Sometimes when you meet a person, you just know, they are genuine. Say what they mean and mean what they say. Frederick Darnell Ferebee, known to family as “Freddie” and to co-workers and friends as “Fred” was that sort of person. His love for his family and friends was evident in the selfless manner he treated others - always doing whatever he could to make life more enjoyable for everyone. With his Barry White voice, radiant smile and hearty laugh, Freddie made his mark working hard with a spirit of excellence, loyal and devoted to his family and cherished by friends from his first day to his last. We will miss him terribly.
Beginnings
Frederick Darnell Ferebee “Freddie” was born on May 31, 1950, to loving parents, the late Malachi and Cliffie Mae White Ferebee. He was born the Eldest of four children. His parents were devoted to providing a quality life for him and the other younger siblings. Freddie’s roots was in Currituck County. Freddie attended Good Hope AME Zion Methodist Church, where he was baptized and participated in the church choir and usher board. Upon graduation from Currituck Union High in 1968 he attended Elizabeth City State University where he became a member of the University’s musical choir and completed his degree of Bachelor of Science in Education in 1972.
Family & Career
Upon graduation, Freddie took a position teaching with the Columbus Ohio School system for two years. During this time, he married his high school sweetheart Pamela Taylor, in June 1973. After the couple married, she transferred her position with AT&T (formerly known as Ma Bell Telephone System) in New York City to Ohio Bell Columbus Ohio. They were married for 27 years until God called her home.
In 1974, Freddie began working with the Nationwide Insurance Company as an Underwriter for 17 years. For a brief stint, in 1991 he started and owned a photography and Videography business for four years. In 1995, he began working with the Columbus Ohio Transit Authority “COTA” where he worked for 25 years serving the City of Columbus meeting many new friends before retiring June 2017.
An Unexpected Good-bye
First diagnosed with lung cancer, December 2018, Freddie flew away into the loving arms of his Savior on Friday December 4, surrounded by his family. “God has a reason for allowing things to happen… We may never understand His wisdom but we simply have to trust His will”…
Freddie will be greatly and lovingly remembered by his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pamela Taylor Ferebee and parents, Malachi and Cliffie Mae White Ferebee. Left to cherish his memories he leaves his brother, Carl Ferebee (Donna) of Roanoke Rapids, NC; two sisters, Naomi Baxter (Al Hoover) and Patricia Albritton of Moyock, NC, two aunts, Mary Cartwright (Donald) Hampton Virginia Ollie White (Doc Lee, deceased) one uncle Paul, Chesapeake VA, three sister in laws Grizzell Barnard, (Lindsey) of Elizabeth City, NC Barbara Smith, (Gene) of Mt. Vernon NY, Eugenia Perkins (George) of Moyock NC, Elaine Taylor (Clarence, deceased) Elizabeth City, NC, Terry Perkins (Godson), a long-time special friend Mary Booth of Columbus, Ohio, who we thank for staying by our brother’s side and a host of nieces nephews and friends.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Frederick Ferebee, please visit our floral store.