Elise Freefield, 86, was born on April 6, 1940, in Shreveport, Louisiana. She was the first child of V.L. Frankel, an entrepreneur and successful business owner, and his dear wife, Fannie Louise Frankel. Elise passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 21, 2026.

Elise is survived by her loving husband of sixty-six years, Jerry Freefield, whom she met while attending the University of Oklahoma. Elise grew up in Shreveport and graduated from Byrd High School. Elise will be missed by her three sons, Brent Freefield, Todd Freefield and his wife Carlyn, and Scott Freefield and his wife Vilma. Elise is also survived by her two grandsons, Carter and Jack, the children of Todd and Carlyn. Elise was preceded in death by her sister Vivienne Freeman of Metairie, Louisiana.

Elise was a loving wife and wonderful "stay-at-home Mom" who, along with her husband Jerry, raised their family in Beachwood, Ohio, before they moved to Dallas, Texas, in the late 1970s. Elise was an exceptional gourmet cook who learned her kitchen skills from her dear mother, Fanny Louise Frankel, while growing up in Shreveport. Elise also had a remarkable talent when it came to decorating her beloved home with exquisite antiques, rare vintage clocks, and original oil paintings.

Perhaps Elise's most endearing quality was her love for animals ever since she was a young girl. In addition to raising her three sons, Elise loved the family pup, a Dandy Dinmont Terrier ("Taffy"), two rescue kitties ("Thither" and "Boo") and an indoor-friendly squirrel ("Pearl") that was rescued by Elise as a baby when it fell out its nest in the backyard.

Everyone that knew Elise was drawn to her because she selflessly showed more interest in what they had to say than merely talking about herself. Her wonderfully "unfiltered" sense of humor and contagious laugh was loved by everyone. Elise had a sense of warmth and humility that made everyone feel loved and important, and it was that special quality that made everyone love her in return.