Vicki Freels

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Vicki Shew Freels. She died peacefully on July 20, 2024 in Savannah, TN surrounded by her family and friends both near and far. She leaves a void that her family cannot fill. Her hard fought battle with breast cancer is over; the pain is gone. With her last breath, the angels rejoiced in her welcoming and she finally met her Maker.

Vicki was born on February 10, 1960, in Georgetown, Texas. She and her older brother, Wayne, moved and were raised in Atkins, VA where their grandmother, Irene Shew, later adopted her. Wayne was always regarded as her lifelong protector. As a young child, Vicki was recognized for her academic gifts by a loving teacher who challenged her to work hard in school and rise above her difficult life circumstances. She met that challenge and earned a full scholarship to attend King College in Bristol, TN where she excelled and built the foundation for her remarkable life and career.

It was at King College that she met the love of her life, Douglas Freels. They shared a loving and faithful marriage for 38 years, blessed with three sons: Parker, Graham, and Bradley. Vicki was a devoted mother who raised her sons with love and care, each of whom went on to marry women she cherished as daughters. Most recently, Vicki experienced the joy of becoming a grandmother to seven grandchildren.

While never one to demand the spotlight, Vicki was always the life of the party. She loved to dance and never skipped an opportunity – so much so that she famously broke her wrist during one ill-fated boogey. Vicki took every opportunity to make her loved ones feel special and made birthdays truly magical, like it was your day and no one else’s. Vicki was the ultimate storyteller. She required a clean and well decorated home, which always maintained its warmth. Self-professed as "not a foodie," but a cold drink and good conversation by a body of water always put a smile on her face. Her home was always open to everyone, especially children and dogs. Her faith, family, and friends were the most important things to her, and she had a selfless heart, serving others whenever possible, often daily.

She was a fine Christian woman who lived her life in faith and was a solid believer in the redemptive power of Jesus Christ. She was always willing to share her testimony with others. She held a daily reliance on scripture, with application to all of life’s challenges and celebrations. One of her greatest joys was becoming a grandmother and was affectionately called ViVi in this role. A set of quintuplets born June 4, 2023, Adelyn, Eliana, Linnea, Fisher, and Harper Freels and 2 more recent grandchildren, Margaret Freels born June 2, 2024 and Robin Freels June 5, 2024.

Vicki is survived by her husband, Douglas Freels of Savannah, TN; her son Parker Freels and his wife Georgia Freels of Chattanooga, TN; her son Graham Freels and his wife Stephanie Freels of Ferndale, WA; her son Bradley Freels and his wife Eliza Freels of Knoxville, TN; her 7 grandchildren; her brother, Wayne Hodges and his wife Debbie Hodges of Jacksonville, FL. She was preceded in death by her other brother Douglas Hodges, her mother Betty Shew, and her grandmother Irene Shew.

The Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held Saturday, August 3rd at 2 PM at Sharon Baptist Church in the sanctuary located at 3514 Cravens Rd, Savannah, TN 38372. The ceremony will be live streamed on the Sharon Baptist Church Facebook page for those who are unable to attend. Please join us for a meal in the fellowship hall immediately following the ceremony. Visitation begins one hour prior at 1 PM.  Vicki always loved getting dressed up for special occasions and loved a party. An after party will be held at The Venue On Main at 454 Main St., Savannah, TN 38372 at 5:30 PM on August 3rd. Please leave the dark clothes at home, and wear your Sunday’s best and get ready to celebrate this woman we all loved so much!

“I'll love you forever

I'll like you for always

As long as I'm living

My mommy you'll be”

(Excerpt from “Love You Forever” by Robert Munsch).

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity and organization of your choice that Vicki cherished or was involved in. These include:

The Darryl Worley Cancer Foundation

325 Main Street

Savannah, TN 38372

731-926-2667

https://darrylworleyfoundation.com/donate/

LIVE-IT Ministries

11935 Chapman Highway

Seymour, TN 37865

865-773-0714

https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=dWqHt9QAhq81tGOyXvCN0dQQ4J6gvSUM8m2CKFhb

EkHZfVTMAEztkNSQnd5Q30RyrM0TZFkXmsiu_h-2&locale.x=US

Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child

PO Box 3000

Boone, NC 28607

828.262.1980

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child