Jennifer Kim Freel

February 24, 1967 - April 16, 2017

Obituary For Jennifer Kim Freel

Jennifer Kim Garman Freel, 50, passed away unexpectedly, on Easter morning, in Raleigh NC. Until her death, she enjoyed a wonderful life with her family. A funeral service will be held for her at: Renaissance Funeral Home located at 7615 Six Forks Road, Raleigh NC 27615 on Monday, April 24, 2017. Visitation with the family will be from 11:00am-1:00pm, and the memorial service will be from 1:00-2:00pm and traveling at 2:00pm to Historical Oakwood Cemetery, in downtown Raleigh, where she will be laid to rest.

Jennifer was known by all as a kind and gentle soul. Her genuine smile greeted all who met her whether in her home or workplace. Born in Red Cloud, Nebraska on February 24th, 1967 to Mr. Lynn and Edena Garman, she was the youngest of seven children. Her mother and father, as well as, two brothers, Dennis and David Garman preceded her in death. She is survived by: David Freel and her daughter, Riley Jordan Freel, Scott Billenwillms, sisters: Deanna Gardner, Alice Coffelt (Darrel, husband), Sharron Martin (Chris, husband), Cynthia Wade, Susan Fackler (Bernie, husband) and sister-in law, Gloria Schlaefli (Richard, husband).

Jennifer left the farm of her childhood, in 1989, to embark on her life adventure in Raleigh, NC. She first worked for American Airlines, as well as, part-time for 3M where she met her future husband. Jennifer married David R. Freel in September of 1998. Soon they had a beautiful daughter, Riley Jordan Freel, who was born on June 24th, 2001. Riley was Jennifer’s pride and joy. She dedicated her life to providing a loving family, both formal and informal, for her daughter.

Jennifer always possessed strong vision for her life and, in 1993, she enrolled at North Carolina State University graduating pre-med with a BS in Zoology in 1997. Jennifer loved math, science and helping people, and her choice of profession reflected this as she worked as a researcher in clinical trials for several of RTP’s most respected companies. She specialized in conducting Cancer clinical trials.

A talented, athletic, and adventurous woman, Jennifer journeyed through life with love and generosity toward others. She embraced life to the fullest by traveling, hiking, and boating with Scott and Riley, and expanding her circles of friends at each new workplace. She had a set brunch, once a month, with some of her closest girlfriends. The wellbeing of her daughter was of the utmost importance to Jennifer, and through the years, she carefully surrounded herself and Riley with a cultivated community of friends and family.

Whenever you had the pleasure of sharing a conversation with Jennifer, she was quick to ask about you and your family and share a story about the love of her life, daughter Riley. She loved to help Riley with her studies, especially math and science, and was very proud of Riley’s gifts, talents, and values. She handed down her love of basketball to Riley and enjoyed watching her develop into a very good player. She never missed a game and the opportunity to cheer for her daughter.

One word that best describes Jennifer, in all aspects of her life, is generous. No matter what was needed, Jennifer would make sure it was provided. Her daughter described her as, “always giving gifts of joy.” Her home was open to family, friends, and neighbors. She watched and walked neighbors’ pets, gathered their mail, and lent a caring ear to them whenever she was needed.

Jennifer loved life and was constantly in motion except when she relaxed by ordering in and watching a movie at home. She vacationed at the beach and the mountains, shopped with her daughter, especially loved listening and sharing music with Riley. Her kindhearted nature was evident in her love of animals, especially her dog, Chewy who she enjoyed taking on daily walks.

As she developed her professional career and led her life, Jennifer was driven by her commitment to ensure Riley could enjoy high school and would be able to follow her dreams into university. Always the mother, Jennifer planned with Dave to set the path for Riley to grow, experience life and have the time to focus on learning and becoming her best self. Jennifer gave Riley an incredible role model to follow as she becomes a young woman.

We will miss Jennifer, who brightened our days and warmed our hearts. And with gratitude, all members of the family and village Jennifer built for her daughter will step forward to contribute to what mattered most to Jennifer, the happiness of Riley.

Jennifer’s family invites you to donate to The ALS Association NC Chapter, www.alsnc.org Donations by Mail: 4 N. Blount Street Suite 200 Raleigh, NC 27601. Or the ASPCA, spca@spcawake.org of Raleigh in lieu of flowers.

Services

TBD

Cemetery

Historic Oakwood Cemetery 701 Oakwood Ave Raleigh, NC 27601 Get Directions »

24 Apr

Visitation

11:00 AM - 01:00 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center 7615 Six Forks Rd Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »

24 Apr

Funeral Service

01:00 PM - 02:00 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center 7615 Six Forks Rd Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

September 01, 2020

Tim Peterson

Jennifer and I were co-workers at INC Research. She helped me through many hard days. She was my right hand woman. She will be missed. It was a pleasure to be in the presence of her family during today's service. I will miss our extra long work meetings, our long talks about our kids and life and most importantly.. I will miss her gentle nature. 'Til we meet again.
September 01, 2020

Cynthia A Wade

God Bless our little sister and her family, Riley, Scott and Dave. May she have eternal peace and love. She has it from her family. - Cynthia A. Wade, loving sister
September 01, 2020

Susan Lois Fackler

Amen! Love you all!
September 01, 2020

Cynthia Ann Garman Wade

Amen, Sisters...
September 01, 2020

Sheryl Robison Clyde

Jennifer was in my graduating class of 1985 we have had great times together thru the years. Her and Susan even came seen me In Superior NE. I will love and cherish her memories forever. Prayers to family and friends. Jennifer your in my thoughts and prayers for safe journey and I will see you in heaven my friend. I will miss you forever my dear friend. Oh remember the flies we had clean up at Colleens so we could sleep up stairs. I sure do. Rest in peace my dear friend. Sheryl Robison Clyde. God bless.
September 01, 2020

Pat Cook

I remember Jen as a little baby and toddler. She was sweet and oh so cute. I was not fortunate to know her as an adult but reading about her I know she still was a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers for all her family and friends. Pat Eakins Cook, her aunt.
September 01, 2020

Cecil Hyatt

My thoughts are with you and your family. Cecil Hyatt
September 01, 2020

Sylvia Maddox

Jennifer was a welcoming sweet person. Always took time to smile or utter friendly hello in passing. Sometimes all too rare while we work in the fast paced CRO environment. Just thinking about her bringing a delicious cornbread salad makes me smile. We will miss her.
September 01, 2020

Brenda Bergeron

Jennifer and I met in college in 1985. We moved to Colorado and shared an apartment together. I have so many great memories of Jennifer! She was a gentle soul. She will be missed by many.
September 01, 2020

Laura

21 files added to the tribute wall
September 01, 2020

Renita Volker

1 file added to the tribute wall
September 01, 2020

Darin Garman

We are sending our prayers and sympathies to family and friends. Aunt Jen, We all cherish your open, kind, loving heart. All the memories of growing up together, from playing on the hay bales, dirt clod fights in the pasture, and chasing Aunt Dea around the farm with snake skins. We celebrate your life, and have faith, because we will see each other again. May the lord keep our family in the hollow of his hands. Love and Faith, Darin, Chrystal, Dariyn, and Dajah Garman
September 01, 2020

Barbara Riggs

My daughter played basketball with Riley in eighth grade and I often sat with Jennifer in the stands as we cheered on the team. Jennifer was kind, thoughtful, caring, and a great, great mother. I will always cherish the memories we had together.
September 01, 2020

Karen Wilhelm

Lit a candle in memory of Jennifer Kim Freel
September 01, 2020

Susan L Fackler

Lit a candle in memory of Jennifer Kim Freel
September 01, 2020

Roberta

Lit a candle in memory of Jennifer Kim Freel
September 01, 2020

Gran Gipson

Lit a candle in memory of Jennifer Kim Freel
September 01, 2020

Susan L Fackler

Sent a gift in memory of Jennifer Kim Freel
September 01, 2020

Susan L Fackler

I miss you so much Jennifer Kim Caboose!
September 01, 2020

Susan L Fackler

I love you lil sis, I will see you again one day!
September 01, 2020

Susan L Fackler

Good times with Jenn & Scott!
September 01, 2020

Sharon Mullen

Lit a candle in memory of Jennifer Kim Freel
September 01, 2020

Colleen Ruppe

22 files added to the tribute wall
September 01, 2020

sharon

Jennifer was a joy and pleasure to work with back in 1999 and 2000. My heart goes out to family and friends; we will forever miss Jennifer's loving smile and generous spirit here on earth but the love she shared will last forever. Kind regards, Sharon W.