Freda Gale Whitsett

Freda G. Whitsett, age 93, of Louisville, Ohio, passed away, Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at her home.

 A Proverbs 31 woman – Her children shall rise up and call her blessed! If you knew her, you just know! Mom, Grandma, and Memaw were her names. Most everyone including non-family members called her Memaw. She was highly revered by her children, grandchildren, and “greats” as our most precious treasured matriarch. Memaw was the heart that gave this family life! She was an old school mom who was up at 5:00 am every single day to be ready for work in time to ensure her family had a hot breakfast. She was known for her amazing “hillbilly” cooking skills. When we say this woman could cook we mean everybody loved to sit at her table! She was known for her cookies and jello desserts but she could make baklava like no other. She made amazing beer battered fish! Mom was a woman that was humble, modest, soft spoken, spiritual, and the first to provide help or give to anyone suffering or in need. She was a true example of her belief in God in her daily walk, leaving no doubt she is walking on streets of gold today. Our comfort comes in knowing, if we are believers, we will one day be reunited with her again. 

When asked about the first time she met dad, mom used to curl her nose and say she didn’t like him at all. Their paths crossed again after his military service and that is when they fell in love. She married Wendell Whitsett on June 18th, 1955 where they spent the most of their marriage living in Suffield, Ohio. They were married for 53 years before his passing. My brother and I can proudly say that never in our lives did we ever hear our parents argue. They expressed their differences in calm communication in private. Mom and Dad had such a loving respect for one another– And God help anyone who disrespected his “Freda-Cakes”! Before dad passed, grandchild Craig (Missy) Herndon bought their home in Suffield and kept mom and dad with them. After Wendell passed, Freda remained with Craig and Missy even when they moved to Louisville 3 years ago. For a total of 23 years Missy and Memaw shared a kitchen together successfully! 

Freda dabbled in quilting, jewelry making, and crocheting but her greatest hobby became her grandbabies! She was so proud to tell everyone she had 5 grandchildren and 13 “greats” that is what she lived for! She had a unique relationship with each one and told anyone who would listen the milestones of each grandchild and great grandchild. 

Freda graduated from Colton High School and Fairmont Business College in West Virginia. In her early years she was a Nanny while attending college. After college she landed her career job at General Tire in Akron, Ohio. Her last position held was Payroll Clerk, and after 30+ years of employment she retired from General Tire. Freda was a member of Millhiem Baptist Church and also was an associate member of the Mogadore VFW for many years. 

She is preceded in death by parents, John and Beatrice J. Weese, siblings, Fred (June) Weese, Glenna (Dave) Floyd, Ann (Sheldon) Parker, mother and father in-law, Bessie and Edgar Whitsett, brothers-in-law, Milton (Lois) Whitsett, Clarence (Clara) Whitsett, and Larry Bragg. 

Freda leaves her son, David (Barbara) Whitsett, daughter, Gail (Steve) Schott, sister and best friend Doris Faye Bragg, grandchildren, Craig (Melissa) Herndon, Carrie Herndon (Shawn), Dawn (Chris) Allen, Denise (Todd) Fleming, and Michael (Danielle) Whitsett. She also leaves her 13 “Greats”, Aisley, Kenzie, Gavin, Payton, Shanelle, Nile, Wyatt, Tristan, Kai, Finn, Alice, Anyah, and Wade, In addition, she leaves many nieces and nephews. 

We want to give a very special thank you to Advantage Hospice Staff from Canton, Ohio for the amazing care they provided to our Memaw and our family this past 6 weeks – An additional thank you to Nurse Taylor who will always be a part of our family because her sense of humor belongs in our family! Also, to the Nurse’s aide, Mariah who so lovingly cared for our mother kissing moms’ hand before leaving each day, and to Nurse's Aide Megan who on the last day had helped us so tremendously! The compassion and how this staff honored our mother with such loving and gentle care was such a gift to us. 

Finally, on behalf of my brother, sister-in-law, my husband, and myself, we would like to express our pride to the entire family of grandchildren and greats who held vigilance with physical touch and loving words to our mother this past month. Every one of you showed compassion, love, and respect that filled our hearts as we watched you honor Memaw so lovingly. A special thank you to our Kenzie, who never hesitated to provide help with any of mom’s physical care, talking to Memaw all day long, and providing never ending hugs to her every single day. We are, and always will be family because of the life and guidance of our Memaw! 

A Funeral service honoring Freda's life will be 12:30 PM Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 N. Canton Road, Akron, OH 44305 with Pastor Scott Rockich officiating. Calling hours will take place from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm prior to the service beginning at 12:30 pm at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Hillside Memorial Park,1025 Canton Rd, Akron at 2:00pm, Tuesday. 

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