Freda Freret

Freda Donese Rester Freret, 82, of Souderton, PA, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, October 9, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Freda loved Jesus deeply and desired that everyone she met would come to know Him. Her life was a beautiful testimony of faith, love, service, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Freda was born on October 24, 1943, in Poplarville, MS, to Heber and Maris Rester. She was one of four children and was raised in a loving Christian home rooted in a rich heritage of faith that had been passed down through many generations, nurturing her many talents and faith. As a student at Poplarville High School, Freda excelled academically and was actively involved in school and community activities. She participated in the 4-H Club and earned Blue Ribbon awards at the Pearl River County Fair in Picayune, MS for her corn bread muffins, dresser scarves, and a skirt that she sewed, early signs of the creativity and skills that would later shape her career in home economics. She received the Dempsey Seal award, served as secretary-treasurer of her senior class, played piano at Hickory Springs Baptist Church, and graduated with highest honors in 1959.

She continued her education at Pearl River Junior College, graduating in 1961. While there, she served as president of the Home Economics Club, was a member of the Kappa Omicron Phi Home Economics Honor Society, and sang in the Glee Club.

Freda went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics with a minor in Education from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1965, graduating with highest honors. She served as president of the Home Economics Club, participated in the Baptist Student Union, was active in academic honor societies, and was recognized as Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities. During her final semester of college, she met the love of her life, Rene’ Freret. They were happily married on December 27, 1966, and shared 59 wonderful years of marriage, faithfully serving the Lord side by side. She loved her children, extended family, and friends and was always so happy to see or hear from them.

Freda began her career teaching high school home economics and junior high science. One of her proudest professional accomplishments was designing and organizing the new home economics department at Picayune High School. She carefully planned every detail of the state-of-the-art facility, which included sewing labs, food preparation labs, a dining room, living room, and four fully equipped kitchens with top-of-the-line appliances. It was recognized as one of the finest home economics laboratories in the state. She later chose to leave teaching to devote herself to raising her family following the birth of her first daughter, Katherine.

Homemaking was one of Freda's greatest joys. She delighted in preparing meals for her family, sewing beautiful projects, designing the family's home that was built in 1984, reading, singing, and playing hymns on the piano at church.

Freda faithfully served alongside her husband in ministry. She embraced the calling of a pastor's wife for more than 30 years and faithfully served with the BEAMS Bible Ministry for more than 25 years, helping place God's Word into the hands of believers around the world.

Freda is preceded in death by her late husband, Rene’ and survived by her four children, Katherine, Grace, Stephen, and Rachel, and their spouses; nine wonderful grandchildren; and five precious great-grandchildren. She is also survived by three brothers, Darryl, Leslie, and Dennis, along with their spouses, and a large, loving extended family of nephews, nieces, cousins, and brothers- and sisters-in-law. She was preceded in death by her parents, Heber Rester and Maris Rogers Rester.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 11 am at the Williams-Bergey-Koffel Funeral Home, 667 Harleysville Pike; Telford, PA 18969, where family and friends may call from 9:30 am to 10:45 am. Those unable to attend the service may view it via livestream by clicking HERE.

Interment to follow at Whitemarsh Memorial Park Cemetery, 1169 Limekiln Pike; Ambler, PA 19002

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 11 am at Faith Baptist Church, 8467 Canal Rd; Gulfport, MS 39503, where family and friends may call from 9:30 am to 10:45 am. Those unable to attend the service may view it via livestream by clicking HERE.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to BEAMS for Bibles in memory of Freda Freret by clicking HERE or by contacting the BEAMS office at 228-832-1096.