Dianne Freeman

Dianne Elizabeth McClain Freeman was born on December 18, 1955 in Kansas City, Missouri. She was the sixth child of Charles and Beatrice McClain. She was a member Cain Grant A.M.E. Church in Kansas City, Missouri where at an early age, she accepted Jesus as her Savior. Dianne had leadership qualities early in life. She was educated in the Kansas City, Missouri School District. Her education included, Linwood Elementary, Central Junior and Central High School where she was a member of the graduating class of 1974.During her high school years, Dianne was elected the first female class President where she served for several years. Dianne was a social-activist and spokesperson for the "Teacher Strike" in the 1970's. She also attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri, Traveling Tourism School, and Johnson County Community College Hospitality Management & Culinary Arts School. She utilized her natural and acquired culinary and decorating skills for various church conferences and private events. On February, 18th 1984, Dianne united in marriage to Warren G.Freeman, Jr.,and together began their journey in "Marriage & Ministry". To this union, they were blessed with two daughters. Over the span of her very active career, Dianne was employed at the Kansas City Star Newspaper in the circulation department, a volunteer at the Kansas Multicultural Alcohol and Drug Treatment Center where she was later hired as a Substance Abuse Counselor, Human Resources Specialist for Motherwell Information Systems, and the Director of Food Services at Independence Community College, Independence, KS. Dianne grew up in Cain Grant A.M.E. Church and was very active in the Young People's and Children's Division (YPD), Lay Organization, the Women's Missionary Society and also served as the Youth Choir Director. She had the privilege of speaking at various churches and conferences. Until her passing she served as the President of the Clergy Family Organization of the Midwest Conference. She established her presence through her unique personality in each church her husband was assigned. Their pastorates included assignments in the states of Kansas, Missouri, and Washington state. Dianne attended church with her husband and subsequently became a member of Trinity A.M.E. Church in Kansas City, Kansas. Eventually, they came full circle in being assigned to the "First Lady's" home church Cain Grant A.M.E. Church. During her many years of sharing ministry with her husband, she displayed her passion for Christian Education through the teaching of Sunday School, and facilitating Women's Bible Study. Dianne enjoyed being adventurous. She loved to travel to different islands and countries around the world, including mission trips to Africa and India. When not traveling and working, Dianne also had a love for infants, and cared for many. On July 15th, Dianne slipped away peacefully surrounded by her family and was welcomed into her heavenly home by her parents; mother-in- law, Virginia Freeman; brothers, Clarence, Samuel, and Richard McClain; and nephew Phillip Gillmore. To cherish her memories and love, she leaves her loving and devoted husband of 32 years, Reverend Warren G. Freeman Jr.; two daughters, Marley Kristina Freeman and RayAnn Louise Graves (Jarrard); grandchildren, Brian and Kiley Graves, and god-granddaughter, Raelyn Long; sisters, Hazel Gillmore, and Evalyn McDonald; sisters-in-law, Carlos McClain and Angeline Payne; nephews, Aaron Spearman (Megan), Richard McClain (Noel), Rodney McClain (Joy), Eric McClain and Bennie McClain; nieces, Melody Chiles, Breanda McClain, Deidre McClain and Ketty McClain and a host of other nephews, nieces, church family, and friends.