Fredia Ladell Stewart DeCanter, 72, well known resident of Tippah County, and a person active in the medical field, nursing facilities, and community, passed away peacefully Friday afternoon, August 23, 2024, at the Tippah County Hospital with friends and family by her side.
Funeral Services honoring Mrs. Fredia’s life will be 2 PM Tuesday August 27, 2024, in the Heritage Chapel of the Ripley Funeral Home with Bro. Randy Smith and Bro. Michael Baker officiating and the North East Mississippi Nurse Honor Guard honoring her dedication to others throughout her life. Visitation will be Monday evening August 26, 2024, from 5 PM until 8 PM at the Ripley Funeral Home and will continue from 10 AM until service time on Tuesday. Burial will follow in the Golden Hill Cemetery in Tippah County.
Born on September 8, 1951, in Ripley, MS, Mrs. Fredia is the daughter of the late Herman “Ham” and Mary Frances Brock Stewart. She received her education in Tippah County, and on January 8, 1966, at the young age of fourteen, she married her beloved husband, Gary DeCanter, who survives. Love at first sight, as Mr. Gary describes it, together he and Fredia planted their roots in Ripley, as they began a life together, raising a family and serving their community in many ways. Mrs. Fredia had a love for people, which lead her to a successful career in nursing, where she dedicated her personal life for forty years being an aid to the sick and caring for those in need. Whether it was in the hallways of the hospital, or a residences room at the nursing home, Mrs. Fredia was blessed with the ability to guide and help her coworkers, and patients. She was very compassionate in helping others and was a contributing factor in what makes our small town so special.
A Christan and member of Grace Bible Church, her favorite pastimes included being outdoors in God’s creation. She had a passion for gardening, tending to her flowers, and especially, animals. Big or small, walk or fly, Mrs. Fredia loved all her farm animals, and looked forward to being on their little farm, caring for all the animals. Her home was a safe place to most people, as the door was always open. She never turned anyone away, but with opened arms, welcomed anyone and everyone in. Although she could be quite stubborn at times, Mrs. Fredia had a big heart and strong love that was easily shown. She made the most with what she had and her time here on earth was spent dedicated to others. Mrs. Fredia will always be remembered for her faith in God, her gracious and welcoming nature, her involvement and commitment to all those in the community, and unwavering love and loyalty to her husband, son, family, and friends.
In addition to her husband of fifty-eight years, Gary DeCanter, those left to cherish her memories include, one son, Kevin DeCanter (Janet), one granddaughter, Courtney Norwood (Jake), three great grandchildren, Lacie Doss, Herman “Ham” Stewart Norwood, and Jake Norwood III, bonus great grandchildren, Jacob, Gavin, Brayden, and Allyssa Norwood, two brothers, Randy Stewart, and Ronnie Stewart (Velva), two sisters, Sandra Wilkins (Bert), and Teresa Hopkins (Dwayne), two sisters in law, Betty Ross, and Christine McMillin, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Mary Frances Brock Stewart and Herman “Ham” Stewart.
Those serving as pallbearers will be Dave Yates, Terry Davis, Jerry DeCanter, Chad Newby, Jake Norwood, and Larry Gay
Honorary Pallbearers will be Terrell Brock, Ronnie Hall, Bob Trotter, Allen Vanstory, James Vance, and Rickey DeCanter
Family request donations be directed to The Gideons or Grace Bible Church.
The family would like to express a special thanks to New Albany Hospital, Tippah County Hospital, Legacy Hospice, and especially her niece, Jessie Stewart, for all the love and care shown to them and Mrs. Fredia during this time.
Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with Mrs. Fredia’s family.
