Blanche E. Freeman-Villalobos
Blanche Evangeline “Van” Freeman-Villalobos of Bridgehampton died at Brookhaven Memorial Hospital on March 30. She was 59 and living at the home of her daughter, Liana Preacher, in Mastic Beach.
Born on May 17, 1953, in Virginia, she was the daughter of James Lawrence Freeman and Annie Bell King-Freeman. The family relocated to Bridgehampton, where Ms. Villalobos attended school. She later attended high school in Queens, graduating from John Adams High School.
She majored in nursing and human services at New York City Community College, and worked for New York City’s Department of Social Services for 30 years after she graduated.
Her marriage to Louis Villalobos ended in divorce. She later met Lonnie Preacher, and the couple had a daughter, Liana.
Survivors said Ms. Villalobos enjoyed fishing, reading, movies and music.
In addition to her daughter, she is survived by a granddaughter, Jamira Taylor; an aunt, Evelyn King of Maryland; siblings James Freeman, Gladys Freeman-McMillan and husband the Reverend Dr. Chaucer McMillan, Lawrence Smith, Lorenzo Smith Sr., Gary Smith, Clark Smith and wife Cecelia, and Melvin Smith; and a number of nieces, nephews and friends, including best friends Mildred Sweat-Gwin and Evelyn Jenkins. She was predeceased by two brothers, Franklin Smith and Craig Smith.
Visitation was at the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton on April 6, and a funeral service followed in the evening, with the Rev. Dr. Chaucer McMillan officiating. Cremation followed.