Roberta Freeman

Roberta Mae Freeman was born a twin on January 20, 1930 to Charles L. and Mattie Livingston in Decatur, Illinois. Roberta shared a joyful childhood with her twin, Robert, and their other nine brothers and sisters. At an early age, Roberta was baptized at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. As a young lady, she played softball and was a member of the Pontiac Chix Softball Team. Roberta continued to love sports throughout her life and was an avid Denver Broncos fan. Even when it wasn't football season, you could find her watching different sports any day of the week. Roberta graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in 1948, and later married McKinley Freeman who preceded her in death. One son was born to their union, Bruce Freeman, and Roberta later became mother to her only daughter, Marceline (Marcy). Roberta was employed with the Decatur County Court as its first black woman clerk, an accomplishment of which she was justifiably proud. In 1962, Roberta relocated with her children to Denver, Colorado. She worked many jobs over the years but found her niche' as a healthcare worker. She was an excellent caregiver who took great pride and satisfaction in caring for her terminally ill patients. Once retired, Roberta continued to do what she loved most, taking care of people. She began watching over little ones and continued to do so until just a few months prior to her death. Oh, how she loved her babies - singing and dancing with them, telling them stories, and always, always laughing with all of her beautiful babies. And how they adored her, too! Roberta's greatest joy came from her children. She found such pride in both of them - Bruce, a long-time railroad employee, and Marceline, a world-renowned dancer for the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble for 38 years. Roberta spent over 40 years loving and supporting the Ensemble and the art of dance. The dancers and the Ensemble community affectionately referred to her as "Robbie". She would even open her home to new dancers to stay with her until they were settled in Denver. In 2010, Roberta became a member of the Epworth United Methodist Church where she remained a member until her passing. Roberta or "Aunt Bert" (as her nieces and nephews would call her) was known for her charismatic spirit and her no-nonsense way of "telling it like it is". She had a terrific sense of humor and was often the life of the party. To her siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews, she was a listener, a confident, a counselor and a friend. Roberta was preceded in death by her son Bruce Freeman, her daughter Marceline Freeman, and all eleven of her brothers and sisters. Roberta departed this life to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 19, 2016. Those left to share her precious memories include her sister-in-law Dorothy Livingston, her devoted nieces Marcia Burnette (Leon), Carla Knight-Gilliam (Gary), and Therese Livingston, her longtime friend Cleo Parker Robinson and the Parker Robinson family, 16 grandchildren, and a host of family and friends.

Visitation: 6/26/2016 at 12:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 6/27/2016 at 11:00 AM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 3370 Ivy Street, Denver, CO
Cemetery: Fairmount Cemetery - Mukllin Rd Cleveland MS