Aretha Mae Sully Freeman

Aretha Mae Sully Freeman, is a native of Richmond, Virginia, born on January 16, 1921, being the third of five children born to Ivory Ulysses and Iola Gray Sully. Church membership began early for Aretha at age 11 when she accepted Christ at the First Baptist Church of South Richmond. There she was active in Sunday School, B. Y. P. U. and sang in all church choirs. As a child Aretha was also a Girl Scout, active in the Y. W. C. A. and the St. Lukes Organization. Most of Aretha’s education was experienced in Richmond having attended the Dunbar Elementary School, Armstrong High School and Virginia Union University, graduating in 1943 with a B. A. in Mathematics and Education. She also did graduate studies in Early Childhood Education and Special Education at Hampton Institute, George Washington University, Trinity College and D,C, Teachers College, Now University for the District of Columbia. It was on August 12, 1945 that Aretha married her college sweetheart, Arthur M. Freeman. From this marriage was born four children, Arthur, Jr., Ronald, Nathaniel, and Cheryl. Aretha and Arthur are proud to say all their children went to college and above and are devoted to their parents. Church membership for this family began in Richmond at All Souls Presbyterian Church, where Aretha taught Sunday School and was instrumental in starting the church nursery. When the family moved to D.C. in 1958, they became charter members of Church of the Redeemer Presbyterian Church, then worshiping at the 12th Street Y.M.C.A., later building at 15th and Girard Sts N.E. Aretha was an active member in the Senior Choir there. In 1967 the family joined Plymouth Congregational Church. Aretha was active there in the Plymouthite Club, Club 21, as a supporter of the Senior Choir, a member of the Hymn Choir, and Communication Committee. In the world of work, Aretha taught in Richmond for 3 years at the old Elba Elementary School. Her teaching career was interrupted for 15 years during which time she remained home to care for her children. By the time Arthur, Jr. was 15 and the family was residing in Washington, D.C., she resumed teaching. Then she taught for 23 years at Powel Elementary School, retiring in August of 1983 as a learning center teacher in Special Education. Aretha believed her life was full and blessed. She has two grand children Arthur, III and Terri, including one great grand son Aaron who are the lights of her life. She has joyfully done work in the church office, danced with an AARP Group, worked at the polls, and held membership in Alpha Wives of Washington, D.C.

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Aretha Mae Sully Freeman

January 16, 1921 - May 29, 2013