Shirley Jo Freeman, 90, of LaHarpe, Illinois, passed away at 4:17 a.m. Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at Wesley Village in Macomb, Illinois.
Shirley was born April 24, 1935 in LaHarpe, the daughter of Otis and Wanda (Lorton) Mills. She grew up in LaHarpe and was a 1953 graduate of LaHarpe High School. Following high school, she attended Burlington Beauty Academy. On May 12, 1956, she married Donald W. “Salty” Freeman at the Mount Pleasant Church, near Bentley, Illinois.
Earlier in life, Shirley worked as a beautician before staying home to raise her family. Later, she was a caregiver for many family and friends. She also owned and operated Freeman’s Greenhouse in LaHarpe for 29 years. Shirley enjoyed collecting and refinishing antiques, gardening, canning and cooking. She was a member of the LaHarpe Christian Church. She enjoyed staying busy and will be remembered as a hard working woman.
Survivors include her husband of 69 years, Salty, one son: Tony (Kelly) Freeman of Carthage, Illinois: two daughters: Julie (Larry) Comstock of Stronghurst, Illinois and Cara (Kelly) Baker of Sciota, Illinois; seven grandchildren: Kourtney (Luke) Burling, Kylee Freeman, Tanner Freeman, Lathan (Silas Underwood) Comstock, Jostan (Ashley) Comstock, Mariah (Eric) Huston and Jansen (Jennifer Fredrick) Baker; ten great-grandchildren: Annie, Brooks, Ry, Ronnie, Zoiee, Lynnliee, Noah, Norah, Miller and Hudson.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters in infancy, Patsy and Judy.
The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe, Illinois.
Following the visitation, graveside services for Shirley will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday at LaHarpe Cemetery with Rex Huston and Bill Myers officiating.
A memorial fund has been established for the LaHarpe Fire Department or Wesley Village (Pearson South).