FREDDIE M. (SMITH) MCEWEN-RANDLE

April 5, 1934 - Dec. 6, 2012
SOUTH BEND - Freddie Maye (Smith) McEwen-Randle (daughter, sister, mother, aunt, cousin and friend), age 78, a native of South Bend and resided in Decatur, Illinois, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012.

Freddie was born April 5, 1934, in South Bend, IN, to Oscar and Beulah (Manley) Smith. She married James E. "Sonny" McEwen and enjoyed 20 years together. Sonny preceded her in death on March 27, 2007. Years later, on July 28, 1987, in South Bend, Indiana, Freddie married James Washington Randle of Decatur, Illinois. He preceded her in death on December 17, 2001.

Freddie graduated from Central High School in South Bend, Indiana, and attended college at Indiana University, Bloomington. She was a graduate of KPRS Broadcasting School and London House Models in Kansas, Missouri.

She had great communication skills as a news anchor at Channel 15, ABV News in Champaign/Urbana, Illinois. Freddie was an entrepreneur and trendsetter before her time in being a success in many areas of her life -- from fashion designer to fashion coordinator. She created her own line of jewelry. Freddie was the proud owner of Body Report Models and Designs; through her participation she held countless fashion shows and programs in the community of Decatur. She was an accomplished seamstress in private and professional sectors which included her own clothing line. With a wealth of creativity, Freddie mentored young adults in fashion and design. Freddie was also a Cub Scout leader, freelance writer and reporter for the VOICE Newspaper of Decatur, IL, and provided daily fashion tips and commercials in Kansas City, MO. Freddie enjoyed gardening and traveling; she was a great cook and family historian. Freddie loved socializing with people and making a difference in her community in which she served on numerous committees and clubs.

She was a public relations person for the Black Catholic Concerns Committee, Rainbow Push Operation; she worked closely with Reverend Jessie Jackson and Retired Secretary of State Colin Powell. She received countless awards for her contributions to her community where she shared her love for the homeless and those less fortunate. She was a member of Kiwanis Club, Frontier International Club and a founding member of Women in Arts of Decatur. She was an accomplished author of "She's Just Away," The Vilula Brown Story and "Candlelight and Cornbread," a cookbook that was in progress. As an artist, she was known for her great ability in both charcoal and oil paintings. She was a member of St. James Catholic Church and later became a member of Life Changers Church, where Bishop G.E. Livingtonston is pastor.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James E. McEwen & James W. Randle, and brother, (Jimmy Dee).

Freddie is survived by her children, James Frederick (Jane) McEwen, Monice Suzette (Alexander) Flewellen, and Mona Simone (Anthony) Pervine; stepdaughter, Lorie Randle; grandchildren, Joy (Joel) Giza, Audrey (Joe) Randle-Mendoza, Kimberly D. Reiss, Daniel McEwen, Mychelle A. Pervine (Caleb Goodwin), Lamontina Strong, Kenneth Gene Coleman Jr. and Samantha (David) Bishop; great-grandchildren, Stephen Jr., Hannah and Alexandria Reiss, Freddy Silva Jr., Joseph Giza, Olondo Dillard Jr., Kayla and Janiyah Bishop; godchildren, Francine Epperson, Jacob, Shelby, Glen Tyus and Nicholas Sanford; aunts and uncles, Gladys (Bill) Odeneal, Diz Patton, Ruth (Tom) Goforth and Johnnie (Ezell) Anderson; and professional associates, William McNutt and staff.

Freddie was a second mom to numerous young people. She will be missed by a host of family and friends across the country.

Condolences may be left to the family at www.brintlingerandearl.com and at southbendtribune.com/obituaries. Funeral services will be at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, 2827 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL 62526, on December 15th, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. in Decatur, Illinois.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Dec. 9, 2012.

02/09/2023 EJS