Dorothy Withers Freeman

Mrs. Dorothy Goddin Freeman ("Dot"), 93, of Winston-Salem, NC, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026. She was born on November 10, 1932, in Richmond, VA, to Harvie Dill Goddin, Jr. and Lillian Noble Goddin. She was gifted with an innate wisdom and love of nature. This shaped every aspect of her life, and inspiring her to rescue, rehabilitate, and nurture countless animals. 

As a young girl, she enjoyed horses and competed in shows and steeplechases at Deep Run Club. At just 8 years old, her artistic gift was noticed and she began art lessons with Theresa Pollak, the renowned artist and founder of Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts. 

In her youth, Dot became her daddy's shadow, accompanying him on his insurance sales calls. She and her close-knit family-brother Welly Goddin (Janet) and sisters Lil Hamilton (Dickie) and Susan Norris (Ravee)-were raised in the First Baptist Church of Richmond and cherished summers on the Chesapeake in Urbana. At 16, Dot began college at James Madison University. She later worked as a secretary and at Miller & Rhoads Department Store, where she met the love of her life, Charlie. 

They were married on February 27, 1954. In 1963, Charlie's job with Integon moved the family to Winston Salem with their 7- and 9-year-old sons and their pony, Dapples. Soon after, their daughter was born, and they purchased Valley View Farm on Gyro Drive, where Dot spent many years restoring the 100-year-old farmhouse in Williamsburg style while raising their children and remaining deeply involved in church life at First Baptist Church in Winston. Her faith was rock-solid, and she never hesitated to share it. In the 70s, she was a significant support to Charlie as he began Freeman Commercial Real Estate, and she always took such pride in her six family members who joined him there. 

Above all else, Dot's highest priority was her family, both immediate and extended. She deeply loved each one and worked tirelessly to ensure visits to the farm. She built fences, barns, jumps, forts, docks, and zip lines, and whatever would enhance her children's lives. She had a natural way with children, connecting easily and teaching constantly. She made everything fun-flat tires on a desolate highway in Dinwiddie, VA became unforgettable adventures. She was the mother who didn't just watch you play-she swung higher than you and slid down the slide right beside you, and the grandmother who attended all of your events and truly thought you were extraordinary. 

Over the years, Dot created a thriving equestrian business, The Piedmont Riding Center. She developed and landscaped nearly 30 acres and designed their second dream home on the hill, building much of it with her own hands, and self-contracting the rest. This home was built with one purpose in mind: family reunions for the Goddin and Freeman families-large gatherings she joyfully planned for decades. During this time, she also opened a wholesale greenhouse business and refined her talent for painting acrylic landscapes. 

Later, Dot and Charlie settled in the neighborhood of Wellington Place where Dot enjoyed leadership roles in landscaping, and made many cherished friendships. Even in her 80s, Dot joyfully planned art lessons, ice skating, fair trips, playground adventures, landscaping projects, and ice cream outings for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dot's boundless energy and selfless love will remain among her most cherished legacies. 

Most recently, Ardmore Baptist became their church home, and Clemmons Village became their residence. The family is profoundly grateful to the staff there for their loving care. 

Mrs. Freeman was preceded in death by her son, Harvie "Happy" Freeman, and by her husband of 71 years, Charles "Charlie" Freeman. She is survived by her daughter, Vickie Luke (Jay), and son, Ladd Freeman Jr. (Janet), both of Winston-Salem; six grandchildren: Liz Buchanan (Buck) of Mocksville, NC; Dr. Catherine Green (Maj. Justin Green) of Annapolis; Charlie Freeman III (Kaitlyn) of Advance, NC; Jimmy Luke (Meredith) of Winston-Salem, NC; Anne Bailey (Patrick) of Raleigh; and Sarah Wells Davis (Nick) of Winston-Salem, NC; and five great-grandchildren: Sawyer Buchanan, Molly Buchanan, Grady Freeman, Banks Freeman, and Porter Luke. 

A private interment service will be held for Dot's immediate family and grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ardmore Baptist Church, 501 Miller St., Winston-Salem, NC 27103. Hayworth-Miller Kinderton Chapel is assisting the Freeman family.