September 9, 2025, 82, Goldsboro —-
Claudia Gillespie Freeman, 82, passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at Wayne UNC Health Care. Born in Beckley, WV on August 11, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Claude Homer Gillespie and Madelyn Irlbacher Gillespie.
In addition to her parents, Claudia is preceded in death by her husband, William Forrest Freeman; grandson, Ian Freeman; brother, John Gillespie; sister, Peggy Young; and sisters-in-law, Betty Gillespie and Margaret Gillespie.
Claudia is survived by her children, Tom Freeman and wife, Terry, Robin Moore, and Chris Freeman and wife, Lisa; grandchildren, Kristen Evans and husband, Brad, Erica Parks and husband, Dale, Jeremiah Wambolt, Jasper Freeman, and William Freeman; great-grandchildren, Easton Evans, Maddox Strickland, Lincoln Strickland, Allie Parks, Benjamin Wambolt, Connor Wambolt, Alexandra Eldrige, and Katheryn Eldrige. Claudia is also survived by her brothers, Joe Gillespie and wife, Cathy, Rick Gillespie, and Lee Gillespie.
Claudia dedicated her life to creating a warm and welcoming home for her family. Her love for her family was the heart of everything she did, and she found great joy in gathering her loved ones around the table, sharing stories, laughter, and countless cherished memories.
Claudia had a creative spirit and a passion for preserving memories through her scrapbooks. Each page she crafted was filled with love, capturing the moments that she cherished. She was also a proud member of the Red Hat Society, where she found friendship, fun, and a sense of community with fellow women who celebrated life with style and spirit.
She loved to travel and especially treasured the adventures she shared with her late husband, William, as they explored new places together, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
Claudia will be remembered for her kind heart, strong spirit, and the way she always spoke her mind. Never afraid to share her thoughts, she had a gift for telling you exactly what she felt you needed to hear-always with love and honesty. Her warmth, wisdom, and outspoken nature touched everyone who knew her, leaving lasting memories that will forever be cherished.
In keeping with Claudia’s wishes, there will be no formal services.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home.
