of Collierville, TN
November 10, 1948 - January 18, 2026
Mrs. Freda R. Gaines (Beggs), age 77, of Collierville, Tennessee, passed away on January 18, 2026, at Baptist Reynolds Hospice House in Collierville after a long and courageous battle with illness. Born on November 10, 1948, in Blytheville, Arkansas, Freda lived a vibrant and full life marked by her deep love for family, dedication to her work, and joyful, adventurous spirit.
Freda grew up in the rural area surrounding Blytheville before moving to Proctor, Arkansas, where her father operated a cotton gin. Her family later relocated to West Memphis, Arkansas, where she graduated from West Memphis High School in 1966 and met her lifelong best friend, Sandra Curbo. She continued her education at Northwest Mississippi Community College in Southaven, Mississippi, and later attended Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. Her academic journey laid the foundation for a successful professional career spanning several decades.
Throughout her career, Freda brought warmth, kindness, and professionalism to every role she held. She retired from Delta Medical Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, after 20 years of dedicated service in the Human Resources Department as a Benefits Specialist. Earlier in her career, she worked for Reeves & Reeves Law Firm and Razorback Concrete, both in West Memphis, Arkansas, where she met her longtime friend, Martha Hoover.
Freda's life was centered around those she loved most. She is survived by her devoted husband of 29 years, Danny Gaines, Sr.; her son, James Bradford (Brad) Grissom; her stepsons, Danny Gaines, Jr. (Mary) and Michael Gaines, both of Memphis, Tennessee; and her stepdaughter, Terrie Gaines McConnell (Todd) of Auburn, Alabama. She was a proud and loving grandmother to five cherished grandchildren: Laura Beth Grissom, Austin McConnell, Trey Gaines, Garner Gaines, and Brody Gaines.
She shared a close and loving bond with her sisters, Billie Fulton (John) of Mount Vernon, Missouri, and Carole Marcellini (Jerry) of Marion, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her parents, William Frank Beggs and Edith R. Beggs; her sister, Edie Higgins; and her brother, William Frank Beggs, Jr.
Freda's zest for life was evident in everything she did. She had a passion for making jewelry a creative outlet that reflected her colorful personality and she never missed an opportunity to shop or travel somewhere new. Known for her big smile and genuine love for people, especially her family, she often said she took after her grandmother, who famously declared, ''If the car is leaving the driveway, I had better be in it!'' True to that spirit, Freda was always on the move.
A woman of faith throughout her life, Freda was a Baptist and most recently attended Collierville Baptist Church.
A funeral service honoring Freda's life will be held on February 2, 2026, at Roller Citizens Funeral Home in West Memphis, Arkansas.
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18 Condolence(s)
Loren Todd / Danny Young
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Danny, we are so sorry to hear about Freda (Kate just told me). We are all here for you if you need anything, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Amber Reed
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
I have known Freda many years . She was such a lovely person . We never had a cross word . I have been absent for the last 13 years and have missed visiting with her. You could hear her sweet southern voice and know it was her. One of my favorite memories was a camping trip and the girls were in the back of truck and all the girls hair was standing up on its ends except for Freda her hair just bounced back down in to place . Many fond memories 🥰
I love you Freda with all my heart ❤️
Prayers for her family Love you Brad ❤️
Glen Roberts
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
I first met Freda when I started work at Delta Medical Center some 25 years ago. She was a very good person and had such a beautiful smile always. She was a very caring person and I know she is in the hands of God now. Prayers for the family.
Susie McLean
Sunday, January 25, 2026
So very sorrow to hear about Freida’s passing. My condolences to her family
Janet Melillo
Thursday, January 22, 2026
I worked with Freda at Delta Medical. She was always such a bright light there. Kind, caring, and always thinking of others first. What a lovely soul she was and she will be greatly missed.
Tommy and Cathy Nuckols
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Growing up, Freda’s family and my family lived near one another in rural Mississippi County south of Manila. We were together most Sunday afternoons. After a delicious dinner, Freda, Carole, Billie and I would begin playing and play ‘til dark or until Uncle Bill got a switch and herded the girls into the car. We played tag, hide and seek, keep off the ground and any other game we could come up with that didn’t cost anything. We had so many good memories of our childhood adventures. Recently Freda and I reconnected by phone and had many great conversations about our memories of times past. She was a very dear cousin, and I will miss our talks and to hear her laugh about things we did during those simpler days when we were kids.
To Danny, Brad, Carole, Billie and their families, may God grant you comfort and peace now and in the days ahead. Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Love, Tommy and Cathy Nuckols
Lynne Wagner
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Dear Freda,
I’m so very glad I had the opportunity of knowing you. Always loved your smile and the good laugh that typically followed. You were one of the best. Condolences to your family. Rest in peace dear Freda 🙏.
Karyn Erickson
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
I met Freda when she came to work at Delta Medical Center in our Accounting Department. When we had an opening in the Human Resource Department, she came to work with us and was a perfect fit. Freda and I were not only co-workers, but also very good friends. She and I saw each other through the good times and a few rough spots as well. Freda was a very friendly and vivacious person. I know that God has her now and I pray he is with Brad and Danny as well. I will miss you my dear. Love you!!
Anne G Casserino
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
I worked with Freda at Delta Medical Center for many years. I would help in HR and she was always so fun to work with. Sending my respect to her loved ones. Heaven has gained an angel.
Tammy McGee-Johnson
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
The family in Ohio will dearly miss Freda. She was always so kind and fun to be around when we came to visit. Sending love and prayers to her family and friends that she leaves behind.
Dawn (Michelle) Gribble
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Love and I will miss you cousin Freda. You were always so kind and caring every time we came to visit.
Betty Standridge
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
I worked with Rita for many years at Delta Medical Center. She always wore a huge smile and was a joy to be around. We had some interesting times together along with lots of laughs and a few tears. I'm so glad we saw each other a few years ago at a DMC reunion. It was a privilege to call her my friend. May God give strength and comfort to her family and others who knew her. Love you always💕💕
Linda Doudna
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
I met Freda when we worked at Rieves & Rieves over 50 years ago. Freda stayed in touch and was always there for me. Caring, positive, and gracious, she always had a smile. I will miss you, dear friend.
Dena Forbus Webb
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Brad and family,
I'm so very sorry for your incredible loss. My prayers are with you all.
Renee Hornsby
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Brad, I am so very sorry for your loss. Your mother was such a lovely, elegant Southern lady—always so gracious and put together. I have such fond memories of spending time with her and your dad. My mom truly treasured their friendship, and she will be deeply missed. Sending you love and comfort as you remember her beautiful life.
Darlene McGhee
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
I met Freda when I worked with her at Delta Medical Center. She was a wonderful person, caring and fun. My condolences to her family!
Darlene S. Clark
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
I was fortunate to work with Freda At Razorback Concrete Company way back in the day. She was such a special, beautiful person and friend but through our journey in life, sadly lost touch but will never forget our friendship. Brad, I use to tease you when you would call your Mom at work telling you I was going to freeze myself for you LOL , think you were about 11 years old; always enjoyed funning with you. So sorry for your loss and Freda, we will meet again in Heaven one day; R.I.P. My Friend 🙏🏼❤️
Shane M
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Love and miss you aunt Freda.