Rev. Billy Freeman

Rev. Billy Freeman, 72, of Jonesboro, died Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, at his residence.

He was born on April 17, 1952, in Waxahachie, Texas, the son of Billy Joe and Norma Glee Murray Freeman. 

He was married to Kimberly Jo Freeman and she survives.

He was a graduate of Ozark Bible Institute in Neosho, Mo. He pastored churches in Illinois, Kentucky, Utah, Arkansas and Pennsylvania. 

From 1974 to 1976, he worked with “Teen Challenge,” a religious drug rehabilitation ministry in Philadelphia, Pa., and Camden and Atlantic City, N.J.

Along with his wife, survivors include his daughters, Beth (Sam) Davis of Tamms, Heather (James) Thorn of Makanda and Stephanie (Timothy) Mayberry of Jonesboro; nine grandchildren, Rachel Kaufman, Jet Newman, Abbi Thorn, Easton Kaufman, Alana Mayberry, Chloe Mayberry, Halle Mayberry, Hailey Mayberry, Jaxon Thorn and one on the way; four sisters, Brenda Freeman of Italy, Texas, Toni (Craig) Benner and Marilyn (Jeff) Bradley, both of Oklahoma, and Sharon (Nicky) Flores of Waxahachie, Texas; a brother, Larry Dean Freeman of Italy, Texas; a sister-in-law, Jane (Larry) Austin; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Echo Blue Newman; and a brother, Ronald Joe Freeman.

Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, with the Rev. Paul Mayberry officiating, at Crain Funeral Home in Anna-Jonesboro.

Inurnment followed the funeral service at Ebenezer Hall Cemetery in Lick Creek.

The cremation of Rev. Billy Freeman has been personally handled by the staff of Crain Funeral Home.

To view the obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.

Crain Funeral Home in Anna-Jonesboro was in charge of arrangements.