Martha Dilsey Freeman was born on March 10, 1930, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Exodus and Martha (Jones) Roberts. She grew up in the West End and Avondale alongside her siblings: Florence (Roberts) Cloud, Lee Roberts, Virginia (Roberts) Alexander, Roy Roberts, and Prudence (Roberts) Moore. She is now reunited with them in eternal rest.

Martha Dilsey, affectionately known as Dilsey, was married to James Thomas Freeman. Together, they raised four children. James preceded her in death, as did her eldest child, Marcia Freeman, and her first-born grandson, Michael James Freeman. Dilsey is survived by her sons Michael James Freeman, Anthony R. Freeman (Vaniece), and Akiva N. Freeman (Rashanna); grandchildren Toni Palmer, Marqueta Freeman, Shandra Freeman, Julian Freeman, Alana Freeman, and Akiva Freeman Jr.; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great-grandchildren, grandnieces, grandnephews, and dear friends.

Dilsey attended Woodward High School before earning her cosmetology license and working in the beauty industry. She later owned and operated Lady D's Beauty Salon on Reading Road for more than 25 years.

She joined Carmel Presbyterian Church as a child and remained active into her 90s, participating in the Inspirational Church Choir, Usher Board, and Martha's Circle Women's Club. A lifelong civic advocate, she dedicated time to serving as a poll worker, registering voters, and volunteering on multiple political campaigns. She was also active in NAACP community efforts. Two milestone moments in her life were surviving the Beverly Hills Supper Club Fire in Kentucky and meeting President Bill Clinton.

Dilsey loved family, fitness, line dancing, travel, and gaming! Her passions often took her to Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Biloxi, where she enjoyed casinos and entertainment. She could also be found on cruise ships, at gospel concerts, or attending gala events. And, of course, she always made time for the Bronner Brothers Hair Shows!

A giant in a little frame, Dilsey never tolerated disrespect. A fierce protector, she loved hard and would go to any length to shield those she cherished from harm. She was an advocate and a fighter—no challenge was too big! I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T is the best way to describe Lady D! And, to paraphrase a famous song, she lived life "Her Way."

Visitation is from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, on  Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the New Jerusalem Baptist Church, 26 W North Bend Road, Cincinnati  (45216).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 11:00 am. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy she leaves behind.

Interment will follow at Walnut Hills Cemetery, 3117 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206.

To share a memory of   Martha or leave a special message for the  Freeman family, please click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory  is caring for the Freeman family during this difficult time.  Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.