Phyllis Freedman was a Northerner by birth but a Southerner by choice.
The New York transplant knew her adopted city like the back of her hand and loved showing it off to visitors as a tour guide.
Freedman, though, also took time to pursue other passions, which included her family, volunteering and supporting Atlanta’s Jewish community.
“There was no cause she said no to,” said daughter, Robyn Spizman Gerson. “There were so many people who were touched by her life. “
Freedman, 87, of Atlanta, died Wednesday from age-related illnesses. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday the Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave. N.W. It will be followed by a private burial.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to any of the following: The William Breman Jewish Home, Weinstein Hospice and MJCCA’s Blonder Family Department for Special Needs or the Jewish Family Career & Services.
Freedman was a valued ambassador and advocate to “not only the MJCCA (Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta), but the entire Jewish community in Atlanta,” said Janel Margaretta, chief development officer of the MJCCA. “Phyllis was a smart, quick-witted woman who added value to any project she was involved with. She will be sorely missed.”
Freedman was considered half of the “dream team,” when it came to working in the community. The other half was her husband, Jack, who is among her survivors.
Phyllis Freedman, a native of Port Chester, New York, was the daughter of Pauline and Irving Blonder. She attended Syracuse University and moved to Atlanta in the late 1940s after meeting and marrying her husband.
Esther Levine, owner of Book Atlanta, has known Freedman for decades and the two worked together as tour guides and, later, shuttling authors around while in Atlanta for book appearances.
“She embodied everything that was giving and wonderful,” said Levine, who called her a role model and mentor for young Jewish women. “Her spirit was fabulous. “
When Levine opened her business in 1987, the first person she called to help was Freedman. What said what stood out was her warm personality and “that she knew how to be a gracious host. Even though she was born in New York she embodied Southern hospitality.”
That came into play one time when she escorted RuPaul, the flamboyant entertainer, who was promoting a new book. “She really enjoyed it,” said Levine. “RuPaul was something out of the usual person we meet and it was exciting to her. She loved being part of the pageantry of RuPaul.” As the story goes, Freedman had to open her sunroof to accommodate RuPaul’s towering hair combined.
Among the famous scribes she escorted around Atlanta was author Nora Roberts and Motown founder Berry Gordy, who wrote in a book to her: ” To Phyllis: You are the most delightful! Thanks for everything. Happy Reading.”
Freedman loved to play mahjong and she once told Levine that “you have given me some fabulous stories to talk about at the mahjong game.”
Freedman remained active. She played mahjong with the Wednesday Girls for nearly six decades.
She also served as the former president of the Atlanta Chapter of Brandeis University National Women’s Committee and former National Women’s Division Chairwoman of the Council of Jewish Federation. She was also the former president of Jewish Family & Career Services. She and her husband also received the Distinguished Service Award of B’nai B’rith.
As an avid reader since she was a little girl, she read as many as three books each week, even into her 80s. After her death, Gerson found a stack of books that must be returned to the library.
Son Doug Freedman said growing up, his house was frequently the gathering place for his friends. He said he’s been blown away by the number of calls and messages from people who say, Your mom was one of the moms I liked. “When your peers and friends say those things, you feel good that people felt good about your mom.”
Survivors include her husband, Jack I. Freedman; son, Doug (Genie) Freedman; daughter Robyn (Ed) Gerson, Atlanta; grandchildren: Justin (Jaime) Spizman; Ali (Marc) Garfinkel; Michelle and Jeff Gerson; Dr. Lee and Alicia Gerson; Randi Gerson; and great-grandchildren Dani and Bella Spizman; Jack Gerson and Scott Gerson; along with her sister-in-law, Lois Blonder and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Gerald “Jerry” Blonder.
About the Author
