Jo Eda Freeman

Jo Eda Freeman passed away suddenly, yet peacefully, Saturday, June 4, 2022, at her ranch home in Guthrie, Okla., at the age of 61. 

Born to Joan and Ross Edward Lankford on September 28, 1960, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, she was raised in Farmington, New Mexico, alongside her four sisters Laura, Amy, Allison, and Ashley. As a 1978 alumnus of Farmington High School, Jo Eda served her class as Student Council vice-president.

A multifaceted artist and Jill-of-all-trades, Jo Eda is known nationally for her creative talents in floral and interior design. She was nominated by Event Solutions for National Creative Director of the Year. She worked for acclaimed composer Cy Coleman, designing the interior of his apartment, his rental property that housed the Spanish Ambassador to the United States, and his home in the Hamptons. For many years, she channeled her artistic talents into creating Miss Oklahoma’s shoe to wear in the historic “Show Us Your Shoes” Parade at the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey. In her spare time, she dabbled in painting, sculpture, and other artistic pursuits.

She held a special place in her heart for musical theater as her many projects designing sets for musicals were some of her most fulfilling work. She designed sets for local and national musicals, with some of her favorites being “Rest In Peace” and “Galveston: the Musical” alongside one of her most beloved friends, Mark York. 

She truly had a servant’s heart and volunteered in leadership positions on the Tuttle Improvement Committee, FFA Mothers Club, Tuttle and Northern District Fairs, Texas Longhorn Association, and more, where her focus lay where her heart was: on the communities she loved, the people making a difference, and those shaping the lives of the future. She often quoted Mr. Rogers who taught us to “look for the helpers.” Jo Eda was recognized by her peers with the Blue and Gold Award and by the Tuttle FFA, as well as an honorary Oklahoma FFA Degree from the Oklahoma FFA Association. 

Jo Eda was most proud of being a mother to her three daughters, Hannah Noël, Meredith Aileen, and Clara Joy. As a mother, she gave everything to guiding each of her girls in discovering their gifts and talents, and encouraging them to embrace themselves as individuals. From homeroom mom to Oklahoma FFA Alumni Camp cabin mom to chauffeuring the girls all over the state for their activities, she was a mother the girls could count on in both victory and defeat. Throughout their lives, the girls always won the decorated bicycle contest in the local parade, and Jo Eda's parade float designs for the girls' activities were always to be admired.     

Jo Eda found her happiest times with her husband, Jim, on their ranch in Guthrie, Okla., surrounded by beautiful sunrises, sunsets, longhorn cattle, flower gardens, and the animal friends she would take in, such as her miniature horse Ginger, lambs, and goats, and many others. Simply, she loved being at home on the ranch surrounded by nature. 

Her best role, and some could say project, was that as GiGi to her four grandchildren Lily, Callan, Ava, and Bronson. She was adventurous and enjoyed painting, collecting rocks and other treasures, and took any opportunity to inspire her grandchildren's imagination. It was common for her to make a costume, a sword, or a scepter for her grandchildren who truly thought she was a Queen.

Her dogs, Gypsy and Drift, along with Rudy, the cat, were beloved companions and thought of as family, and she would often have her granddogs with her. Simply put, she had a soft spot for animals and had a unique and special relationship with them that others envied.  

Jo Eda absolutely loved dancing, classic movies, music, and her many collections, including Christmas ornaments, Fiesta Tableware, and unique pieces of jewelry and art. She was always reading a book and cherished the friendships she made in her book club.  

Jo Eda is survived by her husband Jim Freeman; parents Joan and Ross Edward Lankford; daughter Hannah Fryer and husband Chris; daughter Meredith Smith and husband Eric; daughter Clara McCabe and husband Trent; grandchildren Lily Smith, Callan Fryer and Ava Fryer; and Bronson McCabe; sisters and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends who loved her very much.

Jo Eda is preceded in death by her great-aunt, Alice “Snookie” Wilson, and her dear friends, Lee, Bernice, and DA Cruzan, Beverly Walton, Charles Cox, and Ava Cummings.

While her family is heartbroken, they rest assured knowing her life was uniquely hers as she lived every day with bold, creative vigor.

Jo Eda’s Memorial Jubilee will be held 10 am Saturday, June 11, 2022 at The Freeman Farm located at 1950 East Cooksey Road Guthrie, OK with burial following at Guthrie Summit View Cemetery.  Services under the direction of Tribute Memorial Care Southwest.