“I was born at that house,” recalls Sam Jr., “and it was sort of like an ‘Underground Railroad’ for us. She sent money to bring her brothers and sisters up here, and there were always relatives coming up and staying. She brought up all her family and dad’s.”
On March 5, Mrs. Freeman celebrated her 100th birthday at Wesley Community Center on Delphos Avenue, where she’s been an active participant for more years than she can remember. She’s the longest and oldest “regular” at the center.
“She used to go every day, but now a bus takes her and brings her home three times a week,” said Sam. “I’ve tried to get her to move in with me, but she wants to stay where she is, in familiar surroundings.”
Mrs. Freeman said that she doesn’t plan to leave the home that hosted so many family gatherings: “I love my family and living in my own house. We’ve had good times here with dinners, picnics and celebrating birthdays and holidays.”
She said that she still thinks of Alabama, although she’s never wanted to return, and remembers a young Jim Nabors, who went on to be big-name entertainer. “I changed his diapers and took care of him. He’d always call ground peas ‘goobers,’ ” she says with a chuckle.
When Nabors moved to California, one of her brothers accompanied him as his butler.
“When I got to Dayton, I did housework and took care of babies for people in Oakwood, like I’d done in Alabama,” she said. “I enjoyed it, but the best thing in my life is enjoying my own children.”
Mrs. Freeman has three children, eight grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.
Fellow seniors and staff gathered round to help her celebrate her 100th at Wesley Community Center. “It was a beautiful party,” she says. “I had a good time and appreciate everything they’ve done for me. I’ve been coming here many moons, and enjoy the people, talking and the food.
“I’m an old lady, but I still have fun. My secret for a long, good life is to get along with everybody, make friends and have fun.”
About the Author