Freda R. Martin, age 102, of Jackson passed away peacefully into the Lord's loving arms on Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at Landmark Hospital in Cape Girardeau.
She was born April 24, 1907 at Sedgewickville, MO, the eldest daughter to Henry and Sarah Hahs Barks. She and Walter Martin were married on January 10, 1925 and lived at the former Leming Orchard, north west of Oak Ridge, until they moved to Jackson in 1943. He passed away December 14, 1986.

Freda enjoyed life to the fullest and was a positive blessing and inspiration to all who knew her during her 102 years. She always attributed her long life to "Hard work and loving the Lord." She was a member of First Baptist Church in Jackson for over 60 years where she attended weekly church services, taught Sunday School Class, was a member of Joy Choir, WMU, and participated in many other activities at the church. She worked at the former Jackson International Shoe Factory in the lasting department for 35 years until her retirement in 1974.

Freda loved going to the Jackson Senior Center daily for many years. She enjoyed the food, the activities and visiting with her friends. Freda would arrive early every day so she could be the "official greeter" at the door to the Senior Center.

Loving survivors include five daughters, Wanda Schweer, Doris Grebe, Ella Dee Keith, and Shirley (Bill) Adams, all of Jackson, and Karen (Rick) Wooley of Orange, Calif.; two sisters, Effie Riehn and Hazel Henson of Jackson; ten grandchildren, Larry Schweer, Bill (Lucille) Schweer, Barbara (Craig) Floyd, Janet (David) Kirkpatrick, Donna (Dallas) Seabaugh, Dennis (Jeanne) Keith, Michael (Kim) Adams, Tammy (Kirk) Francis, Sarah (Bill) Cramer, and Courtney Thayer.

Also surviving are; fifteen great grandchildren, Terry Schweer, Tracy Proffer, Keith and Kevin Kirkpatrick, Scott Seabaugh, Staci Glass, David and Kristina Keith, Ryan and Tyler Adams, Katie Biri, Amy Langston, Amanda Durio, Jackson and Katie Cramer; ten great great-grandchildren, Brittney and Bethany Schweer, Morgan Heisserer, Bailey Proffer, Austin Seabaugh, David and John Kirkpatrick, Matthew Biri, Rowen and Wyatt Glass; and special caregivers, Danny and Martha Bowers of Jackson.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years; a brother, Rev. Loy Barks, a sister, Gladys Bollinger, a grandson, Mark Adams, a great grandson, Darren Seabaugh and four sons-in-law.

Visitation and a Celebration of Freda's Life will be held on Friday, September 18, 2009 from 4-8 PM at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson.

Funeral Service will be on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 10:00 AM at the funeral home with the Rev. Paul Mason officiating. Interment will follow in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson where Freda will be laid to rest next to her husband.

In lieu of flowers, it is respectfully requested that donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Jackson or the Jackson Senior Center in memory of Freda Martin, or the charity of your choice.