Freda Faye Ea rnest Blalock,

96, of Hampton Arkansas died July 10, 2024. She was born March 16, 1928 in Tinsman, Arkansas. Freda was preceded in death by her parents, James Franklin Earnest and Beulah Matilda Brown Earnest, her husband Dale Blalock, a brother Haywood Earnest, two sisters, Eva Lee Ivy and Betty Dunn. She is survived by four sons, Larry Blalock (Debbi) of Lumber Bridge, NC, David Blalock (Mary) of Forney, TX, Dennis Blalock (Christie) of Zachary, LA, Terry Blalock of Harrison, AR and one sister Nina Bubniak of Sherwood, AR. Freda has five grandchildren, Elizabeth Jobson (Kyle), Jacob Blalock (Sarah), Krystle Blalock, Jennifer Blalock and Joseph Blalock (Alex). She is blessed with eight great-grandchildren: Greg Simpson, Kaylee Simpson, Caleb Jobson, Zachary Jobson, Mac Baldwin, Clara Baldwin, Jude Baldwin and Josie Blalock. She is also blessed with many nieces and nephews.

Although Freda had many friends throughout her life, the family would like to acknowledge one very special person. Ramona Davila, has been such a special gift in Freda’s life. Ramona spent many moments with Freda from just enjoying a cup of coffee, to having long talks, taking her to get milkshakes, visiting her in the nursing home, laughing and taking crazy selfies, to just being such a great loving friend.

Freda has held numerous jobs in her life. After graduation as valedictorian of the 1945 spring class, she went to work at the Ordinance Plant in Camden. She taught school at Ellisville, Arkansas from 1946-1947, grades 1-8. She worked at Ottenheimer Garment Factory and then went to Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, working there until she got married. While the boys were attending school Freda kept busy with commercial chicken houses. When Dale became ill she attended Beauty School. After his death she worked in a Beauty Shop in Camden, later opening her own shop in Smackover. After that she worked at Howards Department Store and Belk-Jones Department Stores. Freda always said her most rewarding job was raising and educating her four boys.

Visitations will be on Monday, July 15 from 6-8 pm at Benton Funeral Home in Hampton. Graveside services will be Tuesday, July 16 at 10:00 a.m. at Earnest Cemetery in Tinsman. Arrangements are by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome. net.