Mary Alice Joyner Freeman, 82, passed away September 3, 2016 with her family by her side. She was one of eight children; born on May 18, 1934 in Zuni, VA, to the late Bennie Edward Joyner and Esther (Peachie) Viola Britt Joyner Crumpler Crocker. In her early years, Mary was a switchboard operator for the Home Telephone Company in Smithfield until she attended nursing school and worked at Leigh Memorial Hospital in Norfolk. She ended her career at Louise Obici Memorial Hospital. She was a member of Magnolia United Methodist Church in Suffolk. She was a loving mom and grandmother who will be missed by all. Mary is preceded in death by her sisters, Marjorie Lilley, Christine Clark, and Peggy Ann Britt; and brothers, Benjamin E. Joyner and John. B. Joyner.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Walter H. Freeman; daughter, Mary K. Freeman Stauffer and husband, Darren; son, Walter D. Freeman and wife Amber; grandchildren, Megan Freeman and Joshua Freeman; sister, Jean Page Goodrich; brother, Bobby Lee Crumpler and wife, Patricia; sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Joyner and Esther Joyner; brothers-in-law, Robert Ashley Freeman and Kenny Britt; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Dr. Sile, Dr. Archie and their staff, and the staff of Consulate Health Care of Windsor.

A celebration of life service will be held Thursday, September 8, 2016 at 1 p.m. at Magnolia United Methodist Church Suffolk, VA with Rev. Mike Harrington officiating. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to the United Methodist Family Services of Virginia, 3900 W. Broad St. Richmond, VA 23230.