Freda's life began March 9, 1944, in Little Rock, Arkansas. She spent most of her childhood in Arkansas until her parents moved to Coloma. Freda loved gardening and flowers of all kinds. She also enjoyed writing and singing her own songs. Above everything Freda loved her family and took great pride in being the family historian.

Freda leaves behind a large loving family to cherish her memory including: four sons Marcus R (Audrey) Smith, James Keith (Rhonda) Smith, Marvin Smith (Lisa Riley), and MacArthur (Brandy) Smith; 16 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; her life partner of 26 years Johnny Blackston; two bothers William "Bill" Earl (Delcie) Whitaker Sr and Jackie "Jack" Ray Whitaker; five sisters Wanda Whitaker (Fred Seabury), Lois (Donald) Harris, Donna (Kenneth) Conner, Eula (Gary) Tarantino, and Ramona (Jeff) Griffeth; and many nieces and nephews.

Freda died Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Corewell Health St. Joseph. She is preceded in death by her parents John and Blanchie (Gilbert) Whitaker and a brother Lawrence "Bob" Whitaker. Funeral services will be celebrated Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 12:00 PM with visitation prior starting at 11:00 AM at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. Burial will follow in Fish Cemetery in Covert. Memorials may be made to Freda's family in care of Marvin Smith. You are invited to leave a message of comfort for Freda's family at hutchinsfuneral.com