Alfreda Erica Josey

Alfreda Erica Josey, affectionately known as “ Freda, Freema or Frizz”, was born February 3, 1975 to Al and Beverly Josey. She attended Nathan Hale, Deveaux, DeVilbiss, and graduated from Roy C. Start High School. She furthered her education at the first private historically black university in the United States, receiving a degree in Child Psychology at Wilberforce University. Noted among her many involvements on campus, was her membership in W.H.I.P and becoming a FINER woman of the Gamma Epsilon chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. She was known for her infectious spirit. Always smiling and making jokes despite her circumstances; she was the life of the party. She never wanted anyone to feel left out or as if they were not a part of things; you were always family. It would not be above her to break out in a random robot dance because “two tears in a bucket…” ( i y k y k) She was a protector and role model to all of her family and friends especially her sisters that she called “her pride and joy.” Her love extended outside her family to her babe Jaiden and Jordan. Freda always strived to uplift and push people beyond what society labeled them. She was always positioned in places to carry out her passion for youth, including opportunities with camps and outreach programs. Professionally she was able to impact many lives at Franklin County Children Services, Rosemont; working with at-risk youth, and Step by Step Academy where she worked with children with autism. Alfreda was able to live out the meaning of her name “counselor” by having a listening ear to both family and friends. She loved all things music and was the “artistic” one in the family; painting ceramics and sharing creative activities with everyone she encountered. To know her was to love her, even when she gave hard truths. She loved her family and God above all. She came to know Christ at an early age as a faithful member of New Home Missionary Baptist Church where she was a youth advisor, choir director, and member of the Hattie Jackson Guild Girls. During her stay in Columbus, Ohio she was a member of First Church of God and Peace Kingdom Ministries, where she developed her love for mime and praise dance ministries and her gift of discernment. She loved to encourage and push everyone to do their best forever quoting “good, better best, never let it rest, until your good is better, and your better best!” Even during her ailments, she never stopped giving and teaching her little cousins, niece and nephews everything she could. Surrounded by her sisters, Freda went to her eternal rest with the Lord on November 29, 2024. She was preceded in death by her paternal and maternal grandparents, both parents, her cousin Vanisshia Rayford, and many other beloved family members. She leaves to cherish her memory her sisters, Alissa (Pastor Romain) Hornbeak and Alexius Josey; nephews, Romain Jr. and Royal Hornbeak; and nieces, Ramairis, RoNyah, and Niamor Hornbeak. She also leaves behind special cousins Jualana (Malik Sr., Malik Jr., and Malana), Jaiden, Jordan, and Cierra Light; a host of godchildren; and C.T. She was loved by her SandZ (Spr 96), best friends Kenya Arnold, Sherrie Davis, and Kalon Chance. The names of everyone she touched are too numerous to list but, to the host of aunts, uncles, cousins, family, and friends, please know she loved you deeply. Though her presence is no longer here, it will always be felt and remembered. She would want us all to honor her legacy by keeping the family together and making sure everyone feels loved.

Alfreda Erica Josey

February 3, 1975 - November 29, 2024