Obituary of Edna R Lester-Freiberg

Edna Lester Freiberg, 92, of Winter Haven, Florida, passed peacefully from this life to her Heavenly home on April 17, 2023, after an extended illness.  As a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, she is joyfully resting in the arms of her Savior and happily reunited with her loved ones. 

Edna was born in Yukon, West Virginia, on February 24, 1931, to Elford and Bertha (Rowe) Robinson. She was a faithful member of Filbert Methodist Church, West Virginia; Lake City Baptist Tabernacle, Georgia; and Parkland Baptist Church, Winter Haven, Florida.  Throughout her church life, she has made donuts for church fundraisers, served on various committees, worked faithfully in the church nursery, and prayerfully supported her late husband Charles as a deacon’s wife.

She loved her family and was most delighted when her home was filled with friends and family. 

With humble beginnings, Edna was reared on good ‘ole pinto beans, cornbread, and West Virginia coal mining dust!  She developed a strong work ethic while working at the Number 7 Coal Mining Store, and most of the time, walked the miles to and from that job, as she attempted to help her mother and daddy during difficult financial times.  She continued her strong work ethic by working at the Big Apple grocery store, Georgia; and many friends remember Edna in the years she enjoyed working with Publix in Winter Haven as a cashier.  She was known for her delicious chocolate fudge, homemade yeast rolls, and pot roast.  After her children were married with their own families, she kept their children after school, and often called them to say, “Honey, don’t cook tonight.  I have just put a big pan of lasagna in the oven and baked a big chocolate cake. Just come by here and eat dinner!”  She loved to crochet and skillfully made beautiful afghans for each of her children, their spouses, and all of her grandchildren. She will always be remembered for her friendly smile, her determination, and her generosity, which she modeled daily for her four children. She expected them to work hard and behave as a deacon’s children should behave.  Her favorite color was bright red and her favorite flower was the beautiful red rose.  Psalm 23 was her favorite Bible scripture, and “How Great Thou Art” was her favorite hymn.  She passed peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family.

Edna is preceded in death by her loving husband of 33 years, Charles Emmett Lester; her parents Elford and Bertha Robinson; and her brothers Luther Robinson, Ernie Robinson, and James Robinson. 

Survivors include her dear husband of 26 years, Richard Freiberg; her four children Lynne (Lester) Wise (Jim); Jovet (Lester) Mitchell (George); Stephen Lester (Alisha); and Rebecca (Lester) Chichetto (Pete).   Grandchildren include Bethany, Krista, Dusty, Dillon, Taylor, Hannah, Jenna, and Faith.   Also surviving are six great-grandchildren. Additional survivors include Edna’s beloved siblings Monroe Robinson (Irene); Jovet Lambert; and Alice Pearson.

A time of visitation with Edna’s family will be on Friday, April 21, 2023, at 12:00 noon at Parkland Baptist Church, Winter Haven, followed by her Celebration of Life at 1:00 pm. An interment will take place at Lakeside Memorial Park and Cemetery, Winter Haven, FL.

The Lester-Freiberg family extend their love and heartfelt gratitude to Edna’s caregivers from Granny NANNIES, Good Shepherd Hospice in Auburndale, VITAS Healthcare Hospice and Dale Chichetto. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Oak Ridge Funeral Home in Winter Haven, Florida.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made be made to Parkland Baptist Church.  Guest book and condolences are available online at OakRidgeFuneralCare.com