nieces, nephews and cousins that loved her unconditionally,

Now that Dee’s faith has become sight, she joins her parents, husband and son Charles D. Oliver among the ancestors. She was also greeted at Heaven’s gates by her awaiting sisters Augustine Patton, Claudia Mack and Clara Jean Square, along with her nephews Robert Patton & Kevin Oliver, nieces Cheryl Oliver & Kelly Mack and great nephew Denzel Mack.

Dee will be remembered fondly for her kindness, talent, and unwavering commitment to her family, church and community. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. A public viewing & visitation will be held 10:00 am on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at the Union Baptist Church, 528 Lincoln Ave. A Celebration of Life service to honor Delores' legacy will take place at 11:00 am. with Pastor Michael Harrison officiating.

The resilient bond among Boostie and her siblings remain inseparable even in death. After the committal service, Dee will be laid to rest with her sisters at Belmont Park Cemetery, 3346 Belmont Avenue.

The family of Delores A. Freeman elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care and Professional After Care Arrangements with J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio 44511 330.782.8500. Although Dee may have left this earth, her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of many as we reminisce on the precious moments once shared.

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