Cornelia Freeman wanted to do something special for her husband R.E.L. Freemon on his 90th birthday, April 21, 2001. She funded an entire concert of the S.C. Philharmonic. As it turned out, the evening became a memorial to him. He died a few months before that birthday, on November 24, 2000.

Those who have known Freeman for many decades can attest the Columbia music scene is much the richer for her leadership. After graduating from Columbia College, where she won a medal for her piano recital performance, Freeman taught piano lessons.

The Federation of Music Clubs claimed her services over many years. At the local, state, and national levels, she served in high offices and was on the National Board for 21 years. She also has been president of the Symphony League in Columbia.

Her national affiliation led to her traveling all over the U.S. speaking at conventions and meetings. Freeman took a few trips abroad, where she appeared at conventions in what was then Czechoslovakia, and Germany and Poland. Also, Freeman and her husband Robert were sent by Mayor John Campbell on a trade mission to Taiwan.

Freeman's name is attached to the respected September Series of concerts at USC. When the September series (recitals every Sunday afternoon each September) was not bringing in enough in ticket sales to do much more than cover the performance costs, she funded the expenses of the programs and said all the ticket money could be dedicated to scholarships. Now, every September Sunday afternoon, music lovers can attend the Cornelia Freeman Music Series. And scholarship money has grown substantially.

Freeman, 96, lives at Still Hopes in West Columbia where she recently modeled in a fashion show.