Biography: Fredonia Dees Witherspoon, whose 88 years were defined by her devotion to others – from multiple generations of her family to countless clients during her career as a social worker – died January 7, 2023, at Greenbrier Nursing & Rehab Center in Greenbrier, Ark.
 
Variously known to family and friends as Freddie, Weater, and Gigi, Fredonia was born May 18, 1934 in Eureka Springs, Ark. She was the second of six children born to Ben Woodall Dees and Marcia Ella Quenelle Collier Dees.
 
The family soon moved to Little Rock, where Fredonia attended Little Rock Public Schools and graduated from Little Rock High School (now Central High School). She attended Little Rock Junior College (now the University of Arkansas at Little Rock) where she was a cheerleader and served as homecoming queen in 1952.
 
On August 30, 1953, she wed Gayland Brooks Witherspoon of Little Rock, beginning a 64-year marriage that lasted until Gayl’s death in 2017.
 
Fredonia loved to travel and immerse herself in other cultures, which she did in abundance with her husband, often joined by their young sons John and Barry. During Gayl’s 12 years of active duty in the U.S. Air Force, they were stationed in locations including New Mexico, Alaska, Massachusetts, and Taiwan. They also visited Japan and later traveled extensively in Europe.
 
In 1965, they moved to Fayetteville, where Gayl taught architecture at the University of Arkansas. While raising their family, Fredonia also found time to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare at the university in 1971. They later moved to Clemson, S.C., where Gayl led the School of Architecture at Clemson University. During this period, Fredonia served as a social case worker with the South Carolina Department of Social Services in Anderson County.
 
Always a vivacious beauty, Fredonia was funny and fun-loving, with a mischievous streak. She was a gracious and elegant hostess who frequently entertained with her husband. She was a lifelong Presbyterian.
 
Certified by the American Red Cross as a Water Safety Instructor, she taught many people how to swim. She also was a certified scuba diver through the National Association of Scuba Diving Schools, was an avid snow and water skier, and enjoyed ice skating.
 
After Fredonia and Gayl retired, they returned to Arkansas to be near family. For the last decade of her life, she resided at StoneBridge Senior Living in Conway.
 
In addition to her parents and husband, Fredonia was predeceased by a son, Barry Richard Witherspoon, two grandsons, John Bradley Witherspoon, Jr. and Gavin Richard Witherspoon, and a sister, Sandra Dees Breshears.
 
She is survived by a son, Dr. John Bradley Witherspoon (Renee) of Greenbrier; three granddaughters, Catherine Brooks Witherspoon of Morrison, Col.; Sallie Elizabeth Witherspoon of Overland Park, Kan.; and Ashley Marie Witherspoon of Greenville, S.C.; a great-granddaughter, Gayland Dahl Witherspoon of Overland Park, Kan.; three sisters, Nodya Lambert of Little Rock, Mozella Flucht of Maumelle, and Jane Holt (Jack) of Little Rock; a brother, David Dees (Sherri) of Sugar Land, Texas; a brother-in-law, John Witherspoon (Carolyn) of Little Rock; two cousins, Melinda Frew of Houston, Texas, and John Frew of Wright City, Mo.; and many nieces and nephews.
 
The family wishes to thank the staffs of StoneBridge Senior Living, Greenbrier Nursing & Rehab Center, and Conway Regional Medical Center for their care and concern. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at www.nationalmssociety.org or to a charity of one’s choice.
 
A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. February 18, 2023, at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Little Rock, with the Rev. Jeff Price officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.