Joan M. Freeland

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Joan M. Freeland, nee Miles, 86, a resident of Naperville, Ill., since 1978, passed away on Friday, March 23, 2018 at Edward Hospital in Naperville.

She was born Jan. 3, 1932 in Troy, Ohio.

Joan was a longtime member of the DuPage AME Church in Lisle, Ill., where she served on numerous committees, and was a volunteer at Edward Hospital, Beebe Elementary School and Little Friends Center..

Joan married Russell “Deke” Freeland on Aug. 18, 1951 in Greencastle.

Joan dedicated her life to the Lord at a young age, singing in church choirs throughout her life. She was an avid sports fan, especially her beloved Chicago Bears and Chicago Bulls. Joan’s pie recipes were featured in local newspapers.

She is survived by children Deborah Joan Holmes, Mark Russell Freeland and Douglas Lee Freeland; grandchildren Chandra Freeland Catchings and Andrew Freeland; great-grandchildren Kale, Jayce and Jamison Catchings; siblings Charles and Joe (Rosie) Miles, Hazel Barnett, Priscilla Miles and Ann (John) Oldham; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Russell L. Freeland, granddaughter Christa Holmes, her parents Theodore and Priscilla Miles; and sister Marcia Bryant.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 31 at the DuPage AME Church, 4300 Yackley Ave., Lisle, Ill. Interment will be private.

Memorials in Joan’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the American Heart Association.

The Freeland family would like to thank Dr. Michael Nora, the DuPage Medical Group and Edward Hospital for the wonderful care Joan received over the years.

Arrangements by the Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Home and Crematory, 516 S. Washington St., Naperville, (630) 355 0264. www.beidelmankunschfh.com