Freda Murphy Belton

Freda Felecia Murphy Belton was born November 2, 1959, to the late Jimmie K. and Amelia Haile Murphy. She departed this earthly life on Friday, April 16, 2021, at the Kershaw Health Medical Center in Camden, SC.

She joined Shiloh United Methodist Church at an early age.  Freda was a very active member, serving as the Sunday School teacher for the children and youth. She later became a Sunday School teacher for the adult class.  She served in other church capacities such as Lay Leader and Lay Servant of the United Methodist Church, director of the Lugoff Parish Christmas Choir, director of the Christmas and Easter programs, Vice President of the United Methodist Women at Shiloh, director of Vacation Bible School (VBS) for Lugoff Parish, and choir leader during morning worship and revivals.

She was educated in the public schools of Kershaw County, attended Midlands Technical College, the Legrand School of Cosmetology in Camden, and the University of South Carolina. As a student at Lugoff Elgin High School, Freda was an enthusiastic member of the Marching Pride marching band, playing the flute. In college, she performed with the vocal ensemble Carolina Alive, the gospel choir, and in community theater productions.

Freda was a substitute teacher with Kershaw County School District, and worked with the U.S. Census Bureau and the Kershaw County Library until the pandemic. Freda was also a homemaker.  Her hobbies were crocheting, reading, singing, gardening, music, baking, hosting family gatherings, and editing her girls’ writings when they were in school. Freda also organized and directed a singing youth group called “Jewels of Christ” until they went to college.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory: a beloved and devoted husband of 31 years, Henry Belton; two daughters, Julia L. (Dominique) Fergerson and Murphy A. Belton; a step-daughter, LaTonya {Sam) Belton-Wilson; one granddaughter, Carmen Fergerson (her sunshine); two step-grandchildren, Xavier Anthony and lmani Crawford; three step great-grandchildren; three sisters, Joyce L. Seabrook, Inez P. (Albert) Council, and Vera A. Murphy; mother-in-law, Mrs. Nancy Potts; three sisters-in-law, Gloria Belton, lleta Teasley, and Joann (Robert) Lowery; one aunt, Frances Haile; a special daughter and granddaughter, Amelia Gilmore and Araya Velasquez; a host of cousins, nephews, and nieces; and her one and only favorite pet dog, Riley.

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