Slater, Alfreda Short (Age 58) of Fort Washington, Maryland.

Alfreda "Jewel" Slater

Alfreda Short Slater, was born in Washington, DC on April 7, 1957, to the late Alfred and Elizabeth Short. Known to most as Freda and to those closest to her she was affectionately referred to as "Jewel". On April 4, 1981, Freda married the love of her life Melvin Slater Sr. Through this union Melvin and Freda were the proud parents of 5 children.

Freda was educated in the DC Public School Systems. She went on to further her education at The Smith Business School that led to a Federal Government career. She retired from the Federal Government in 2014 after 35 years of dedicated Public Service. Freda was also an entrepreneur and owner of JAS4U Personalized Prints. After retirement, Freda spent most of her time traveling and volunteering in her community.

Freda was a pillar of strength and often the peacemaker among her family and friends. She was such a caring person and was the go to for advice amongst most of her siblings. Actually, as the old folks would say, Freda "never met a stranger". She would strike up a conversation with just about anyone and was loved by everyone that knew her. Always a smile, always a kind word, always a ray of sunshine with a laughter that would light up the room.

Freda was an avid reader, boasting more than 1,000 books in her personal collection. She loved to dance and would often encourage others to party and enjoy life. Even as she lay ill in the hospital, Freda was greatly concerned that the family was enjoying life to the fullest, wanting details to assure that everyone was enjoying the holidays. She asked that her family allow her to "live through them". Her most treasured moments were family gatherings, cooking and providing great meals for everyone. She and her husband were truly the family grill masters.

On Thursday, January 7, 2016 at the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center in Glen Burnie, Maryland, Alfreda Slater transitioned to eternal life.

Freda was preceded in death by both her parents, Alfred and Elizabeth Short, two siblings, Ernest and Caroline Short and her trusted pooch, Lucky (who she truly treated like a child).

She leaves to cherish her memories, her devoted and loving husband, Melvin Slater Sr., her wonderful children, Melvin Slater Jr., Juanita Short, LaSheta Bolin (Donald), Demetrius and Sandquetta Slater; grandchildren who were her pride and joy, Kymberly, Keyairria, Carlos Sr, Charles, LaKeisha, DeQujuan, Derrick, Destyni, Jamaree, DeLonte', Danari, Nijah, Nylah, Carlos Jr., Naseer and Kynlee; siblings, Alfred (Cathy), Shelton, Shirley, Patricia and Marcia Short, Michael Moody and Claree Gule; godsons, James Slater Jr. and Ronald Govan Jr., and a host of loving brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends. Also, near and dear to Freda's heart were special loved ones, Charles Pitts, John Abraham, Chatisha Green and her spiritual advisor, Denise Moss who was also her closest friend.

Viewing, 10 a.m. until time of service, 11 a.m., Friday, January 15, 2016 at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 5560 Pleasant Grove Road, Marbury, Maryland 20658. Interment, Church Cemetery.