Barbara True-Freeman

Barbara True-Freeman, born Barbara Hoston, a beloved mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, cousin and friend, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025, at the age of 74. Barbara was born to Vernal Hoston Sr. and Henrietta Monroe on July 3, 1950, in Bluefield, West Virginia, and was raised in the Bronx, New York. Barbara lived a life filled with love, laughter, and service to others. Her journey on this earth spanned nearly three-quarters of a century, during which she touched countless lives with her kindness and unwavering spirit.

She grew up the proud sister of Vernal Hoston Jr., Kaleem Rasheed, Patricia Reeberg, Jay Monroe, William Thornton, Francis Thornton, Nelson Monroe, and Pamela Hoston. Her childhood was spent on the block playing with friends and family; exploring NYC neighborhoods through various subway train stops; listening to the latest soul music from Motown; and learning the latest dance moves, like The Watusi and the Mashed Potato. Although she left New York City, family remained central to her life, and she dedicated herself to nurturing the bonds that held them together.

She often gathered family and friends for lively card and board game nights, showcasing her competitive spirit and love for fun. Games like Bid-Wiz, Spaces, Solitaire, Scrabble, Monopoly, and many more often echoed laughter through her home, creating cherished memories that her family and friends will hold dear forever.

Barbara moved to Cleveland, Ohio after graduating from Pulaski Senior High School in New Britain, CT in 1968 with aspirations of attending college to obtain a business degree. It is there where she married Nataniel James and welcomed her first child – Renetta. In 1973 she relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio to pursue a promising career with the IRS where she excelled and rose to the top as of one of the first African-American women in management leading the IRS Customer Service Department. During that time she married Errol McKee (Sameeh Muhammad) and welcomed Awri. After life changes, Barbara welcomed Danielle to the world and then a few years later, married Ronald True giving birth to the youngest of her offspring – Tamara.

Barbara faced challenges throughout her life like everyone, but her spirit of giving and selflessness never wavered. Her life was a tapestry woven with love, resilience, and her commitment to Christ. Known for her selflessness, she was always there for those in need, offering support, her home, and love to family and friends alike, often going above and beyond to ensure they had what they needed. Her unwavering commitment to nurturing others will be greatly missed, but lives on through those she touched.

She relocated to the Chicago area near her son (Awri) in 2012 with two of her grandchildren and her soon-to-be husband, John Freeman, to provide a change of direction, and eventually moved back to Cincinnati after John died in 2017.

Before her passing, Barbara was able to spend time at her brother’s retirement party in 2023 (Middletown, NY), and would take one last month-long epic Mediterranean cruise with her beloved sister, Rev. Patricia Reeberg in 2024, which brought her immense happiness to see so many countries and to spend time with family.

Throughout her life, Barbara formed lasting unbroken bonds of family, motherhood, and sisterhood by being a constant source of companionship and support no matter the phases of life.

She is survived by her children: Renetta James, Awri McKee (Karimiah), Danielle McKee, and Tamara True, her siblings, Kaleem Rasheed (Na’imah), Patricia Reeberg, Jay Monroe, Pamela Hoston, William Thornton, Nelson Monroe, cousin/sister, Vivian Williams-Beal, her step-daughters: Mia Coleman & Della Freeman, sister in law Brenda Daniels, alongside her treasured grandchildren: Kyra James, Keenan Ross, Paul Mitchell III, Arielle Miller, Jayvyn McKee, Ayah McKee, Luther Miller Jr., and Aniyah McKee, great-grandchildren: Kemari & Kemoni Ross, and Raiden Mitchell.

Barbara is preceded in death by her loving husband John Freeman, her father, her mother, and her brothers Francis Thornton, and Vernal Hoston Jr., but the legacy she leaves behind is immense.

There are so many family and extended family members such as the families of Muhammad, True, Freeman, McKee, Coleman, Kituku, Gray, Bennett, Mitchell, Magruder, Lowery, Threat, Gray, Maiben, and more, that the family would like to recognize.

Barbara True-Freeman will be remembered as a loving wife, matriarch, a steadfast friend, and a radiant spirit of service whose influence will forever guide her family and friends. Her legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will continue to shine brightly in the lives she has touched. Rest well Barbara!….Love, your family

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Barbara True-Freeman, please visit our Tribute Store.