Melissa Freeman Allen

Melissa Ann Freeman Allen, age 71, of Gulfport, passed away on September 25, 2025, after an extended illness.

Lisa, as she was known by so many, was born to the late Don and Luverne Freeman on December 18, 1953, in Brookville, PA. She was a 1973 graduate of Harrison Central High School where she played the flute in the marching band. Lisa was a long outstanding member of Bel Aire Baptist Church since 1970. Lisa worked for A&P for 15 years before becoming an employee in 1993 at The Gulfport Grand Casino. After Katrina, Lisa was with The Biloxi Grand, where she made many lasting friendships. Lisa retired in 2019. Lisa was also a two time breast cancer survivor.

Lisa will be remembered by her brother, Don Freeman (Jackie) of Universal City, Texas, her sister, Linda Brownlee (Randy) of Gulfport, and sister in law Phyllis Gordon of Gulfport. She will also be remembered by 3 nieces; Maggie Farley (Ken) of Universal City, Texas, Kristin Brownlee of D’Iberville, Stephanie Barry (Andrew) of Gulfport and a nephew, Joshua Freeman (Lyssa) of Cibolo, Texas; also 5 great nephews and 1 great niece; Kaleb Freeman, Drew Farley, Liam Freeman, Jackson Freeman, Hosea Lopez and Iva Faye Freeman. Lisa was blessed to have in her life “adopted sisters” Peggy Moon, Tish O’Neill, Pam Webber and Rhonda White, who were faithfully by her side during these last difficult months. Lisa also had a dear friend, Miss Ruth Turner, whom she enjoyed visiting and sharing a cup of morning coffee. Lisa leaves behind an uncle, Billie “Buddy” Hudson (Dottie) of Woodstock, Alabama, and an aunt, Mary Lynn Deal of Destin, Florida, along with many cousins and an endless array of sweet friends all of whom she loved dearly.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Deaconess Hospice and the Gulfport Care Center for Lisa’s care during these last months, but most especially to CNA Tresea Deschamp, who was the first caretaker Lisa met and was with her until the end. We will forever be grateful to all the caretakers who were a part of Lisa’s care during this difficult time. We also want to express our love and appreciation to Lisa’s roommate, Miss Grace McDougal. Lisa and Miss Grace formed a bond that transcended their brief time as roommates. It was a reminder that true friendship doesn’t depend on the number of years, but on the depth of connection.

A memorial service for Lisa will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Memorial Hospital at Gulfport Foundation’s Breast Imaging Fund to support financial assistance to women on the Mississippi Gulf Coast who cannot afford breast diagnostic imaging services. 100% of all donations will go to the Breast Imaging Fund. The link for donations is: https://memorialhospitalfoundation.com/donate/ .