Dr. John W. Freeman, Sr., D.D.

Remembering Reverend John W. Freeman, Sr. D.D.

As we celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. John W. Freeman, Sr., D.D. (“Plukem”) who was born in
Augusta, GA to his proud parents Savannah (“Sweet”) (nee: Holmes) and Henry “Handy” Freeman on
June 4, 1928. He was the third of three children, Janie Allen (deceased) and Mary Freeman.
Let us look back on his many accomplishments and see that he truly has always been a man of
integrity, good deeds and religious favor.
He was blessed to have a beloved wife of 49 years, Missionary Florence White Freeman, by his side
throughout all of his accomplishments.
In 1971, Rev. John Freeman was a Deacon at Community Friendly Baptist Church (Rev. Cornelius
Davis). The next year he was called to preach and became licensed by Rev. J. E. Jackson of St. Paul
Baptist Church and was ordained in 1974 by Rev. Grant F. Anderson of Ebenezer Baptist Church.
He was the organizer/founder and pastor of The St. James Baptist Church Outreach Ministries, Inc.
of South Ozone Park, New York. He was an active member of the Baptist Ministries Conference of
Queens & Vicinity and served as Financial Secretary and Assistant Recording Secretary. He was an
active member of the Southeast Queens Clergy for Community Empowerment, Inc. Other worthy
memberships/affi liations include, Queens Lodge 1001 IBPOEW; VFW #5298/D.A.V. NY #154, The
American Legion NY #1946, NAACP, and he campaigned for many political leaders (F. Flake, D.
Dinkins, G. Meeks, M. Smith, M. Cuomo, V. Cook, A. Andrews, and host of others).
His educational attainments included a student in the Richmond County School District in Augusta,
GA. He received his honorary Doctor of Divinity from Otay Mesa College in California and has been
awarded numerous certifi cates in food services and commercial dietetics.
“Be on your guard; stand fi rm in the faith; be courageous; be strong and do everything with love.” (I
Cor. 16:13-14) NLT. This scripture is evident in Rev. Freeman’s past contributions. They included,
serving in the United States Army in Korea and Germany, and receiving a variety of honors and
medals. Later planting his feet as Head Chef at the World Trade Center for the NY/NJ Port Authority
becoming the fi rst Black Facility Supervisor of Food Services and shop steward for Local 1400. He
retired after 27 years of service.
Rev. Freeman has been a pillar in his community and through his outreach program in South Ozone
Park, he has provided meals, clothing, sponsored an annual turkey drive and spiritual counseling for
the underprivileged. He served as an Auxiliary Police Offi cer for the 103rd Precinct in Jamaica, NY.
He was the organizer and fi rst president of the 149th Street Block Association of South Ozone Park
and was the Chaplain for the 113th Precinct Youth Council of Jamaica. His works have earned him
in particular, three awards that he held dear to his heart: The Hon. Gregory W. Meeks Community
Commitment Award, The Ricky Production Caribbean Cultural Association presented him with the
Nelson and Winnie Mandela Award and he received a Congressional Achievement Award from
Rev. Floyd H. Flake for his outstanding invaluable service to the community. His blessings and
accomplishments also transcend to his family life. He was lovingly deemed “THE MAN WHO DOES
EVERYTHING FOR EVERYBODY.” His life proves that statement to be true!
John was preceded in death by his loving wife Florence and leaves to mourn his passing and cherish
his memory, his loving: Children, Adrena Parris (Anthony); LaVerne Griffi n; Anita Turner (David); John,
Jr. (Linda); and Anthony (Sommer); Sister, Mary Freeman; Grandchildren, Tonya P. Wilkins (Joseph);
Michael Griffi n (Nina); Michelle Griffi n; Kathima S. Jones (Matthew, Sr.); Ebony M. Shuler (Richard);
Shawnta Jennette (deceased); Tanisha Jennette; Aniya K. Freeman; Christopher D. Turner; Christal
M. Pickett (Sean); Anthony J. Freeman (Carolina); Brandon D. Turner (Caity); and John W. Freeman, III
(“3J”); 22 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; Goddaughters: Jeannie Davis and Anita
Taylor-Germain and host of other loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

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