<BillNo> <Sponsor>
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 188
By Akbari
SJR0188
004182
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A RESOLUTION to honor the memory of Grace Bolton Freeman
of Memphis.
WHEREAS, the members of this General Assembly were greatly saddened to learn of
the passing of Grace Bolton Freeman; and
WHEREAS, Grace Freeman was an exemplary public servant and consummate
professional who worked assiduously to improve the quality of life for her fellow citizens in
numerous capacities; and
WHEREAS, born on December 20, 1932, in Pontotoc, Mississippi, Grace Olivia Bolton
Freeman was the daughter of Richard Bolton and Carrie Pinson Bolton; and
WHEREAS, Grace Freeman was educated in the Pontotoc school system, where she
excelled academically, and graduated from Pontotoc Colored High School before continuing her
studies at Mississippi Industrial College (MIC) in Holly Springs, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, at MIC, she played basketball and was elected Homecoming Queen before
receiving her undergraduate degree in elementary education and embarking on a career as an
educator in the Pontotoc County School System; and
WHEREAS, in 1957, she met and married the love of her life, Wiley H. Freeman, and the
couple relocated to Memphis, where Mrs. Freeman served as a teacher with Memphis City
Schools; and
WHEREAS, entering the banking industry, Grace Freeman enjoyed a long and storied
career as a highly respected banking officer with Union Planters National Bank, where she
remained a dedicated officer until her retirement in 1986; and
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WHEREAS, a woman of deep and abiding faith, she was a longtime member of Mt.
Pisgah C.M.E. Church, where she served as a member of Usher Board #1 and the Mary Becton
Missionary Society; and
WHEREAS, she had a passion for gardening, especially growing tomatoes, okra, and
peppers, and found great joy in baking; she was known far and wide for her delicious cakes;
and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Freeman was also deeply devoted to her family, and she always
endeavored to remain true to family values of the highest order; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Freeman was the proud mother of Richard U. Freeman, Sedgwick
(Wendy) Freeman, Whitney Freeman, Carole Woodard, and Mary Freeman, the loving
grandmother of Dr. Jonathan Freeman, Cordell Gray, Loren Freeman, Zachary (Hydeia)
Freeman, and Marcus (Rebecca) Woodard, and the great-grandmother of six great-
grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, she will be sadly mourned but fondly remembered by her sister-in-law,
Ludean Freeman, and a host of nieces and nephews, extended family members, and dear
friends; and
WHEREAS, in addition to her husband and her parents, Mrs. Freeman was preceded in
death by her brother, Richard Bolton, Jr.; and
WHEREAS, Grace Freeman leaves behind an indelible legacy of integrity and probity in
public life, compassion and loyalty in private life, and diligence and dedication in all her chosen
endeavors; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting that the members of this General Assembly should pause to
remember the bountiful life of this exceptional public servant and human being; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTEENTH
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE HOUSE OF
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REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING, that we honor the memory of Grace Bo lton Freeman,
reflecting fondly upon her impeccable character and her stalwart commitment to living the
examined life with courage and conviction.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we express our sympathy and offer our condolences
to the family of Mrs. Freeman.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that an appropriate copy of this resolution be prepared
for presentation with this final clause omitted from such copy and upon proper request made to
the appropriate clerk, the language appearing immediately following the State seal appear
without House or Senate designation.