Dr. Sara Mabry Freedman

Dr. Sara Mabry Freedman, 76, of Friendswood, Texas, passed away July 12, 2024 after a prolonged illness. She was born in Albemarle, N.C on June 2, 1948 to D. Hugh and Robbie Mabry. She was married to Dr. Glenn Freedman for 54 years.

  Sara was a distinguished university professor and dean of the colleges of business administration at the University of Houston, Mississippi State University, and Oklahoma State University, serving as the first female business dean at each campus. Her many accomplishments included launching innovative entrepreneurship and technical programs as well as adding research and community-assistance centers. She served on the boards of directors of many corporate and civic organizations throughout her storied academic career. Sara had a passion for her children and grandchildren, gardening, reading, and travel, having visited 90 countries, both for professional and recreational purposes. Sara was caring, funny, fearless, honorable and whip-smart.

She graduated from Albemarle High School, earned a B.S. degree from Boston University, and earned her Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hugh and Robbie Mabry; in-laws, Shepard and Frances Freedman; her brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Janet Mabry; sister-in-law, Nancy Dawson; and other family members.

 She is survived by her husband, Glenn Freedman; son,  Dr. Matthew Freedman and his wife Dr. Emily Owens; son Brian Freedman and his wife Dr. Erica Roberts; and four grandchildren, Claire, Alexandra, Jonathan, and Olivia. In addition, she is survived by her supportive and loving extended family and innumerable friends. 

A private, family graveside ceremony will be held on August 10, 2024. Friends and family are invited to a reception in Sara’s honor at the Cedar Grove Methodist Church in Norwood at noon on August 10, 2024.

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