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.