Mary Freeman

Mary Freeman, a beloved seamstress and devoted family matriarch, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, at the Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee. Born on February 20, 1944, in Jackson, Tennessee, Mary’s life was one marked by hard work, steadfast faith, and deep love for her family and community.

Mary's skilled hands crafted countless garments throughout her career, working diligently as a seamstress at Action Apparel, Bellevue Apparel, and the Garment Factory. Beyond her vocation, Mary was a woman of faith, proudly identifying with the Baptist and Nazarene traditions. Her spirituality was a comforting beacon throughout her life, guiding her actions and nurturing her relationships.

She cherished simple joys—fishing in quiet spots, coloring with a patience and creativity that brought out her gentle spirit, and most of all, spending time outdoors with a good book or in the company of animals. Her love for life’s small pleasures reflected her character: warm, humble, and unwaveringly kind.

Mary’s roots in Tennessee ran deep. She lived much of her life in Jackson, with chapters spent in Medon and Middleton, places that held countless memories and friendships. Her heart remained in those communities, treasured and remembered by all who knew her.

Mary’s passing leaves a profound void among her loved ones. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Lee Cleek, with whom she shared many years of marriage; her parents, Thomas Morgan and Rosie Bryant Morgan; her sister, Marie Morgan; her brother, Thomas Morgan; and her grandchild, Brent Jacobs.

She is survived by her daughter, Brenda Stewart of Jackson, who carries forward her mother’s spirit with grace; her son, Edward Cleek and his wife, Melissa of Middleton; daughters, Sarah Gowdy of Jackson and Marie Jacobs, along with her husband, Trent of Booneville, Mississippi; and sisters, Mary Ruth Neil and her husband, Doyle of Jackson, and Carolyn Laverne Puckett of Jackson. Her brother, Donnie Morgan and his wife, Diane of Texas also survive her.

A cherished grandmother, Mary delighted in her grandchildren, Harlee and Gabe Howell, Warren Jacobs, Wesley Morris, Miranda Howell, Chasity Phelps(Chris), Cheyenne, Chloe and Kylee Phelps, and Juanita Marie Cleek and Jacob Cleek. Her great-grandchildren, Aiden, James, and Julia Ann Cleek were also dear to her heart, remembered always as part of her loving legacy.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Mary’s life with a visitation at Shackelford Funeral Directors in Bolivar, Tennessee, on April 3, 2026, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Following this, a graveside service will be held at Walnut Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Ripley, Tennessee, beginning at 1:00 p.m. The community is invited to honor Mary’s memory, sharing in sorrow and gratitude for a life so beautifully lived.

Mary Freeman’s story is one woven with love, faith, and dedication—a tapestry left behind for all who knew her to cherish forever. Her gentle spirit and unwavering kindness will continue to inspire, reminding us all of the quiet strength found in a life devoted to family, faith, and simple joys. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.  Memorials in her name may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.