Laurie "Kelly" Freeman

We mournfully announce the peaceful passing of Laurie Lee “Kelly” Freeman, 75, of Livingston, Texas, on the 12th of April 2026, surrounded by love. She was born to William and Patricia Madden, on the 1st of December 1950. Her childhood was spent ice skating, reading, and spending time in Central Park with her father. In June of 1969, Kelly met the love of her life, Gary, on a street corner in Denver. They married the following year and began a beautiful journey together that spanned 55 years. Together, they lived in Germany and Texas while raising their children. As a family, they spent many weekends at the drag strip or vacationing with their family in New York & Colorado.

Kelly held such positions as recordkeeper at Hermann Hospital, photographer for Wheels Magazine, and later spent 24 years in accounting at Lyondell, before retiring in 2012. There will never be another one like her. Kelly found joy in life’s simple moments. She loved reading, sewing, and knitting blankets for those she cared about. Treasured shopping trips & crafting days with her daughters and long talks with her son. Enjoyed attending First Methodist Church every Sunday with Gary and their friends. She filled rooms with laughter. Playing cards, rolling the dice, hitting the slot machines, camping and race weekends with family & friends were among her happiest times. Animals held a special place in her heart. She never said no to a cat or to her Pomeranians—Chaser, Dexter, Crystal, and Shortcake. She was a compassionate soul and true animal lover.

She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Patricia Madden, and her sister, Mary Michael Stringfellow. Kelly is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 55 years, Gary Freeman; daughters, Tereasa Freeman of Bay City, Texas, and Melinda (Francis) Poplawski of Midlothian, Texas; son, David (Diane) Freeman of Friendswood, Texas; and cherished grandchildren, Baylee White, Morgan White, Madalyn Poplawski, Carter Poplawski, Taylor Freeman, Parker Freeman, and Stella Freeman. She is also survived by many cherished family members and dear friends.

Kelly will be remembered for her warm heart, her love of family, and the joy she brought to those around her. She will be deeply missed and forever loved. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at First Methodist Church, 2801 US-190 West, Livingston, TX 77351. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm followed by Church Service at 2:00 pm and reception at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in her honor to the SPCA of Polk County: https://www.spcapolk.org