Obituary of Diantha Freeman

With gratitude for a life rooted in faith, family, and service, we celebrate the life of Diantha Freeman, born on April 11, 1938, in Columbus, Ohio, to the late Jack and Vivian Frazier.

Diantha was educated in the Columbus Public School System and graduated from East High School in Columbus, Ohio. She continued her studies at Bliss Business College, where she majored in Business Administration. Her strong work ethic, poise, and commitment to excellence helped shape a distinguished career in public service.

For 16 years, she served with the Franklin County Department of Human Services, holding several leadership and administrative roles, including Administrative Assistant to the Director of Social Services, Manager of Information Systems, Administrative Assistant to the Director of the Title V Work Experience and Training Program, and Supervisor of an Income Maintenance/Food Stamp Casework Unit.

In 1977, Diantha relocated to Akron, Ohio, to join her beloved husband, George Freeman. He had been appointed Community and Social Relations Director for the International Chemical Workers Union.

In each season of her life, Diantha carried the same spirit of faithfulness. Whether serving in public office, supporting her husband’s work, or giving herself to the ministries of the church, she approached every responsibility with humility, excellence, and love.

After moving to Akron, Diantha began a ten-year career with the Social Security Administration. During that time, she also served New Hope Baptist Church as Church Clerk and Secretary from 1979 to 1989. In 1989, she left Social Security to answer a higher call as the church’s full-time Administrative Secretary, serving faithfully for 20 years until her retirement in 2009. In all, Diantha devoted 30 years of administrative service to New Hope Baptist Church under four pastors: Dr. T. DeWitt Smith Jr., Rev. Bennie Williams, Rev. Marty Henderson, and Dr. David M. Nelson.

Throughout her life, Diantha served the Lord and her community with quiet dedication. She served as Church Clerk at Calvary Tremont Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio, for approximately 20 years; Church Clerk and Secretary at New Hope Baptist Church from 1979 to 1989; Administrative Secretary from 1989 to 2009; Youth Director from 1980 to 1983; and Deaconess from 1980 until her passing. Her service also extended beyond the church as a Life Member of the NAACP, traveling with her husband each summer to the National Conventions, and supporting the local Akron Branch through its annual dinners and fundraisers until her health failed.

Diantha’s hobbies included sewing, gardening, and cooking. She was also known for her love of hats, wearing each one with elegance, confidence, and a style all her own. A self-taught seamstress, she made the bridesmaids’ dresses for her wedding, along with the flower girl’s dress, and shared her gift through school and church programs. She also lovingly made her daughter’s homecoming dresses and prom dress. Her love for gardening was especially evident in the care she gave to her flower beds. Her beautiful plantings and decorations often caught the attention of Keep Akron Beautiful.

The Freemans were often known for entertaining in their home, where Diantha loved to cook and gather people in fellowship. She frequently invited the ministries she worked with to share food, conversation, and community around her table.

Diantha also volunteered with Summit County Children’s Services as a sewing instructor for at-risk teens. She coordinated numerous church ministries and special projects, including the New Hope in the Kitchen Cookbook in 1984, the New Hope Pictorial Directory and Souvenir Journal in 1988, the New Hope Secretary’s Workshop, and the New Hope Birthday Calendar in 1993.

Together with her husband, Diantha served as a Marriage Counselor from 2012 to 2015. She chaired church celebrations, including Pastor’s Anniversary and Church Anniversary events, led New Hope’s first Flea Market, supported the Couples Ministry, and served with grace as President of the New Hope Mothers Ministry from 2013 until her passing.

Diantha’s life was a beautiful reflection of unwavering faith, servant leadership, compassion, and love. Through her wisdom, generosity, and steadfast devotion to God, family, and church, she quietly touched countless lives and leaves a legacy that will continue to bless all who knew her.

On Friday, July 31, 2026, at 9:35 p.m., with her daughter and niece by her side, Diantha’s spirit peacefully slipped away into the arms of the Lord. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, George Freeman; her cherished son, Pastor Gregory Freeman; her parents, Jack and Vivian Frazier; and her brothers, Ronald Frazier, Michael Steven Frazier, and Jack Frazier Jr.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory: her devoted daughter, Staci Genee Smith (Samuel); her loving sister, Barbara Frazier-Reese; her daughter-in-law, Sherice Freeman; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and all whose lives were blessed by knowing and loving her. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Matthew 25:23