A shining light went out in Newton County last week.

Carrie Lee Freeman, 83, died on Thursday. Freeman, of 60 Lee St., was one of three women who were named Shining Lights in November for their long-time service to the community. Freeman, Lula V. Smith-Rachels and Betty Bellairs were chosen to flip the switch lighting the downtown holiday decorations for the season.

Freeman was honored as the longtime owner of The Corner Shop, a dry-cleaning and alteration business on the square, and for her community service, including her work in the Jamestown Community, where she fed children in the summer and held Bible studies in her front yard.

She cared for her mother and several siblings until their deaths, and was the last of seven siblings. Even in later years, she tried to cook and feed the family during holidays and church functions.

"She was very well known in the city of Covington," said a nephew, Norris Freeman. "She was an outstanding person."

Josephine Kelly, whose Main Street Covington group selects the Shining Light honorees, said Freeman will be missed.
"She was such a great steward of the community."

Services are at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, with the Rev. Tyrone D. Lane. Lester Lackey & Sons Funeral Home are handling arrangements. Call (770) 786-6177.