04/03/2026
Gloria Ruth Lee Freeman, affectionally known as “Sam” to many people, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 in Nocona, Texas. Gloria was born on January 22, 1944 to her loving parents Gerald and Margaret Morris Lee in Spanish Fort, Texas in the same house and same bed that her mother was born in. She spent her early years in Nocona, Texas. After graduating from Nocona High School in 1962, Gloria attended both Midwestern State University and cosmetology school in Wichita Falls, Texas. After graduation, she married Bill Freeman on May 6, 1967 in Gainesville, Texas. They were blessed with one son, Stephen Freeman, which completed their family. Throughout her life, she worked as a skilled and dedicated hairdresser. In this career she was able to meet, help, and befriend many people in the various communities she called home including Arlington, Ardmore, and Austin. Later in life she also served as a nanny to several special children. Her last official job was at The Carpenter’s Shop in Nocona, Texas. She was an avid sports fan, particularly football, who loved her teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs but none more than her beloved Texas Longhorns. If you ever doubted her love for burnt orange, you were quickly reminded by her wardrobe which was primarily Longhorn attire. While living in Austin later in life, she frequently enjoyed tailgating at and attending the Texas Longhorn games with friends and family. Gloria is survived by her son, Stephen Freeman, of Austin, as well as her sister, Marlene Bishop, and her brother Tim Lee, both of Nocona. She leaves behind her nieces Holly Leindecker, and husband Jeff, of Bowie, Hayley Bishop, of Nocona, and nephew Cody Lee, and wife Laura, of Gainesville. She also leaves behind two great nieces, Lana and Aspen Lee, and her great nephew, Lincoln Lee, all of Gainesville. She leaves behind her chosen grandson, Marshall Lyons, of Oklahoma. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Freeman, and her parents, Gerald and Margaret Lee. She was also preceded in death by her baby sister, Holly Lee, and her brother-in-law, Steve Bishop. Her family would like to express our deep gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff of Nocona General Hospital for providing the utmost care for her in her final days. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church Nocona on Saturday, April 11th, at 11am. Visitation will occur prior to the service beginning at 10am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Lucky Paws Animal Shelter of Nocona as animals, particularly dogs, were something she dearly loved.
