Freda Lee Harper Jackson

Freda Lee Harper Jackson, a beloved pianist completed her last sonata, rising from the bench after a breathtaking life cadence, leaving behind legacy reverberations of love, faith, and beauty as she took her place before the grand piano of eternity.

Freda graduated from Warren G. Harding in 1953. She was a classical trained pianist. She began her studies at the age of four at Dana’s Musical Institute which originated from Dana Hall in Warren, Ohio before merging with Youngstown College. She was the protégé of Retta Nimocks Dana, the Director of the Junior Department who oversaw the piano curriculum and musical training for the institute’s youngest students. From a young age, Freda learned music pedagogy and performed in the Summer Chautauqua supported by the Dana Family.

She attended Central State College (now Central State University) Music Program which at the time was a rapidly developing, historically Black institution where the curriculum heavily emphasized classical piano, vocal repertoire, and the performance of spirituals.

Freda served God, her family, her church, and her community. She served God with her whole heart. Her home held choir rehearsals, prayer meetings, and bible studies. She served as Grandma Freda and GiGi in her role as child caregiver to her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and community children. She attended Friendship Baptist Church for over sixty years where she served as church pianist until her health prevented her to do so. She was a member of the March Club, founder of the Tod Crossing Memorial Day Tea, and was recognized as a Tribune Chronicle Community Star for her work within the community. She was the last living mom of the extended Milton Street Sisterhood of Sister’s Keepers who raised their children in community.

Her last note lingers in the hearts of her daughter, Sherri Harper Woods (Troy); and her son’s Matthew Todd Harper; and Maurice Jackson. She leaves behind her treasured grandchildren and great grandchildren Cortney Gale Lansannah (2); Cameron Harper; Terry Allen (4); Troyia Woods; Nathaniel Woods (1); Cameron Harper; Chance Harper (4); Torrence Harper (2); Taj Harper (1); Jordan Peterman; Julianne Pollard (2); Jene` Pennington; and Sincere Elliott. She was preceded in death by her parents Lula Mae Lee and Louis Lee and her beloved daughters Tanya Lee Allen and Christine Jackson Code.

Her life was a statement. Her death is an aftertone fragrance of her Christ-centered life and legacy that will forever ring from the notes she played in the lives of her children, grandchildren, family, and friends. The whiffs of her scent will continue to be smelled throughout the world.

Cards, flowers, or tokens can be sent to: Sherri Harper Woods 2832 Merriweather St. Warren, Ohio OR Matthew Todd Harper 343 Towne Court East Gahanna, Ohio 43230.

Services entrusted to Shaw-Davis Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 4341 North High Street Columbus, OH 43214.

Legacy of Life Celebration held on July 17, 2026. Calling hours 12:30 – 1:00 p.m. Services 1:00 p.m. held at North Mar Church 3855 East Market Street, Warren OH 44484.

Interment Pineview Memorial Park 4049 Youngstown Rd SE, Warren, OH 44484.

Repass immediately following at North Mar Church 3855 E Market St. Warren, OH 44484.