Freda Kirk Winter, 80, Jasper, TN, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 11, 2022 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's

Disease which gradually robbed her of her sharp mind.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Ella Mae and Bruce Kirk of Jasper, Tennessee, sister, Elizabeth Hasty, and beloved brother, David Kirk, former Mayor of Marion County.

She is survived by her brothers, Charles Kirk and Dr. R. E. Kirk, and several nieces and nephews.

Freda attended Marion County schools, where she was an outstanding student, cheerleader, and basketball star, for which she is in the Marion County High School Sports Hall of Fame.  After high school, Freda moved to Chattanooga—as did many young folks in those days.  It was there that her great singing voice was noticed by a recording agent from Nashville who signed her to a recording contract.  She moved to Nashville, legally changed her name to Kathy Kirk (more "catchy") much to her parents' dissatisfaction.  She performed in different venues in Nashville, but after a short time(and homesickness) she moved back to Chattanooga and went back to her given name.

She later moved to Los Angeles to be with her sister, Liz and niece, Lisa.  In California, Freda worked for Bank of America and met and married her husband.  Together they bought and built a successful home rental business.

When Freda's illness began to affect her more (as it always does), she moved back to Jasper to be closer to her family and friends. Freda was a devout Catholic and a very generous and giving person.

She was especially kind to her nieces and nephews, inviting each one of them and a friend to Los Angeles once they graduated from high school….all expenses paid.  It was a thrill for them all and something they still talk about today---Hollywood, Muscle Beach, convertibles, and all!

Freda will be missed by her family and friends in Los Angeles and Jasper.  She was especially grateful to her nephews, Mike and Allen Kirk, and their families, for their great help to her in her transition to home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. (CST) on Thursday, August 18, 2022 in the Jasper chapel of Rogers Funeral Home with Pastor Greg Steele officiating.

Interment will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in Jasper, TN.

Visitation Will be held on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. (CST) and on Thursday, August 18, 2022 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  prior to the funeral service in the funeral home chapel.

Pallbearers will be Allen Kirk, Jackie Kirk, Mike Kirk, Brett Kirk, Todd Kirk and Kenny Matthews.

Arrangements are entrusted to Rogers Funeral Home of Jasper, 21 East Fifth Street, Jasper, Tennessee 37343 (423) 942-2682.