Freda O. Newlin

Freda O. Newlin was born on April 25, 1926, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  She was the only child of the late Anita R Moore (nee Marshall) and the late Walter D Moore. She was baptized into St. Barnabas Episcopal Church on June 27, 1926 and was an active member of the Church throughout her childhood.

Freda was educated in the Philadelphia school system and graduated from Germantown High School in 1944. After graduation, Freda worked at the Naval Weapons Station, the VA and ultimately the City of Philadelphia in the Health Department. Freda worked in the clerical areas of the health department and was promoted to clerical supervisor; a position she held until her retirement in 1984.

Freda married Jon A Newlin on April 27, 1946. To that union was born two children, Lawrence Dennis, and Bonita Lynn. They shared their life together until Jon’s death in 2002.

Freda continued her spiritual quest during her early adult life and attended the Chapel of Truth until its dissolution in 1984. She continued her search until she and Jon found their church home at Germantown SDA Church. After attending a Revelation Seminar, they accepted the SDA message and was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist church in 1986 by Pastor George Jackson. She was elated that her daughter was baptized on the same day as she, and her son also became a baptized member.

Once a member, Freda found ways to share her talents with the church. Her love of children was evident as she participated with VBS for many years, taught typing at Larchwood School and earned a tutoring certificate with the City of Philadelphia. She was always a cheerleader for all the young people at church and in her family, sharing in the joy of their accomplishments. She was always ready with the camera to capture the moment, and saved articles related to their achievements.

Freda worked as church secretary and used her organizational skills to organize the office area and treasury. Labels in her handwriting are still evident on some of the files there. She used her meticulous record keeping skills during many evangelistic crusades and the organizations of which she was a member.  She served as president of the 50 Plus Club, was a charter member of the Federated King’s Daughters Chapter 3, and a charter member of Au Naturelle, a group of Christian women who support and encourage one another to live for Jesus without any pretense, in their own natural way.

Freda had many interests. She studied voice and had the opportunity to sing with the New Dra Mu Opera Company, the only black opera in America in 1975.  She loved singing throughout her life and enjoyed singing in the church choirs and as a soloist until her health prevented it. She loved nature and didn’t miss an opportunity to enjoy it. She loved her walks in Valley Green, where she could spend time with the Lord. She shared her love of reading with her family and had an extensive library in her bedroom.

Freda peacefully slept away on April 19, 2022, resting in faith, waiting the return of her loving Lord.

Freda was preceded in death by Jon, her husband and son Larry. She leaves to cherish her memory: daughter Bonnie (Walter), daughter-in-law Bernadette; grandchildren, Laura, Toni (Terry), Tommy (Danelle), Jon Eric, Nathaniel, Kimberly, Philisa, Yvonne, and bonus grands; Rafiq, Chase, Ayanna, Lance, Jade, James (Randy) and Eric. She also loved and was loved by 25 great-grands and over 25 great great-grands, a host of nieces, nephews, church family and friends.

Submitted With Love,

The Family

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