Doris Freer

Doris Janet Freer, age 77, formerly of Goliad, Texas, passed away Saturday, August 29, 2015, in Crawfordville, Florida. A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, September 5, 2015, at 4:30 p.m. at the Fannin United Methodist Church with Dr. Ileen Foley officiating. Burial will follow in the Liveoak Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Doris was the die-hard, gung-ho, impassioned, spirited soul of her quaint town of Goliad, Texas. She was born January 6, 1938, to Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Wayne Bego, Sr. just nine miles from Goliad in Fannin, Texas. She made her way around the country as a military wife, soaking up different cultures, inserting herself into her communities, and faithfully supporting the lives of her children. She returned home to Texas in 1985, and entrenched herself into the revitalization of the historic town of Goliad. She was excited to bring to life the rich stories of Texas pride, territorial battles and the reconstruction of one of the earliest Texas settlements. Through her volunteer efforts, Doris was a foreperson in the reconstruction of the Goliad Courthouse, the restoration and operation of the Goliad Market House Museum, and the production of the Goliad American Cancer Society event the Cattle Baron’s Ball and the Goliad’s County Historical Commission’s HGTV featured fundraiser Small Town Christmas. Doris made herself known by asking others, “How can I help you?” Unbeknownst to her, she helped others just by being present, so much so that in 2007, the town of Goliad deemed September 17 Doris Freer Day. She received the Key to the City and the honorable parks and recreation title, “Friend of the Fort.” Her Goliad legacy is one for the books, and a story sure to be told to all passersby.

She is survived by her children, Randall Craig (Libby) Freer of Tallahassee, FL, Ronald Wayne (Bibi) Freer of Tyron, NC, and Jana Lynn (Mike) McErlean of Annondale, VA; grandchildren, Austin Freer, Brenna McErlean Lord, Elizabeth McErlean, and John Michael McErlean; great-grandchildren, Kellen McErlean and Langston John McErlean Lord; and brother, Ralph Wayne Bego, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her honor to the Goliad Market House Museum (205 South Market Street Goliad, TX 77963) or to the Alzheimer’s Association (378 Center Pointe Circle, Ste 1280 Altamonte Springs, FL 32701). Friends and family can sign the guestbook online at www.greenhillsfuneralhome.net. The staff of Green Hills Funeral Home is honored to serve the Freer family.