Freda Dowdy Brafford

Freda Beth Dowdy Brafford, 93 of Sanford passed away Monday September 25, 2023. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Monday (10/2/2023) at First Baptist Church Chapel. Burial will follow at Lee Memory Gardens.

Mrs. Brafford was born in Lee Co, daughter of the late Hezza Kie Dowdy and Almeria Frances Cox Dowdy the youngest of nine children. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, George Lindley Brafford; siblings, Grace Mahone, Polly Harrington, Mabel Gunter, Hezza Kie Dowdy Jr, Maylor Brown, Herman Dowdy and Owen Dowdy.  

Freda was quite the lady who loved gardening, cooking, decorating and even made various articles of clothing and quilts still treasured by her family today. She was a graduate and star athlete of Deep River High School when she met her beloved George Brafford, and they were married in 1950. Freda was a member of First Baptist Church, an accomplished seamstress and worked for many years at Blue Bell Company. She was a great mother who always motivated and set the perfect example for her children and grandchildren.

Mrs. Brafford is survived by her daughter, Janice B. Brown (Ron) of Sanford; her son, Donald Brafford (Kristine) of Waxhaw, NC; four grandchildren, Scott Brafford, Eric Brafford, Caleb Brown, and Dylan Brown; four great grandchildren; one brother, Carson Dowdy (Dot) of Raleigh.

The family will greet friends beginning at 1:00pm Monday in the Church Parlor before the service.

Memorial contributions can be made to First Baptist Church Capital Improvements Fund, 202 Summit Drive, Sanford, NC 27330.