Rebecca Eileen Freeman

Rebecca Eileen (Phillips) Freeman, age 83, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away in Springfield, Missouri, on September 21, 2026. She was born August 22, 1943, in Rogersville, Missouri; the daughter of the late Jesse L. and Mildred (Jenkins) Phillips. She was united in marriage to Joseph Allen Freeman on July 25, 1987, in Springfield, Missouri.

Rebecca's early educational experiences were at the Sparta Elementary School. After graduating from Sparta High School, she pursued a career in education. Rebecca earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Missouri State University, a Master of Science degree in School Administration from Drury University, and completed additional course work at Missouri Southern University and Truman University. She taught in Missouri public schools and the Greenwood Laboratory School at MSU. Additionally, she taught graduate classes at MSU and worked for the Missouri Reading Initiative, training teachers in current practices of education. Rebecca traveled throughout the states speaking at educational conferences. She also authored and published several works in national refereed journals. She was an active member of educational organizations including Delta Kappa Gamma, International Reading Association, National Association of Laboratory Schools, Missouri Council for Teachers of Mathematics, and others. Rebecca greatly loved and respected the students and teachers with whom she worked.

Rebecca served faithfully in various roles in her church most of her adult life. She assisted as choir director, Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School instructor, and youth leader. Rebecca was a member of Hope Church in Springfield. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and her greatest joy was to have all the family together in her home.

She is survived by her husband, Joseph Freeman; her son, Gary (Sherry) Nelson of Marshfield, Missouri; her granddaughter Ashlie (Scott) Crosby of St. Charles, Missouri; her grandson, Tyler (Kim) Nelson of Bend, Oregon; her great-grandaughters, Sloan and Fallon Crosby; her sisters, Darlene Robison of Ozark, Missouri, and Jacquelyn (Steve) Copeland of Mansfield, Missouri; and a host of extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Mildred Phillips; her daughter, Shawna Nelson; and her brother, Jesse Phillips.

At Rebecca’s request, only a graveside service will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Dodson Cemetery, east of Springfield, on NN highway, under the direction of Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home of Springfield, Missouri.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Convoy of Hope.