In Memory of Freda Noel

Our organization is very sad to report the loss of a very close loved one. On Thursday, March 4th, Freda and DeJa were involved in a very tragic car accident in Bakersfield, CA. The accident occurred on the way to DeJa’s baseball game and sadly, Freda was killed instantly. DeJa remained hospitalized for nearly a week in ICU.

DeJa’s mother, LaToya Thomas has been missing since September 30, 2000. Freda, DeJa’s grandmother took the child in shortly after LaToya’s mysterious disappearance. Freda is survived by her husband Joe and her son Nathan.

Darrell and Shelley LaMoure (our Board Director and local NASCAR driver) became very close to DeJa and her family along with our staff at CMA. The LaMoure’s had pre-planned a visit to CA next week to meet with DeJa and her family for dinner. We have all watched DeJa grow and frequently receive school pictures and updates from Freda and Joe. Her achievements and growth have been very important to all of us that knew her.

Just last week, our employees and the CEO agreed to sponsor DeJa for her school Jog-A-Thon at one dollar a lap. Last year, DeJa ran 15 laps and won 2nd place. This year she was trying for the 1st place prize which is a new bike and helmet. The Jog-A-Thon is scheduled for today, the day before her grandmother’s funeral and sadly, DeJa could not participate.

For anyone who knew Freda and how she touched so many lives, or for anyone whose heart goes out to her family and the traumatizing events that DeJa has had to endure these past three and a half years, please say a prayer for this family. If you would like to make a contribution for their family, please mail it to our office (Center for Missing Adults) at 2432 W. Peoria Ave. #1286 – Phoenix, AZ 85029 and note in the “memo” section that it is for the Freda Noel Memorial Fund. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.