ELKHART — Fredella L. "Freddie" Horton, 69, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully following an extended illness at 5:10 p.m. Monday, Oct. 30, 2017, at Elkhart General Hospital.

She was born Feb. 20, 1948, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to the late James and Mary (Kendrick) Roberson.

She later married Leon Horton Sr. in 1965. He passed away in Elkhart in 2012, and she was also preceded in death by siblings Carol, Laura, Mary, June and James Roberson Jr.

Surviving are children Aliza (Ben) Pope, Tasha (Larry) Smith, Joseph (Mary) Roberson and Leon Horton Jr.; as well as nieces Felicia and Carmella Pope, who were raised as daughters. All are from Elkhart.

Also surviving are 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a brother, Donald (Nicki) Roberson Sr. of Sodus, Michigan; and a host of nieces and nephews who loved her very much.

Freddie's celebration of life service will be hosted by the AGAPE Missionary Baptist Church, 248 W. Wolf Ave., Elkhart, at noon Saturday, Nov. 11, with visitation beginning one hour prior at 11 a.m.

Guest Pastor Jermaine Pulliam will officiate and burial will follow in Little Pine Cemetery in Elkhart.

Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart has been assisting the family with arrangements.

Freddie was a lifelong homemaker.

Loving and endearing, she prided herself on being accepting and helpful to everyone she came to know, especially within her own family.

She also loved to cook, host large family gatherings and play bingo whenever she could.

She was the rock upon which the family stood and her mentoring and loving presence will be greatly missed.

Donations may be given to the Freddie L. Horton Fund, c/o daughters Aliza and Tasha.