Freedia Lorene (Prater) Smith

June 3, 1924 - March 7, 2019

Freedia Lorene (Prater) Smith was born June 3, 1924 at Buick, Missouri to Jess and Elsie (Douglas) Prater and passed away March 7, 2019 in the Crockers Country Living of Lesterville, Missouri at the age of ninety-four years. Freedia grew up and attended school at Buick and Oates. On February 2, 1941, Freedia was united in marriage to Harold Eugene Smith in Oates, Missouri and to this union seven children were born. Freedia enjoyed gardening and her flowers, crocheting, quilting, fishing at Clearwater Lake, hunting, mowing the lawn, and taking care of her chickens. She belonged to the Reynolds County Extension Club and was a member of Boss Assembly of God. Preceding her in death were her parents, Jess and Elsie Prater; daughter, Shirley Mathes; sons in law, John Mathes and William "Sonny" Prater; great grandson, Jacob Mathes; and eight siblings. Survivors include her husband of 78 years, Harold Smith of the home in Oates, MO; children, Sudia Johnson and husband, Marshall of Cadiz, KY; Gene Smith and wife, Mariam of Oates, MO; Janice Prater of Villa Ridge, MO; Dwain Smith and wife, Ellen of Hillsboro, MO; Pamela Asberry and husband, Lewis of Bonne Terre, MO; Teresa Gamblin and husband, David of Bixby, MO; two sisters, Zola Lay of Bunker, MO; Ruth Fulhorst and husband, Jim of St. Peters, MO; sixteen grandchildren, thirty great grandchildren, nine great great grandchildren and two on the way; extended family and friends. Freedia will be sadly and deeply missed, but fondly remembered by all those who knew and loved her. Funeral Service for Freedia Lorene Smith was held Sunday, March 10, 2019 in the Wilson Mortuary Viburnum Chapel with Bro. Bill Mathes and Pastor Paul Davis Officiating. Special music was provided by Tracy Turnbough who sung "Beulah Land". Other music played was "The Sun is Coming Up in the Morning", You Can't Start the Celebration Till I Get There", "The Prettiest Flower There" and "Grandma's Swing". Serving as pallbearers were Mark Smith, Kyle Smith, Keith Gamblin, Bryan Smith, Andrew Asberry and Tony Gamblin. Honorary pallbearers were Kolby Bess and Gordon Mathes. Burial was in the Smith Cemetery in Reynolds County.