Elmer Ray Freeman

August 07, 1948 - December 28, 2025

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Obituary for Elmer Ray Freeman

Elmer Ray Freeman, beloved son of the late Elmer and Annie Mae Bolden Freeman, was born on August 7, 1948, in Brooklyn, New York. Deeply shaped by his parents' Southern roots, Elmer spent each summer from ages three to seventeen in Fountain Inn, South Carolina, working on his grandfather's farm during segregation. These experiences, alongside his life in New York, shaped his early understanding of race, justice, and humanity.

A child of the Civil Rights Movement who came of age during the Black Power Movement, Elmer developed a strong sense of identity and purpose. Guided by his mother's words, "No one can take education away from you," he pursued higher learning in Massachusetts, earning a B.S. in Health Services Administration and completing doctoral coursework (ABO) in Law, Policy, and Society at Northeastern University, along with a Master of Social Work from Boston College.

Originally aspiring to become a pharmacist, Elmer shifted his path after witnessing healthcare inequities, committing his life to social work and community health advocacy. In 1973, he began a 50-year career in community health, serving as a provider, administrator, public health practitioner, and researcher. He spent 17 years as Executive Director and CEO of Whittier Street Health Center and later dedicated 25 years to the Center for Community Health Education Research and Service, Inc. (CCHERS), retiring with a legacy of service and leadership.

Above all, Elmer was a devoted family man. He met his wife, Carlene Chisom-Freeman, in college, and together they raised two daughters Sharon Delores Chisom and Jacqueline Freeman. In later years, they lovingly raised their grandson, Jakhari Freeman, whom Elmer fondly called his "anti-aging agent." One of his proudest moments was witnessing Jakhari's high school graduation.

Even while facing health challenges, Elmer remained committed to mentoring others, nurturing family connections, preserving family history, and attending the annual Freeman-Wells Family Reunion. He found joy in caring for his yard, encouraging future leaders, and sharing wisdom, laughter, and love.

On Sunday, December 28, 2025, Elmer transitioned from his earthly home to eternal rest in the presence of his Heavenly Father, where his voice has returned and he gets to stand behind a microphone advocating for health equity and accessibility for all. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Carlene Chisom-Freeman; daughter, Jacqueline Freeman; grandson, Jakhari Freeman; siblings Gail Freeman, Brenda Montgomery, and Darlene Montgomery; niece Ashley Freeman; and a loving community of family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors.

Visitation will be held at Forest Hills Covenant Church, 455 Arborway, Jamaica Plain on Saturday, January 10th from 10-11AM. Funera Service will begin at 11AM. Interment at Oak Lawn Cemetery

Services

10 Jan

Visitation

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Forest Hills Covenant Church 455 Arborway Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 Get Directions ยป
10 Jan

Funeral Service

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Forest Hills Covenant Church 455 Arborway Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 Get Directions ยป
10 Jan

Burial

12:30 PM

Oak Lawn Cemetery 427 Cummins Highway Boston, MA 02131 Get Directions ยป
by Obituary Assistant

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Tributes

  • 5 TREES

    Jennifer Smith planted 5 trees in memory of Elmer Ray Freeman . - January 09, 2026

Condolences

  • January 17, 2026

    Dr. Patricia Zamor

    I'm saddened to learn my longtime colleague Elmer Freeman died. He'll be remembered for his commitment to advocating for justice, mentoring others. My condolences to his family, friends and community๐Ÿ™๐Ÿพ May his legacy encourage us to be the change we wish to see in the world. Dr.P.Zamor

  • January 14, 2026

    Robin Reed, MD

    Elmer was an inspiration to us all. I enjoyed being on the board of CCHERS which was a phenomenal organization that spearheaed inclusive primary care and other health care developments in Boston and beyond. Elmer lived and walked the mission of social justice. Though he will be missed, is legacy lives on.

  • January 10, 2026

    Renee Bayer

    Elmer will be missed in Michigan. It was a honor to serve with him on the Community Campus Partnership for Health Board. I learned so much from and was inspired by him for many years. We've lost a great voice for social justice.

  • January 10, 2026

    Ella Greene-Moton

    In memory of a friend, colleague, and community partner, I am honored to have known Elmer, to have learned from him, and to have grown with him...over the years... he will be missed... Ella Greene-Moton APHA Past President

  • January 09, 2026

    Denise Young

    Rest in Peace. Elmer was a Northeastern University colleague and friend. I remember we retired the same year. His insight of the world will be greatly missed. Family may he forever remain in your heart's.

  • January 09, 2026

    Pat Taylor

    Try to take each day as it comes, whether that means leaning on loved ones, remembering fond memories together, or simply allowing yourself to feel whatever emotions arise. Be gentle with yourself as you work through this process. Elmer please a legacy to his family into his community. He will surely be missed. We all loved him, but God loved him best.