Freda Gail Perry Elam

Our dear mother, Freda Gail Perry Elam passed away peacefully, surrounded by love and welcomed into eternity on September 16th, 2024. She was 77 years old. Although Freda had trials in her life, she had so much to celebrate and be thankful for. She was a wonderful mother, a cherished grandma, great grandma, a stubborn leader and fearless protector as well as our family’s driving force. Freda was a kind soul to everyone she cared about.

Dementia forces such a sorrowful amount of time for the patient, other family members and friends. How do you mourn for someone who is dying a slow death that is hard to understand with much pain and forgetfulness? Now that the Lord has called her tired soul home, we can finally fully grieve the loss of our mother, sister, aunt, grandma, great grandma and friend. How we live now, moving forward is part of her beautiful legacy.

Freda Gail Elam was born on January 10, 1947, in Landville, West Virginia to Roy Sr. and Florence (Whitt) Elam. Freda was their eldest daughter. She had three brothers and three sisters whom she loved deeply. Freda graduated Man High School in Man, West Virginia in1964 and married Steve C. Perry in December 1964. Born to their marriage was a son Steven and a daughter Rhonda. Freda and Steve lived in West Virginia, Columbus, Ohio and Saint Charles, IL. Freda and Steve divorced in 1986. In November 1988, Freda adopted Katie, her granddaughter, as her daughter.

Freda’s greatest accomplishment was her three children. She enjoyed watching them grow their families and shared special moments of pride with each child. Her primary employment included Gold Circle, Columbus, Ohio, Otto and Son's, West Chicago, IL and L.W. Schneider, Inc., Princeton, IL. Freda enjoyed cooking, baking, playing bingo and slots, watching Lifetime Movie Network, earning a living, finding shopping deals, and creating memories with her family. Freda was a previous member of the Princeton, IL Moose Lodge.

Freda was preceded in death by her parents, Roy Sr. and Florence (Whitt) Elam; three brothers: Delancy, James, and Roy Jr. Elam; two sisters: Mary Allen and Sharon Johnston; two nephews: Chris and Billy Johnston; the love of her life Steve C. Perry; as well as her best lifelong friend, Karen Bee.

Freda is survived by her son, Steven (Sheila Bolin) Perry of Malden, IL. her daughter Rhonda (Mark) Sutherland of Cheyenne, WY and her youngest daughter Katie (Bubba) Maynard of Princeton, IL. Her loving grandchildren: Tiffany, Rebecca (Patrick), Lindsay (Chance), Trever, Tyler (MacKenzy), Clint, Carsen, Caitlin (Eric), Hayden, Brandon, Halliegh, Aleyah, Lucian, Ezra, Ashtynn, Axel, Savannah and Damon. Great grandchildren: Cadince, Landon, Hunter, Calvin, EveeLynn, LaylaKay, DelaniMae, Quincy, Aidan, Adalyn, Ashlan and Emmett. One sister, Charlotte (Frank) Cocat of Princeton, IL. Two special sisters in law Lynn Elam of Camdenton, MO and Mary Helen Elam of Van Orin, IL. Several nieces and nephews; and a dedicated health aide, Gina Hansen who was able to keep Freda at home where she wanted to be for a longer period.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A small celebration of Freda's life will take place
in May of 2025. Interment will follow. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to her family. Freda longed for deeper, more meaningful family relationships. While we remember Freda and her life, please reach out often to those you love and care about. Tomorrow is never promised and sometimes the ones we love most need to be loved louder.

We would like to thank Allure of Walnut, Vitas Hospice, anyone and everyone who shared loving memories with our mother. She was taken care of and loved by so many that there are just too many to list. You are not unnoticed, thank you.

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