Obituary of Nancy E. Freeman

Nancy Emma Chambers-Freeman was born the fourth of five children to the late David A. Howell and Edna A. Burgin-Howell. She began her life journey on January 13, 1954 in Chester, Pennsylvania. On March 25, 2020, she answered the call of her Heavenly Father to return home. During Nancy’s early tender years, she was born into adversity with the inability to walk. Nancy spent the first five years of her life completely away from her family at the Elizabethtown Children’s Hospital going through major surgeries and rehabilitation in order to possibly have the ability to walk. After being successfully released from the hospital with a new lease on life, Nancy embraced all of the precious little inquisitive things life had to offer, such as, hugging trees, plucking flowers, seeing flowers blooming in the spring, watching leaves turn in the fall, friendly smiles, and a pure hug and embrace. Nancy began her education in the Chester Upland School District, graduating from Chester High School in 1973. Nancy was involved in the Chester High School Future Nurses Auxiliary, International Relationship Club, Prom and Trip committees, and a Library Aid. She also enjoyed playing the flute with the Chester High School Band. She volunteered as a candy striper at the Crozer-Chester Medical Center (Crozer) during the summer and enjoyed spending most summers in Morton, Pennsylvania with her grandmother “Nanny”, her sisters and cousins. Shortly after graduation, she was employed with Crozer working as a Health Unit Secretary responsible for documenting physician orders, preparing patient treatment charts and health information management for over 3,500 babies per year in Crozer’s Labor and Delivery Maternity Center. Nancy attended Widener University where she received continual professional learning credits towards her medical certifications. She was a life-long employee at Crozer for 40 years; and retired in 2013. In 1976, Nancy gave birth to her pride and joy – “Bobby.” They were inseparable. She adored her only son and poured everything she had into him. Nancy would also take Bobby everywhere she went – Bible Study, choir practice, praise and worship practice, supermarket, bank – you name it – Bobby was there! She enjoyed spending quality time with her son to include playing their huge collection of board games. When watching them both together, it was clear to see Nancy and Bobby shared an unbreakable Mother-Son bond that transitioned into a loving Mother-Son friendship. Nancy undoubtedly understood the most important mark a mother can leave on this world is to raise a respectful, God-fearing, and loving son. Nancy was baptized and accepted Jesus Christ into her life in 1983 where she was a member of the Lighthouse Mennonite Church in Upland, Pennsylvania. Nancy truly adored and loved her Lighthouse Family! She served on the Praise and Worship Team, Women’s Ministry, choir, Vacation Bible School, Drama Ministry, and the Singles Ministry and retreats. Nancy developed long lasting friendships and memories that only God could decree. In 2000, her son Bobby introduced Nancy to a friend that eventually became her true knight and shining armor; her husband, Gregory O. Freeman. They were married on September 8, 2001 celebrating 18 years of marital bliss and 20 years total of courtship. Nancy and Greg never came off their honeymoon. In a crowded room, you could often find them snickering and laughing together off into another world. Who knows what they would be giggling & laughing about! In fact, Nancy and Greg were affectionally known as his “Sweets” and her “Hun!” Valentine’s Day was their favorite holiday. Nancy and Greg’s friendship, love and commitment to one another was purely a blessing from God; and an inspiration for all to see. Even until the very end of Nancy’s earthly life, Greg loved, cared and protected his “Sweets.” Nancy accepted the calling to join her husband Elder Freeman as a member and leader of the Cathedral St. Mark Christian Community Church located in Chester, Pennsylvania (now Woodlyn, Pennsylvania.) She was a member of the Fellowship Choir, and truly enjoyed serving as President of The Pastor’s Support Ministry and First Lady Hanna’s Personal Adjutant. Nancy later received a spiritual calling to continue her education at the Faith Fellowship School of Ministry where she earned an Associate’s Degree in Biblical Studies. She, along with her husband, thoroughly enjoyed providing wise and affectionate council for engaged and married couples. Nancy was always willing to serve and sacrifice her time for the betterment of others. She always led by example and knew what it meant to be Christ-like and walk in love. Nancy enjoyed reading books on marriage and spiritual teachings. She earnestly studied, and searched the Word to understand God’s order and framework of marriage. Although you may catch Nancy quiet at times, you couldn’t quiet her down once she began speaking on the topic of marriage! Nancy also enjoyed arts and crafts, cross-stitching, word puzzles, all types of board games, road trips, singing, laughing and enjoying her grandkids, Cici and Zayden. Nancy was the Queen of all board games. (She wouldn’t let anyone win – even her grandkids!) Nancy also enjoyed selling Avon cosmetics and Tupperware. (Reynolds foil wrap was not allowed in the refrigerator!) Above all, Nancy thoroughly enjoyed spending Christmas with the family and going to the park having lunch with her “Hun” to watch the airplanes land and large cargo ships pass by the river. Nancy Emma Chambers-Freeman leaves behind her loving and faithful husband Gregory O. Freeman, her son Robert Chambers, Jr. (Juanere); two grandchildren, Corinthian Jah’nae Chambers and Zayden Robert Chambers; and one God-son, Calvin Wells, Jr. She also leaves behind her two sisters and one brother to cherish her memory: Irma Pitts, Linda Howell-Jefferson both from Chester, Pennsylvania; David A. Howell (Jerry) from Wilmington, Delaware; Richard Howell (Deceased); one aunt, Edwina Bradley from Chester, Pennsylvania; one sister-in-law, four brothers-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and long-time friends.