Shirley Van Meter Freeman, former Monroe County Mayor, Commissioner, dedicated principal and teacher, community activist, philanthropist and beloved Key West resident passed away peacefully in her home at sunset on April 6th, 2024. She wove a rich tapestry of accomplishments that testify to a life well lived. Shirley’s heart was full of kindness and generosity.
Born in 1935 and raised on a 40-acre cotton farm in Marvell, Arkansas to parents Ike and Margaret Van Meter, Shirley was instilled with strong family and community values which are the foundation of her legacy. She graduated from Marvell High School and then earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education from the University of Arkansas. After serving as headmaster of the American Embassy School of Zagreb, Yugoslavia, she earned her PhD from the Miami University of Ohio in School System Management.
Shirley moved to Key West in 1971 to serve as principal at the Frederick Douglass Public School and Sigsbee Elementary school at the Key West Naval Air Station. She loved when former students would stop her in public and proudly share self-esteem in their accomplishments and thank her for her guidance.
In 1973 she married William A. “Billy” Freeman, Jr., former Florida State Representative, Monroe County Commissioner and Sheriff. During Billy’s public service life, Shirley worked tirelessly helping him with his campaigns. Following Billy’s death in 1989 Shirley entered politics and was elected Monroe County Commissioner, serving with distinction for 8 years – 3 of them as Mayor. Shirley’s political service was honored as part of the Freeman family’s legacy for 104 years of elected public service in 2009 when Monroe County’s new courthouse was named the Freeman Justice Center.
A fierce environmentalist and trailblazer, devoted to preserving the Keys’ fragile ecosystem, she advocated to protect Key West’s waterfront and beloved historic neighborhoods. Her years of public service were dedicated to doing what she believed was right for Key West, the Florida Keys, the State, Nation, and our Planet.
In 1996 Shirley met and fell in love with retired Chicago real estate developer, Harvey W. Server and they have lived as a prominent and happy couple ever since. Shirley was well known for sharing the history of her beloved old-town family home while graciously hosting dozens of non-profit organizations doing work she and Harvey deeply believed in and supported. Shirley's passion for mentoring others, especially women in politics, was evident in the many groups she established and supported including the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, the Key West Zonta Chapter, the National Organization of Women (NOW), the League of Women Voters, the Florida Keys Democrats, the Florida Keys Council of the Arts, Last Stand, the Salvation Army, the Woman’s Club and the South Florida Symphony Orchestra.
In 2017, Shirley was honored to be named the Humanitarian of the Year by the American Red Cross. She proudly served on the Key West Citizen’s editorial board, the Boards of the College of the Florida Keys, the Tourist Development Council, and the Florida Board of Bar Examiners. No matter the cause or organization, she always tried hard to be of as much help as she possibly could. Her steadfastness of purpose was an inspiration.
Shirley was an accomplished pianist, loved music and supported the arts in her daily life. A ritual of playing piano each afternoon brought Shirley and Harvey great joy. They attended just about every opening night at the Waterfront Playhouse, Red Barn Theater and the Symphony at the Tennessee Williams Theater.
