About Leona “June” Freeman
As the daughter of a Lawrence County Pentecostal preacher and his wife – and one of 16 children in the family – Leona “June” Freeman grew up poor. And as she and her husband raised six kids of their own, they didn’t have money for extras. Her children recall being “extremely poor” but “extremely happy” as kids. What the family lacked in material goods, they say, they made up for in love. And somehow, June always found a way to give.
They remember June, who died in September 2022 at age 78, as a woman who was small in stature but big of heart. “Preach the Bible at all times – and when necessary, use words.” That was her motto, said her eldest son, Douglas “Joe” Freeman.
With two daughters as teachers in the South Point schools and two sons active in the local business community, June knew – and often quietly filled – the needs of local schoolchildren while she was alive. A warm coat here; a pair of shoes there.
That’s why her family thought it only fitting to create the Leona “June” Freeman Legacy Fund as part of the Lawrence County Community Foundation’s family of funds at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio after her death. Through the fund, June’s generous spirit will live on through grants to fund shoes, clothes and other needs for students in the South Point Local School District.
Support the Leona "June" Freeman Legacy Fund
Gifts to the Leona "June" Freeman Legacy Fund are tax-deductible and can be made in many ways, including cash, bequests, stock, real estate, royalties, insurance beneficiaries and qualified charitable distributions from IRAs.
To mail your donation, please designate the fund and mail to the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, 35 Public Square, Nelsonville, OH 45764.