MaryAlice Freeman, 80, of Tryon, formerly of Hendersonville, died Friday, October 1, 2010 at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center.

Born in Oklahoma, she was the loving wife of 56 years of Jack Hamilton Freeman. She graduated with honors from Oklahoma State University with a degree in home economics education.

MaryAlice was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority, and honored by membership in Mortar Board, and Phi Beta Kappa.

MaryAlice loved people. Her warm and enthusiastic outlook on life was endearing to those touched by her kindness. In Hendersonville, she was active in the Old Kanuga Garden Club, the Forrest Womens Club, Pardee Hospital Auxiliary, Hendersonville Symphony Auxiliary, and Hendersonville First United Methodist Church.

After moving to Tryon in 1982, she established the Felburn Foundation Nature Library and operated it for many years before her illness.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Janet Moore formerly of Mills River, N.C.

She is survived by husband, Jack Freeman of Tryon; three daughters, Linda Smith and her husband David of Monroe, N.C., Kathy Mackey and her husband Mike of Houston, Texas, and Judy Turner and her husband Tom of Perry, Ga.; a brother, Robert White and his wife Nancy of Spartanburg, S.C.; a son-in-law, Tommy Moore of Mills River, N.C.; nine grandchildren, Sara Smith, Daniel Smith, Christopher Mackey, Kimberly Mackey, Jacqueline Mackey, Tommy Turner, Gregory Turner, TW Moore, and Tyler Moore; a niece and nephew, Jane and Richard; and a grandnephew, Christian.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 5, 2010 at Thos. Shepherds Church Street Chapel.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.