Sheldon Turner Freeman, 64, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Monday, December 23, 2024, at home.
Turner, as he was known, was born in Lancaster, PA to the late Norma L. "Cookie" Freeman and Chester S. "Bucky" Freeman, Jr. He was a 1978 graduate of Steelton-Highspire High School and went on to receive his Bachelor's degree in Communications from Shippensburg University and his Master's degree in Library Science from the University of the District of Columbia. After 39 years of being employed as a librarian with the DC Public Library System, Turner retired and returned home to Steelton in November 2023.
Turner was known as a brilliant, proud Black man, who loved life and lived it to the fullest! He was a voracious reader and a music aficionado. His other passions included dancing (the GOAT dancer), eating his sisters' good food, Black History (scholar), collecting Black art, books, music and movies, watching his Eagles, Lakers and The Ohio State Buckeyes. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity (founding member of Kappa Omega Chapter, Shippensburg University).
Turner was preceded in death by parents, Bucky and Cookie Freeman and leaves to celebrate his life, his son, Freeman Dane Swan of Denver, CO; his four broken-hearted sisters, Stephanie Freeman, Stacey Freeman-McKamey, wife of Victor, who was more like a brother to Turner than a brother-in-law and Stanley Freeman, all of Steelton and Sage Freeman of Harrisburg; nephew, Duquesne "Duke" Freeman-McKamey, who he loved like a brother; his niece, the apple of his eye, Halston McKoy, wife of Dajan; Aunts, Aunt Viv, Aunt Nancy, Aunt Chris and Aunt Gail, all of Columbia, PA and Uncles, Uncle Robert (Aunt Shirley) of Columbia, PA and Uncle Jerry (Aunt Elaine) of CA and special cousin, Sharyn of Columbia, PA; two grandchildren, his two loves, Freeman and Jasmine Wilson, of whom he was very proud; two great nephews, Chesten and Forden McKoy (Turner couldn't have a conversation with anyone without mentioning their names) and a host of other relatives and friends.
Turner was a wonderful man who was loved by everyone and will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him.
His life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2025 in the Chapel of the Major H. Winfield Funeral Home, Steelton with viewing and visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
Family requests that masks are worn during services.
Rest in heaven my friend
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I am forever grateful for your friendship. Rest In Peace. Tonie Davis Upper Marlboro, MD
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Hold on my Sisters
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Weeping May Endore for A Night,Joy Cometh in the Morning. Hold on MyBisters
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I only had the pleasure of working with Turner for about 6 months before his retirement, but what a pleasure it was. I loved his sense of humor, his kindness, his love and appreciation for the arts, how reliable he was as a coworker, and of course hearing his beautiful voice over the PA system. I was out with COVID for his retirement party, so I never actually got to say an in-person goodbye, and now I never will. I think of and miss him often, and hope that he got to thoroughly enjoy his retirement, as brief as it was. Sending much love to all who knew him, and hoping you rest in peace, friend. --Karen McCool, Music Librarian, MLK Library, DCPL
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I would like to offer my sincere and deepest condolences to the Freeman family. He was always comforting and calm in the midst of chaos. His greeting "Hey Love", in that baritone voice always made my day.
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My deepest condolences go to the family of Turner. I had the opportunity to work with Turner years ago at DC Public Library, I shared an office space with him. He was a very pleasant person. He was also one of the nicest people I have met. I was a pleasure to work with him and get to know him. I was a great person and will be remembered fondly
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We will always love you Turn - Bub, Stace and Duke - Peace!!!! Out!!!!
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My condolences to the Freeman Family, wishing love and support in your time of need! Remember all of the precious memories and cherish them! Love Stephonia (Ponda) Allen
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Sending my deepest sympathies to the Freeman family during this time. I worked with Turner at the MLK library before his retirement and he quickly became one of my most favorite people. I'm proud to have known him. Rest easy Turner! I will continue to honor your love of film and cherish your memory forever.
- Natalia Addison
My deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Freeman family on this tragic loss. I worked with Turner at the MLK library after the renovations and he ALWAYS brightened up everyone's days. He was always there when we needed him, made us feel safe, and always had our backs. As I got to know him better, I was amazed by his life! Turner had lived but he had so much in store that we will sadly not see. I will miss hearing Turner's booming deep voice and his boisterous laugh, rest in perfect peace Turner. -Angel Mary
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To Sage and the entire Freeman Family, please accept My Deepest Condolences for the loss of Your Beloved Turner. Earth has No Sorrow that Heaven Cannot Heal. I Pray that memories of time spent make you smile for years to come. May God Comfort and Keep You in Perfect Peaceβ€οΈππ½ Charla J. Plaines
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To beautiful Sage and family, I didn't get an opportunity to know your brother, but if his spirit was anything like Sage, he was a wonderful, caring, kind and humble man. Words can't remove the sting of death but God can. it is my prayers that God does that and replace the pain with only loving memories. I send you love and prayers.Ms.Gloria
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Turner was a very kind and gentle. When I would get stressed out at work and I happened to see his face, his smile would always brightened the hardship of the day. He wanted me know not to let the stress at DCPL get to me. He was a bright ray of sunshine to all.
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To the Freeman Family, My heart aches for you as you say farewell to Turner. There are no words to express sympathy for such a sudden, unimaginable loss. I will miss Turner's genuine warmth, pleasant personality, and beautiful smile as he would greet me with a resounding "Hello, Love!" May he rest in peace! Paula Johnson Williams
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My condolences to the family of Turner Freeman. I was the friend that moved him back home after his retirement it's funny he said man it took you 51/2 hours to drive a 2 hour drive I said I'm driving a u-Haul with a hitch in the back he said it still doesn't take that long Lol I'm going to truly miss my brother
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Sending my deepest condolences to the family ππΎπ’RIH Turner
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My deepest condolences to the Freeman Family no words can express the loss of Turner. I pray God puts his loving arms around you all during this time of bereavement Family. Turner was the most positive, soft spoken, well mannered, intelligent man with a smile that would light up a room. Classmate you will truly be missed!! I will be cheering for our Eagles π¦ on your behalf forever. Rest my brother π₯
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As I worked in MLK Library the first three years of my DCPL tenure - Turner would always brighten my day with an ever cheerful, upbeat and positive - "Hey, how you doing!" - the joyful smile and James Earl Jones deep voice just added levels to the "Turner experience". He'd be on his way to get his movies together so that his film screenings were nice and ready for the patrons who loved the movies that he carefully curated and who loved him for his kind and welcoming way. Turner was and will always be a role model for us all to emulate - THANK YOU Brotha for always shining - your light and spirit will never go out!! -Maria P. Jones, Washington, DC.
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As I worked in MLK Library the first three years of my DCPL tenure - Turner would always brighten my day with an ever cheerful, upbeat and positive - "Hey, how you doing!" - the joyful smile and James Earl Jones deep voice just added levels to the "Turner experience" He'd be on his way to get his movies together so that his film screenings were nice and ready for the patrons who loved the movies that he curated and who loved him for his kind and welcoming way. Turner was and will always be a role model for us all to emulate - THANK YOU Brotha for always shining - your light and spirit will never go out!!
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My condolences to the Freeman family. Sheldon always a gentleman and had a humble spirit. RIP Sheila Rucker Steelton Pa
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Family, Condolences on the loss of your loved oneπ May you find comfort in your memories. May He Rest in Power! Helen Hunter Elliott ππ½
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Pop pop turner was a great man in my life and a classic example of intelligence in every way of the definition. It saddens me and my family knowing he's not going to around to discuss film and music but I pray he knows the amount of love I have for him regardless of the amount of times I got to see him. My family cherishes every moment we spent together. Love and miss you deeply. Freeman Wilson
- Freeman Wilson
The legacy of our Friend Turner shall live on in our hearts. His kindness and generosity left a mark on us all. - Georgetown Neighborhood Library
- Wendell Kellar
I want to express my sincere condolences! Lucille Ray
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Turner was such a good guy. I will forever be grateful that I had the opportunity to work with him at DC Public Library. I will always remember his deep resonant voice as we recited Dr. King's "Letter from the Birmingham Jail." Rest in Paradise, Turner. Kelly Elaine Navies, Washington, DC
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Handsome Cousin Turner, oh how you are misses and loved so very much. Your presence in my life was too far and in between but the ti es I spent with you were full of smiles, hugs, and of course laughter and knowledge. You were an amazing soul and I will miss you big cuz!
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My deepest condolences to the Freeman family. I met Turner once. I remember him being very entertaining and dancing. RIP Turner!
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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
- Major H. Winfield Funeral Home | Steelton, PA