She was called home from Pointe Coupee Healthcare on Wednesday, September 21, 2016, surrounded by her sons, granddaughters, Pastor and very caring staff. Audrey Merle Short was born in Opp, Alabama, March 7, 1924, to Ada Ward and Zoner Franklin Short. She moved with her family to Upper Pointe Coupee Parish, LA in 1936 and on June 3, 1943 graduated from Innis High School and the very next day married the love of her life, Lester Bratton Freeman, to whom she stayed devoted until God called him home on December 6, 1984. Coming into this union were Donald Ray Freeman and Glenda Lee Freeman Lipinsky after which sons L.B.,Jr., Ronald Wayne (2/48-7/91), and Edward Allen Freeman joined their family. For many years they owned and operated a farm/cattle ranch in Batchelor, LA where they were instrumental in helping to form the Latanache Baptist Church. In 1971 Merle and Bratton moved to Lufkin, TX to help Ronnie in his mobile home business. A few years after Bratton and Ronnie's deaths, in 1994, Merle moved back to New Roads, LA. During her lifetime she loved and cared for many pre-school children both in Lufkin and New Roads, many of whom stayed in touch through college graduation and marriage. Hers was a home of great hospitality, and regardless of circumstances there was always room for one more person or family at her table for a home cooked meal. Survivors include children Donald Ray and wife, Shirley, Glenda Lee (deceased husbands Ed Lipinsky and Pete Firmim), L.B. and Allen Freeman and wife, Marlene, 13 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren, and MANY nieces and nephews who also loved her dearly. Merle's surviving siblings are one brother, Carroll (Sarah) Short, and 6 sisters, Gladys Cashio, Mildred Kimball Labatut (Gene), Margaret Schwabauer (Don), Dianne Kondroik, Dale Peden (Jim), and Cita Johnson. Siblings preceding her in death were brothers: Foster, Thomas (Betty), Owren, Ben (Ruby), Edward (Helen) Short and sisters: Marie Schofield, Nava Jo Hutchinson, Glenda Labatut. Deceased brothers-in-law are Otha Schofield, Hardy Hutchinson, Donald Kimball, John Kondroik, and Clarence Johnson. Also preceded in death were Bratton's siblings and spouses, Curtis, Euclid, Edward, Hugh, Mildred F. Bickham and Eavon F. Spruill. Arrangements under the direction of Niland's Funeral Service, New Roads, LA. Visitation at First Baptist Church, 824 W. Main St., New Roads, on Saturday, September 24, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. until services at the Church at 12:00 noon, with Dr. Jason McNaughten officiating, followed by burial at False River Memorial Park. Pallbearers are Ron Freeman, Pete Firmin, Randy Freeman, Mike Kimball, Thomas Short, Tyler Clarke, Chad Gary, and Dave Maples. The family would like to say thank you to the kind care givers and staff at Pointe Coupee Healthcare, Life Sources Hospice, First Baptist Church Pastor and Congregation, and special thanks to Dr. Paul Rachal for his loving care over the years. Memorial contributions if desired may be made to First Baptist Church, New Roads or Latanache Baptist Church, 11520 LA Hwy 417, Batchelor, LA 70715.
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So sorry to get this sad news! She was such a nice lady. May God watch over her family at this time!
Kate Hobgood Watts
September 27, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother. I greatly respected her-Anna Ree (Pollard) Barr
Anna Barr
September 26, 2016
Mrs. Merle was a loving influence in my life so many years ago at Latanache Baptist Church and in the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, L.B., Allen, Mr. Carroll, and extended families. May our Lord fill you all with peace and precious memories.
Carol Barr Goudeau
September 26, 2016
So sorry to just see that Mrs. Merle passed away....we did not know!! Sending our love to L.B. , Allen and Mr. Carroll Short.....we all loved this sweet lady and she was a great part in our childhood....praying for you all, Love The Lee Carroll Family
Sharon Hebert
September 25, 2016
I send my condolences to the Freeman and Short Families.
Lessie Kenney Jones
September 23, 2016
L B and Allen we are so sorry for your loss. Gary & Debbie Sloan
September 23, 2016
Kurt, I'm sorry to hear about the passing of your grandmother. May good memories fill the void and help you find peace.
Bruce & Sany Webb
September 22, 2016
So sorry for your loss. She will truly be missed by everyone. She was such a sweet and caring person. Prayer's going out the the family. She's finally a free spirit. Rest in Peace MEME.
Julie David
September 22, 2016
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