Clyde Dorsey Freeman

Pop, Poppy, Clyde the Glide, Smooth Operator, Bishop Clyde Dorsey Freeman was born to the late Jefferson and Margaret Serena Freeman on October 12, 1928, in Butlertown, Worton, Maryland. He was educated in the public schools of Kent County, Maryland. In 1946, Clyde joined the Army, and after basic training served in Japan. This experience developed a lifetime love for traveling. Clyde always said, “There is a lot to see in this world.” He vacationed in Europe and went on cruises to many islands in the Caribbean. After the Army, Clyde worked as a brick mason on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, as well as in, Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Many times, Clyde was the only African American brick mason at the job sites. Rather than being deterred by the social restrictions blacks routinely faced in those trying days, Clyde devoted himself to learning as much as he could about his vocation. Always an industrious go-getter, after a full day of work on his job, Clyde would return home and continue work, building his own house. Clyde was known as a “Master-skilled Brick Mason” and the excellence he poured into all his work was proof of his master craftsmanship. Indeed, one of Clyde’s favorite pastimes was to take family and friends on drives through the Eastern Shore, giving historical overviews of his work. With expert precision, he’d recall the year he worked on a house, or building, the type of bricks that were used, and everyone who worked with him. It was one more element that underscored Clyde’s fifty-plus years of labor and service a Master Skilled Brick Mason. In 1966, Clyde and his brother, Cleveland, established Freeman Brothers, the first African American masonry business to open on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and surrounding states. The Freeman Brothers hired and trained many men in the community who went on to start their own businesses. In 1976, Clyde and Cleveland scored another first by opening Freeman Brothers Liquors. Their establishment was the first of its kind owned by African Americans in Kent County, Maryland. After 15 years, Clyde and Cleveland closed this business only to open a hair salon at the same location. The Freeman Brothers were recognized for their business achievements and community contributions to Kent County Maryland. In 1948, Clyde married Dorothy Tucker. They were married for thirty years. Dorothy preceded Clyde in death. In 1978, Clyde left the Eastern Shore and went across the Bay Bridge where he met Ilar Doris Johnson. They married in 1981 and Clyde inherited five children. Little did Clyde know that the kids would not leave. This union began the family celebrations on the “Shore”. Over the years, Pop, or Poppy as he was affectionately called was blessed to be a grandfather to eight grandchildren and great grandfather to six great grandchildren. The bonds that developed over the years were unshakeable. Clyde loved all of his children and, he was adored and cherished by them as well. Doris, proceeded Clyde in death in 2002. In 2003, Clyde met his dear friend Ms. Dorothy Evans. They remained friends until her death in 2018. Clyde Dorsey Freeman, was a friend like no other. He always had an encouraging word and laughter no matter what someone what dealing with. Once you met Clyde, you had a friend for life. He had an infectious smile, gentle spirit and a robust laugh that would bring out the laughter in everyone around him. Clyde loved his witty sayings like “A heap see, but a few know, or “Every hello isn’t just getting here and every goodbye isn’t really gone”. He enjoyed entertaining family and friends at numerous celebrations, cookouts, and holiday gatherings. As another testament to his amazing gifts and talents, Clyde was also a self-taught Alto and Tenor Saxophonist. He truly loved Jazz and the Blues Music. His favorite artist was B. B. King. He used to say “B. B. is saying something.” Clyde loved Mount Olive African Methodist Episcopal Church and was a faithful member for over 65 years. He was a trustee, and member of the Mighty Men. If the church had a fish fry, or dinner event; you could count on Clyde frying potatoes for the meal. Clyde Dorsey Freeman was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, business owner, veteran and devoted church member. He was not defined by the obstacles that he faced but by the victories that he achieved. Clyde was preceded in death by five sisters, Bessie Louise, Joyce, Virginia, and Lorraine, and Ermyn; three brothers, Wendell, Grover Cleveland, and Carlton; and one daughter Deborah Edun (Wynston). Clyde leaves to cherish his memories, one son, Dr. Freddie L. Johnson, III of Holland MI; three daughters, Yvonne Walley of Riverdale, MD, and Carolyn Cunningham (Homer) and Deidre Johnson, all of Fort Washington MD; eight grandchildren: Denarin Sky Walley, Bryan M. Johnson, Adrian Walley, Redmond Walley, Freddie L. Johnson, IV, Timothy Johnson, Ilar Karisma Edun, and Jasmine Edun; six great grandchildren: Ryan Jarmon, Jeremiah Johnson, Brielle Johnson, Suri Johnson, Giselle Johnson, and Brooklyn Johnson; sister, Jean Butler (William) of Philadelphia, PA; sisters-in-law, Lauretta Freeman, Dorothy Howard, Zelma Hatcher-Williams, Delphine Gross, Patricia Hatcher, Emma Jean Porters, and Paula Hawkins; three brothers-in-law Larry Hatcher, Leroy Thompson and William Butler, 14 nieces and nephews, 11 great nieces and great nephews, and 21 great-great nieces and nephews and friends. To send flowers to the family of Clyde Dorsey Freeman, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Clyde Dorsey Freeman

October 12, 1928 - October 2, 2018