Deborah Elaine Stokes-Freeman

On the very cold morning of March 6, 1962, as the wind howled between the trees, the Stokes family prepared for a major event: the birth of a baby. The late Geneva Hawes told the story many times about how the temperature was so cold that if you had spit, it would have frozen before it hit the ground. However, nothing would deter her from making her way down to the Stokes’s household to pick up her best friend and cousin’s wife to take her to the late Dr. Weems Pennington’s office. She was having a baby. A few hours later, a little girl was born, and her mama named her Deborah Elaine. Later in life, she became affectionately known as “GG,” “TT Deb,” “Auntie,” and “God mom.”

Deborah Elaine Stokes was the eighth child born in Double Branches to the late Ulysses (Pap) and Minnie Emmie Leverett Stokes; thus, she had many older siblings to dote on her. When she was just 8 years-old, she was very sad when she lost her mother. Her older sisters and brothers stepped in to help their father care for her, along with four additional girls under 21. 

She was a lifelong member of Mulberry Christian Methodist Episcopal Church where she joined under the leadership of the late Reverend Willie H. Rucker when she 8 years-old. Through the years, her service in church ministries include a Sunday School Teacher, Choir membership from the age of 17, the Steward Board, Vice president of the Trustee Board, the Van Ministry, Social Concerns, the Financial Secretary, and Youth Counselor from 1992-2008. Deborah’s ministry included visiting the sick and shut-in as often as possible.

Deborah attained her education within the Lincoln County School System and was a member of the graduating class of 1980. She also shined on the football field as the Lincoln County High School Homecoming Queen. After high school, she worked for 12 years as a urological transcriptionist at Medical College of Georgia where she could type more than 70 words per minute. Years later, she continued her education at Paine College, Augusta, Georgia; and Augusta Technical College, Augusta, Georgia. In 2023, she earned her license in phlebotomy. She was extremely proud of her achievements. Deborah continued her employment at East Central Regional Hospital, Augusta, Georgia, as a Health Service Technician until the day she was hospitalized.  

Deborah was united with Kenneth Freeman in holy matrimony on November 24, 1984. During their union, they welcomed a baby girl and named her Aresha DeKenya Freeman; “Resha,” as Deb called her, was Deb’s WORLD. Resha and her mother traveled to many cities every summer with the Lincoln County Mass Choir. Deborah delighted in spending time with her family during summer vacations too. In 2006, Resha gave Deb her first and only granddaughter, Alaysia DeKarie Freeman (AKA “G-baby”).

Deborah’s pastimes consisted of playing softball and basketball, both of which she excelled in. Her skills earned her a collection of trophies and plaques. She loved to sing with her sisters/nieces and different choirs, and she loved the dance floor. Years ago, Deborah even strolled the catwalk when she modeled for Betty’s Boutique in Augusta, Georgia. She loved to support others at different events.

In addition to her late parents, Deborah was preceded in death by three siblings: Thelma Stokes Jackson, Barbra A. Stokes Elam, and Virgus L. Stokes; grandparents, aunts, and uncles. She leaves behind a legacy of love in a multitude of family and extended family to cherish memories of her fabulous life. Her girls: Aresha D. Freeman and Alaysia D. Freeman; God children: Tywrinthia Crite (Reginald), and Cameren A. Keywest; Her sisters:  Carrie Scruggs Parker, Doris S. Pope (John A.), Emmie D. Stokes, and Hester Reid Dunbar; God sister: Lee Gale H. Pierce (Garey); Her brother, George M. Stokes; two special great-nephews: Raiford C. Dunbar, III and Richard L. Dunbar; an adored great niece, Meygan G. Hogan; a special uncle, Willie J. Harris (Sadie); and two special aunties: Mamie L. and Vernita Garnett; Special friend: Clarice W. Sanders ( Tim)

Despite life’s mishaps, Deborah enjoyed it and lived it to its fullest. Her girls were her heart, and she loved her family, and was always the number 1 fan!