Freda Harrison McLean, 88, of Rockingham, passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2026 surrounded by her loving family members.
She was born on Sept. 23, 1937, in Center Hill, Florida, a daughter of the late Calvin and Ruby Harrison.
She grew up in Florida, meeting and marrying the love of her life, Archie Clyde McLean, while he was in the Air Force stationed in Coco Beach. The couple later moved to the McLean’s homeplace in Maxton, where they lived on the family farm. She gave birth to her beloved daughter Rita while living there, later moving to Rockingham. She had a rich diversity of jobs during her working years, including hairstyling, modeling, as well as working for Georgia Pacific Paper.
She lived a life focused on her family and friends and demonstration of her love for the Lord. She loved to laugh and never met a stranger. Hobbies included fishing, playing cards, dancing, and attending Elvis concerts before others even knew who he was. She especially loved traveling and vacationing with her family.
She is survived by a twin brother, Freddie Harrison, and a sister, Jean Harrison Martin; her daughter, Rita Thames (Chuck); grandsons, Trey and Chris Gibson, and granddaughter, Kate McPartlin (T.J.).
She was preceded in death by her husband, Archie Clyde McLean; her sister, Dottie Harrison Teal, and her brothers Curtis, Leonard and Harold Harrison.
Graveside services will be conducted Sunday, April 19, at 3 p.m. at Mount Moriah Cemetery, located at 850 Mt. Moriah Church Road, Maxton. A time of visiting with the family will follow the service at Mount Moriah Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.
Memorials may be made to Richmond Co. Hospice, 1119 U.S. Hwy. 1 N Rockingham, NC 28379.
Online condolences may be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is serving the McLean family.
