Freda Schaefer

Freda Taylor Schaefer, 82, of Jacksonville, Florida and formerly of Zion, Illinois, passed away on September 21, 2025 in Jacksonville.

Freda was born December 8, 1942 in Marietta, Mississippi. She graduated from Zion-Benton Township High School with the class of 1961. She married Gregory Schaefer on May 29, 1969 in Zion, Illinois. Freda was a member of the Mandarin Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida and worked for Bad Alice's Briar Patch. She was also a member of the Flamingo Girls. Freda loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, especially at their sporting events. She was their biggest cheerleader

Freda is survived by her loving husband, Gregory; daughters, Tyra Hawkins and Tisha Kelley; grandchildren, Bryce Hawkins, Chase Hawkins, Landry Kelley, Colin Kelley, and Carson Kelley; and her brothers, Jim (Lynette) Taylor, and Larry (Gayle) Taylor.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Brad Vail; parents, Prentiss and Eula Taylor; sister, Barb Gunter; and brother, Jerry Taylor.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025 from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion, IL. A second visitation will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Zion, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ’s Church Academy’s new athletic complex, a legacy project that Freda would be proud to support. Gifts in memory of Freda Schaefer can be made online at https://factsmgtadmin.com/give/appeal/yu3Et5u9L.