Elizabeth Ann “Beth” McNair Freeman, 69, passed away peacefully on Aug. 6, 2023 at her home in Rockingham with family at her side.
She was born in Hamlet, North Carolina, on Feb. 20, 1954, a daughter of the late Elizabeth “Betsy” Query McNair and Alfred Baldwin McNair.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 29 years, William Eric Freeman, who passed on Oct. 23, 2022.
Beth graduated in 1972 from the last class at Hamlet High School. She received her undergrad degree from UNC- Pembroke. During her career she worked in the lab at Richmond Memorial, Hamlet Hospital, and Scotland Memorial Hospital. She also worked with Dr. Luiz Nascimento, helping to set up his lab for his practice.
It was joked that Beth would be an old maid, but she reacquainted with Eric, who was in a class ahead of her at Hamlet High, and they started long-distance dating. They married in 1993 and Beth moved to Colorado, where Eric was working at Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin). Beth went on to get her real estate license in Colorado and worked for Coldwell Banker. She and Eric loved the outdoor adventures such as hiking and skiing in the Colorado Mountains. After Eric retired, they moved to Rockingham to be near family and friends.
Beth was artistic, extremely intelligent on a wide spectrum of topics, well read, and very much into health and fitness. Beth will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, being the life of the party, and doing things her way.
Beth is survived by her brother, Bill McNair, and sister, Susie McNair Burgess and husband Mike; niece, Rebecca Burgess, nephew, John Burgess and wife Jessie; and great-niece, Josie, all of Hamlet. She is also survived by a host of cousins and their extended families.
A celebration of Beth’s life will be held in the fellowship hall at First Presbyterian Church in Hamlet on Sept. 3, 2023 at 3 p.m. with John Williams leading the service. Visitation will follow the service. A private family burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 200 Rice St., Hamlet, NC 28345; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences can be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Hamlet is serving the Freeman family.