On December 1,1935, in Honey Grove, Texas, a baby girl named Reba Mae Hicks was Born to Senolia Butler & James Hicks. By the age of two, Reba was relocated to San Diego, CA. There, her mother met Milton Freeman who had three sons; Milton Jr., Larry, and Gerald Freeman . At the age of six, she became a member of Calvary Baptist Church. She attended Chester Elementary & Junior High, and completed her education at Kearney High School.
Reba worked at Montgomery Wards for 16 years, becoming the first black female to hold a managing position throughout all Montgomery Wards. On Wednesdays, she would model wearing their clothing and her beautiful smile. Reba retired as an accountant at the Price Company.
In her teenage years she enjoyed riding motorcycles, driving her uncles stick shift truck, and speeding down the street in a 66 chevy. Reba was a excellent bowler. She enjoyed good foods and great laughs with her family and friends. She loved playing and winning bingo, spending quality time with her grandkids, and visiting with her best friends; Gwen Campbell, Kathleen Hale, Johnnie Banks, and Phyllis Peppers, of whom have preceded her in death. The best times of her life were spent with her husband of 51 years, Thomas Edward Elder.
On September 2, 2024, Reba was called home to be with the Lord .
She was proceeded in death by her husband Thomas Elder, her parents; Sanola & Milton Freeman, great granddaughter Keimonie Thomspon, aunts; Katherine and Hildred, and sons; Ronald & Marcus Elder.
Life will never be the same without Reba, & the lives she touched and leaves behind are great and many. She leaves to cherish and carry on her memory her children; James Bransford (Jeri), Sonia Woodoson, Charzel Shears, LaRhonda Shears, Kathy Shears, Chrsitina Elder Falls (Ronald) , and Gerald Elder (Debra), special granddaughter Andrea Harper (Jason), a host of grandkids & great grandkids, and 1 great great grandson Messiah.
