Obituaries

Jennie Lawton Graham Free was born in Erhardt, SC on October 22, 1918.  Her parents, Franklin Kirkland Graham and Bessie McKnight Graham, were especially proud of the birth of two beautiful, identical twin girls, Jennie and Elizabeth.  Surviving siblings include Harry Graham of Charlotte and Margaret Graham of Sumter, SC.  She was predeceased by her twin sister, Elizabeth Dagley of Sumter, SC, and two brothers, Asbury Graham of Mt. Mourn, NC and James O’Gilvey Graham of Charlotte, NC.

Jennie Free was married to Joseph Dixon Free who went to be with the Lord in 1981.  Jennie and Joseph nurtured and raised three boys; Joseph Dixon Free, Jr. of Lincolnton, NC, Kevin Graham Free of Columbia, SC and Scott Bradley Free of St. Augustine, FL.  There are six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and ten nieces and nephews. 

Mrs. Free was a person of exemplary faith, placing her trust in the Lord Jesus at an early age.  She was raised in the Presbyterian tradition, later raising her own family in Baptist churches.  She served for a number of years as Church Secretary in Ancient City Baptist Church in St. Augustine, FL.  In that church she led a children’s Sunday School Department for many years.

Jennie Free was a very industrious person.  Through a number of personal trials during her childhood, she learned the value of hard work.  An interesting account of those struggles can be read in the book, “Katie” written by her sister, Margaret Graham.  Mrs. Free was not happy unless she was investing her time and energy in her work projects.  For an extended period of time she was the owner/operator of Jennie’s Cross Stitch Shop in St. Augustine.  Until she was 77 years of age she worked for a law firm in St. Augustine.  Her worth and work were inextricably linked. 

For the past six years Jennie Free has lived in the home of Dixon and Carolyn Free in Lincolnton.  While there she continued contributing to the well being of the home through her work projects, whether it was snapping green beans from the garden or making an occasional casserole when family came for a visit.  The last six months of her life involved a ministry project that exemplified her faith and love for others.  During that time, she knitted 36 hats to be given to the people in a village in West Virginia.  She loved participating in the worship services of First Baptist Church, Lincolnton.  She had a great appreciation and admiration for the pastor and staff of her church. 

As soon as Mrs. Free arrived in Lincolnton, she became involved in playing her favorite game, bridge.  She continued playing until she was well past her 90^th birthday.  She was very hard of hearing, and the friends who played with her are to be commended.

During the days of her transition she openly and frequently expressed her faith and trust in the Lord Jesus.  A number of doctors and nurses heard the Gospel through her extemporaneous times of bearing witness.  Those who stood by her bedside during her days of suffering heard her quote favorite Scripture passages.  She prayed long and hard for the Lord to open wide the gates of Heaven and lead her inside.

A memorial service will be held for Mrs. Free at 2:00 pm on Sunday, September 16, 2012 at First Baptist Church. 

Special thanks from the family goes to the people who work with Hospice and those who sat with her.  Each visit was a comfort and encouragement to Mrs. Free and her family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be given to the Family Life Center Fund of First Baptist Church of Lincolnton, or to Hospice of Lincoln County.