Marie Antoinette “Toni” Freeman, 64, of Norfolk, Virginia, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2025. Born on January 20, 1961, in Norfolk, she was the beloved daughter of William Sparrow and Maggie Spratley.
Toni lived a life full of adventure, heart, and unwavering love. In the 1980s, she moved to Oklahoma and later to Spangdahlem, Germany, creating memories and friendships that she carried with her throughout her life. She returned stateside in the early 1990s and made her home in both Virginia Beach and Norfolk until her passing.
A devoted mother, grandmother, wife, and daughter, Toni’s greatest pride was her family. She expressed her love most deeply through her cooking—especially her cakes and desserts—which became treasured traditions within her family. Her passion for food and hospitality led her to a long career in the food service industry, where she thrived as a Bakery and Deli Manager at several grocery chains. Her attention to detail, creativity, and dependable work ethic made her a natural leader and a cherished coworker.
In May 2007, Toni married the love of her life, Ricky Freeman, in Norfolk, and together they shared 18 beautiful years filled with laughter, companionship, and unconditional support. Toni loved watching Lifetime and Christmas movies year-round, reading, traveling anywhere she could, cheering on her favorite football teams, and spoiling her beloved dog, Winston.
Toni was a spitfire—spirited, generous, sharp, and endlessly thoughtful. She noticed everything, cared deeply, and never hesitated to lend a hand. Her ability to make people feel loved, welcomed, and supported will be remembered by all who were blessed to know her.
She is survived by her mother, Maggie “Rie” Spratley; her father, William Sparrow Sr., and his spouse, Gail Sparrow; her husband, Ricky Freeman; her daughters, Meaghan Jones and Ebony Sparrow; her siblings, Kim Lyles, Edith McClure, William “Junie” Sparrow Jr., Wesley and his spouse Nena Sparrow , and James Spratley; her cherished grandson, Jayden Curry; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her stepfather, James C. Spratley.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who surrounded Toni with love and support, especially her Kroger family and coworkers, the nursing and ESD staff at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, the team at Virginia Oncology Associates, Tara Ross for her care of Winston, and all the friends and relatives who brightened her days.
Toni’s warmth, strength, humor, and fierce love will live forever in the hearts of those she touched.
