Juanita Ann “DeeDee” Freelen, 70, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on July 26, 2026. Though she fought a long fierce battle against cancer, she never let it define her. She knew that her hope was in Christ Jesus and that her healing would come. She did not consider cancer the victor because her total healing took place once she crossed chilly Jordan. Born on April 21, 1956, in Lubbock, Texas, DeeDee was the beloved daughter of Charlie William Huber and Wanda Lee Nolen Huber. She grew up in Lubbock, Lorraine, and other parts of West Texas, where she developed the warmth, resilience, and generous spirit that would define her life.
At just 15 years old, DeeDee married the love of her life, Virgil Dale Freelen, on December 18, 1971. Together they built a beautiful life rooted in faith, family, hard work, laughter, and unconditional love. They shared more than 50 wonderful years of marriage before Virgil’s passing.
DeeDee devoted her life to caring for others. She worked for many years as a personal caregiver, and for the last 20 years she faithfully served at Chisum ISD in the classroom, cafeteria, and as a bus monitor. Whether she was helping a student, comforting a coworker, or lending a hand to someone in need, caring for others was truly her calling.
Her greatest joy was her family. DeeDee loved holidays, celebrations, and simply being surrounded by the people she loved most. She was the heart of every gathering — the one who made everyone feel welcome, fed, included, and cherished.
DeeDee had many talents and passions. She loved cooking, sewing, and crafting. There was no fried chicken better than hers, and everyone knew that if something needed to be mended, fixed, or created, DeeDee could find a way to do it. Her children will forever treasure memories of homemade salsa, pecan sandy cookies, old rock and roll music, evenings chasing lightning bugs, picking blackberries and flowers, and cozy nights piled across her bed watching movies until Dad came home from work.
She was the fun mom — the one whose house friends wanted to visit because she made life feel joyful. She taught her children how to play competitive family games, how to dance, how to color inside the lines, and most importantly, how to be comfortable in their own skin.
A faithful member of Living Word Pentecostal Church, DeeDee loved Jesus deeply and lived out her faith every day. One of her favorite sayings was, “How can you be full of Jesus if you are so full of yourself?” Those words reflected the selfless way she lived — always putting others before herself, always giving, always serving.
DeeDee will always be remembered as selfless, giving, compassionate, funny, delightful, and someone who never met a stranger. She and Virgil lovingly helped raise many nieces, nephews, and siblings before they even began raising their own children. She was the person anyone could call in a time of need, and she would be there without hesitation.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Virgil Dale Freelen; her father, Charlie William Huber; her mother, Wanda Lee Nolen Huber; and her brothers, Floyd Christopher Huber and Charles “Butch” Huber.
She is survived by her children, Wanda Armstrong and husband Randy, Dale Freelen and wife Ginger, and Chris Freelen and wife Tonya. She is also survived by her grandchildren: JJ Freelen
(Lachelle), Olivia Freelen (Justin), Randi Dawn Armstrong Smith (BJ), James “JD” Freelen, Will Freelen Tepes (Jenn), Lee Armstrong, and Kayla Freelen McQueen. Her great-grandchildren include Cameron Dean Townsend, Braydon Colt Townsend, Morgan Grace Townsend, Fletcher Grey Freelen, and Winifred Jade Freelen. DeeDee is also survived by her sisters, Lanetta Kay Boyer and Hilmar Leona Johnson (Tim), along with a host of nieces and nephews whom she loved as her own.
Visitation will be held at the Bright-Holland Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 5-7 PM.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 29th at the United Pentecostal Church, 5075 SE Loop 286, Paris, Texas 75460, officiated by Pastor Tiny Freelen of Living Word Pentecostal Church of Paris, with Rev. Robert L. and Sis. Donna Myre, formerly of Paris United Pentecostal Church, and Rev. Brad Davis, pastor of Paris United Pentecostal Church assisting.
Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Paris, Texas, where DeeDee will be laid to rest beside the love of her life, Virgil.
If you knew DeeDee, you loved her. Her smile was infectious, and she rarely saw the bad in anyone. She always saw the glass half full. Most importantly, she loved Jesus and taught her children and family to love Him too. Her legacy of faith, laughter, kindness, and unconditional love will live on in every life she touched.
DeeDee’s favorite color was purple, and she was rarely seen wearing black. In honor of her vibrant spirit, we invite you to celebrate her life by wearing the bright, joyful colors she loved. While her absence leaves an immeasurable void in our hearts, we take comfort in knowing she has entered into eternity. Rather than mourning in darkness, she would want us to celebrate with hope, joy, and gratitude for the beautiful life she lived.
To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com
