Mrs. Mattie Lee Freeman, affectionately known as "Matt Lee", was born July 10, 1929 in Newton Georgia to the late Mr. Clifton Eady and the late Mrs. Katie Jean Hawkins Eady. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mr. Garfield "Pike" Freeman, Sr. and 4 of her 13 children: Gladys Freeman, Jesse "Buddy" Freeman, Sr., Garfield "Melvin" Freeman, Jr., and Annie Lizzie Freeman Thomas.

Mattie was educated in Baker County School System, and later became a skilled seamstress. She soon thereafter met the love of her life and the two married and began the beautiful legacy of the Freeman family.

Mattie gave her life to Christ at an early age, and joined St. Matthews Baptist Church of Newton, Georgia, where she was an active member of the Usher Board and served on many auxiliaries. She was always eager to testify to the goodness of the Lord and would often end her testimony with a heart touching rendition of "This Little Light of Mine". Later in her Christian journey, she joined Walker Street COCIC, where she served until unable to physically attend church, although she continued to maintain a close relationship with the Lord. She was philanthropic in her efforts in both the church and at home, helping those who were in need in any way she could.

As Mattie and Garfield expanded their family, she gave up her work as a seamstress to focus on being a great homemaker for her husband and children.

She had a zest for life and contagious energy that allowed her to cook, clean, garden, sew, and exercise. She insisted upon daily exercise well into her upper years and would often take the grandchildren for walks and challenge them to exercise contests, which she usually won.

Mattie gave her family an appreciation for life, a love for the Lord, and a place to call home, no matter the situation. She never turned a family member or a stranger away. She always led with love.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving children: Jean Webb of Albany, GA; Leona Laster of Lee County, GA; Bernice (Roosevelt) Scott of Albany, GA;

Israel (Daisy) Freeman of Lithonia, GA; Johnny (Johnnie) Freeman of Newton, Ga; Larry Freeman of Newton, GA; Dr. Mattie Shiloh of Albany, GA;

Shirley (Vernon) Cook of Albany, GA; Phillip (Patricia) Freeman of American Canyon, California. Two living Siblings, Minister Saul Eady of Tifton, GA; and Israel Lee Eady of Camilla, GA. Thirty-two grandchildren, and a host of great and great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.