Freeda McNeill Witherington

Witherington, Freeda Louise McNeill, 69, of Tucson, passed away peacefully Friday, Feb 28. Freeda enjoyed summertime family vacations with her children and the beach was always her favorite place to be. She was especially fond of St Augustine and Cape Hatteras was her and her husband Jeff's "spot" with it's majestic lighthouse that she loved so much. She was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama but lived in various places during her life including Florida, Arizona, and Washington state, making friends everywhere she went. She was known for her infectious smile, warm heart, and compassion for anyone in need. That compassion extended to all animals and especially to the chihuahuas she raised and loved throughout her life. She also loved elephants, which may or may not have been tied to her die-hard loyalty to her favorite Alabama Crimson Tide football team. "Roll Tide!" Freeda was a life-long baker and cake decorator, both professionally and for family and friends. She delighted children and adults alike with amazing birthday and wedding cakes that were always the centerpiece of any celebration. She enjoyed creating the art but making people smile was always her goal. She loved holidays and would go all-out with decorations for nearly every event. The more lights, the better. She loved all music and could be found listening to Stevie Ray Vaughn one minute and Rhianna the next. She loved going to and collecting souvenirs from various Hard Rock Cafes around the country and had a large glass and pin collection. She would be the first to sing along loudly to "Sweet Home Alabama." She would share that one highlight in her life was seeing Tom Petty in concert with her children while camping at the Gorge Amphitheater in Washington state. In a different life, she likely would have been an archaeologist given her love of ancient peoples and solving mysteries. Another highlight of her life was seeing Mayan ruins in Mexico while on a recent cruise with her daughter. She loved trains and thunderstorms and delighted in getting to experience either. She also had a passion for space. She loved astronomy and the unknown possibilities of what was among the stars waiting to be discovered.. or what might be waiting to discover us.

She will be missed immensely but remembered with fondness by all she came in contact with. Freeda was preceded in death by her mother, Rebecca Culbreth; father Wayne McNeil; brothers, Mark and Greg McNeill; half-brother Mitchell; and husband, Jeff Witherington. 

She is survived by her grateful children, Jeremi Stoker (Krista); Mandy Snowberger (John); Michelle Wheeler (Matt); aunt, Rhonwyn McNeill; grandsons Jakob, Jeremi, and James; granddaughters, Ella and Mia; brother, Ron McNeill; half sisters; Mary and Julie; her best good boy, Angel; and numerous extended family in Alabama.

A digital celebration of life will take place Sunday, March 16th at 2pm Central time. A link will be shared to family and friends with an in-person celebration to follow in the coming months.

"Some things are over

Some things go on

Part of me you carry

Part of me is gone"

-Tom Petty