Freda Belle (Drennan) Easterling

Freda Belle Easterling, 79, passed away on September 02, 2022 at 1:45 pm at Memorial Hospital at Gulfport in Gulfport, MS. She was born on November 02, 1942 in Sumrall, the second of six children to Otis Burton and Annie Bell (Reynolds) Drennan. Freda grew up in Sumrall on a small family farm, where she learned the value of a good days work. She spent lots of time in the garden, cleaning house, and taking care of her grandmother among other things. There was little time to relax, but when there was, she learned to crochet, sew, made crafts, and more. Freda went to school through the eight grade at Sumrall, and had to stop there to take care of her mother. She did work on and completed her GED later in life. She married Hubert Easterling at 16 while he was serving in the US Air Force. They travelled around with his duty assignments, spending time in Nebraska and California before making their home in Gulfport when he retired in 1976. Freda was a care giver at heart and became a Certified Nursing Assistant. She worked for a couple of home health agencies, but also did personal care giving, both in her home and out. That was Freda, a genuine care giver to anyone who needed her. In her spare time, she did many things, from making jewelry, sewing, and crocheting, to going go the flea market, Freda stayed busy. Affectionately know as "Nana" by those who knew her best, she had lots of her items for sale at the flea markets and consignment shops on the Coast, with all tagged "Nana" on them. She is lovingly remembered as the sweetest angel ever. A kind, affectionate woman who never met a stranger, she had bright smile and an infectious laugh that would permeate any room. A faithful Christian, Freda loved to read and study her Bible, doing so every day without fail. A wonderful wife, mother, and Nana to so many, she will be forever missed by all whose life she touched. Freda was preceded by her parents, Otis and Annie Belle Drennan, her sister Gloria Burge and brother Burton Drennan; her loving husband of forty-five years, Hubert 'Frank' Easterling, and their son, Aaron Easterling. Left to cherish her memories are: her children, daughters Wanda (Brian) McKnight of Saucier and Rhonda (Martin) Cantu of Rockport, TX, with her son, Tony (Sharon) Easterling of Perkinston, and her daughter-in-law, Monica Easterling, also of Saucier; her siblings: her sister Sharon Martin of Pass Christian, and brothers Danny (Kathy) Drennan of Henleyfield, and Jerry Drennan, also of Pass Christian. She leaves a legacy of eight grandchildren: Brian McKnight, Jr., Bill (Darrelle) McKnight, Anthony (Serena) McKnight, Matthew (Kyzmi) Harrison, Alexa (Garrett) Dick, A.J., Mary, and Rebekah Easterling, with ten great-grands: Tyler, Tanner, Macee, Elijah, Emmie, Ezra, Jovi, Caleb, Liam, and Hunter, along with numerous extended family, friends, and untold numbers of patients she cared for over the years. The funeral service will begin at 6:30 PM Tuesday evening, September 6th at Faithview Baptist Church in Saucier, with Larry Easterling officiating. A time of visitation and fellowship will follow at the church. She will be laid to rest with her late husband Wednesday morning, Sept. 7th at 10:00 AM in Biloxi National Cemetery. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Easterling family in their time of need, and asks that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers over the coming days.