Reflections of Freda

“...One thing have I desired of the Lord, that I will seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord

all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His Temple....” Psalm 27:4

Freda Pullen Bagley, was born January 22, 1954 in Burgaw, NC to the late Mansy and Isabelle Fennell Pullen. Surrounded by her family, she transitioned peacefully on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 after a lengthy illness. Freda accepted Christ at an early age. She was an active member of the Macedonia AME Church in Burgaw, NC. Her musical journey began at the age of 5 years old and at age 6, she began playing for Sunday School at her church. Freda’s piano skills and her love formusic continued to develop over the years. Her family often found her at the piano late at night composing and rearranging songs. Freda, along with her sisters (The Pullen Sisters) routinely sang at various family functions and church events in the Washington, DC area, Boston, MA, Kenbridge, VA, Las Vegas, NV, Burgaw and Durham, NC. It was not an uncommon occurrence for visitors at their home to engage in traditional family concerts.

Freda was a brilliant scholar. She double majored in Biology and Psychology with a minor in Music and graduated with High Honors from Mt Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA. While at Mt Holyoke, Freda along with her professor, Dr. Horace Boyer, composed her arrangement of “It’s My Desire”. She continued to write and publish music over the years including “Angels”, “It Takes More” and many others. She also served as the Mt. Holyoke Gospel Radio Host. This venture inspired her brother, Mansy to embark on a career in radio broadcasting. His voice was heard for years on WHUR’s, “The Quiet Storm”. Further, Freda was instrumental in forming the first Black Gospel Choir at the college. The choir traveled locally and internationally spreading the Word of God through song. Freda served as musician and Music Director at several DC area churches to include Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, New Canaan Baptist Church and St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. Additionally, for more than 30 years, Freda traveled with her husband several weekends each month to New Grove Baptist Church, Kenbridge, VA where her husband pastored. There, she served as Minister of Music. Freda very much enjoyed attending local and national music conferences and conventions to include the Thomas A. Dorsey National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses and Hampton University Ministers Conference-Choir Directors & Organists Guild Workshop.

Her love for God was paramount followed by her love for her entire family, music and friends. Indeed, she was “one of a kind”. She loved “being on the go”. She treasured the opportunity to visit her two adult children; CT who lives in Florida and her daughter, Sarah who lives in TX. Traveling from North Carolina to Baltimore to spend time with family, a simple weekend getaway with her husband to visit the Sight and Sound Theater in PA were among some of the activities Freda enjoyed. On many weekends, Freda enjoyed frequenting Captain Pell’s, a local restaurant to eat jumbo crabs.

Everyone who encountered Freda was positively influenced by her overall demeanor. One of the most impactful remembrances about Freda is how she never let the presence of a storm cause her to doubt the presence of God and His love for her. God allowed her to be a guiding light to friends and even those whom she had just met. She particularly enjoyed the privilege of sharing God’s love among people.

Our peace with Freda’s sunset is that we know she lived each day with the profound intent to live for Christ and when the Gates of Heaven swing open for us, she will be there to welcome us. We are especially honored and grateful that God allowed us to share even a small place within Freda’s dash: 1954 - 2025.

Remembrances of Freda will be forever cherished by her loving husband of 45 years, Rev. Dr. Curtis W. Bagley Jr., Pastor Emeritus, New Grove Baptist Church, Kenbridge, VA; Children: Sarah Bagley, Dr. Curtis W. Bagley III, DPT, OCS, affectionately called “CT”; Bonus Daughter, Joy Lee; Siblings: Mary Althea Ward (Art), Mansy Pullen, Jr., Giavanna Pullen White (James); Niece/Goddaughter, Montinique Ward Cooper (DeAntae), Mandy Pullen, Marvina Williams (Jeff), Nephews: C. Reginald Bagley, Geoffrey Bagley (Monna), Manzy Byrd; Grandchild: Naima Bagley, Bonus Grandchildren: Jonathan Johnson, Wesley and James Lee; Rayna and Xavier Watson; Aunts: Hattie Fennell, Thelma Fairfax Fennell and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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