Freda Marie Chipps Lewis, 76, passed away Monday, April 11, 2016.
She was born Jan. 23, 1940, in Salem, daughter of Wade Weldon Chipps and Vera Nell Scott.
She graduated from Houston High School and went to work in St Louis as a secretary for a major corporation for a couple years. She went to beauty school in the late 1950s and owned her own beauty show in Raymondville for two years. She then began working for Velma Wantland at the Chuckwagon cafe in Raymondville.
She opened and ran a clothing store, also in Raymondville, until her three children were born. She also worked at Horseman’s Paradise Barn, which was owned by her parents, as a cook and waitress in the late 60s and 70s. She owned and operated Marie’s Dairy Freeze in Raymondville, now known as Acleada’s Korner Kitchen. In the late 70s and 80s, she worked at HD Lee, doing various jobs, for more than 20 yrs until the factory closed.
She then returned to school and earned a degree in medical billing. She did her internship at Butch Burch Insurance in Houston and was offered a job there. She worked there many years until her health forced her to retire at age 73.
She had a number of hobbies, including quilting, embroidery and playing bunco, dominos and bingo.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three half-brothers, Wendell, Donny and Billy; and her husband, Ralph.
Survivors include three children, Dan Lee, Vern Weldon and Sherry Louann; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three siblings, Bub, Marilyn and Myra; and many other family members and friends.
Memorial services were Friday, April 15, at Fox Funeral Home. Services were Saturday, April 16, at Big Creek Baptist Church with Pastor David Jett officiating.
