Freda Whitt Harris, 86, of Cabot passed away on March 28, 2023, in Cabot, Arkansas. She was born on May 17, 1936, in Ardmore, Tennessee, to the late Hubert Whitt and Ruth Smith Whitt.
Freda was a loving, generous, and hard-working mother of five children. She enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren, often sneaking them jellybeans that she insisted wasn’t candy. She also enjoyed cross-stitching, reading, growing flowers, faithfully watching Wheel of Fortune every day, and, above all, cooking delicious food for family, friends, and co-workers. Freda was fiercely loyal to her family and friends and was known for her thoughtfulness, quick wit, and fun sense of humor.
Freda worked for more than 34 years in the Finance and Accounting Department at Arkansas State University, where she made sure the students were always treated with respect. She was known as reliable, helpful, and friendly, and greeted everyone with a smile. Yet she didn’t pull any punches when she needed to tell “how the cow ate the cabbage.” She retired from ASU in 2008.
She is preceded in death by her son Michael Harris, her granddaughter Alex Harris, and her siblings Stan Whitt, Rachel Wicker, Burl Whitt, Cathy Johnson, and Dalton Whitt.
Freda leaves behind her children Missy Scroggs (Danny), Whitney Rook (Kevin), Heidi Ford (Brian), Mark Harris (Susan); her grandchildren Drew Harris, Matthew Scroggs, Anna Lewis, Justin Reed, Kevin Reed, Amanda Harris Coulter, Michelle Harris, Max Rook, Jett Rook, as well as her many great-grandchildren; her sister Linda Adair; and many extended family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital, which Freda supported.
Freda’s Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, April 6, at 3 p.m. at A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas. An online guestbook is available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.
To view a tribute slideshow of Freda, please follow the link below.
https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/S88JDXLKL8QRS62G
6 Comments
Prayers and hugs to you as you grieve the loss of your mother. Whitney, you as well as your entire family, are in my thoughts today.
My condolences to the family.
I remember Freda with fondness and you are so right about her quick wit! A very special lady indeed!
Whitney and family, sorry for your loss. Freda was a special lady, and I enjoyed working with her at ASU. Her quick wit always made me smile. Prayers for all of you.
Aunt freda was a joy. My prayers and heart are with ya’ll always. Love ya’ll
My thoughts go out to everyone in the family It was an honor to be part of this family for 15 years Frieda was a lovely and wonderful person I am glad Drew had the chance to know her She was a great person and we had many good times Beautiful service for a Beautiful person May you rest in peace.
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