Ardeth Snyder Freeman

Ardeth Snyder Freeman 94, a native of Northport Alabama, passed away quietly at the Galleria Woods in Birmingham, AL on January 14, 2019. Her loving husband, of 72 years, J.D. was by her side. Ardeth was born on May 13, 1924 the second daughter of Lige and Mattie Pritchett Snyder. She is survived by her two sisters Janelle Larsen of Tucson, Arizona and Barbara Fegurson of San Juan Capistrano, California. Ardeth lived a full and active life. Many people do not realize that in 1944 Ardeth took flying lessons at Van de Graff Field in Northport. She never soloed but logged a number of air hours with 26 landings. She could have quite possibly been a pioneer for women in aviation in the West Alabama area. Ardeth attended Tuscaloosa County High School. It was here she met her future husband. James (JD) Freeman became enamored with Ardeth when they played in the High School band together. They were married in 1946 after JD returned from the Army WW II service in Germany. It was in Northport that they raised their two sons Jim Freeman of Birmingham and Barry Freeman of Northern Virginia. They have six grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Ardeth spent many years side by side with JD along with JD’s sister Martha and brother-in law Gene Proctor, helping to build the family businesses, Freeman Electric Company and Tuscaloosa Electrical Supply. These companies were started by JD’s father in 1939 and became very successful in Tuscaloosa. They were sold in 1985 when JD and Ardeth retired. Ardeth and JD’s retirement years were spent traveling the world. It was not unusual to find them on trips to Israel, Germany, Hawaii or Canada. They spent their first year of retirement in Tucson, Arizona but decided that they were too far away from their children and grandchildren. They then moved to Birmingham. This allowed them to do exactly what they wanted most, spending quality time with their beloved grandchildren. However most important in their lives was their faith in Jesus Christ and their commitment to Briarwood Presbyterian Church. They both attended Bible studies and were very active sharing their faith. A memorial service will be held for Ardeth S. Freeman on January 26 at 10 am at the Briarwood Presbyterian Church Chapel in Birmingham, with a graveside service at Williamson Cemetery in Northport. The family will receive friends at the Chapel beginning at 9 am. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Briarwood Presbyterian Missions Program, 2200 Briarwood Way, Birmingham, Al. 35243. Ardeth is survived by her husband JD, sisters Janelle Larsen and Barbara Ferguson, sons Jim & (Gail) and Barry & (Robin), grandchildren Daren & (Jessa) Freeman, Brooke & (Marc) Istook, Lee Freeman, Sally & (Dave) Dills, Jyl Freeman, and Brandon Freeman. Great grandchildren include Harry & Jane Freeman, Lennon & Luke Dills, and Alden, Asher & Luke Istook.

Ardeth Snyder Freeman

May 13, 1924 - January 14, 2019