Frieda Lenore Wilson Hornback, age 79, went home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 26, 2009, after a courageous battle against cancer. Born in Blue Eye, Missouri, on April 29, 1930, Frieda was the second of five children born to Dovie and Dewey Wilson. She was educated in a one-room school house where her mother taught. At age thirteen, Frieda left home to attend high school at School of the Ozarks (now College of the Ozarks). After graduating from high school, Frieda earned her bachelor’s degree from Drury and Southwest Missouri State College, her master’s degree in education from SMS and her specialist degree in educational administration from the University of Missouri. Frieda was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Paul Hornback; her parents, Dewey and Dovie Wilson; a brother, Dewey Wilson Jr.; and two sisters, Eleanor Howell and baby sister Carolyn Wilson. She is survived by her children, Pamela Hankins and husband, Bob, Rob Hornback and Kevin Hornback, all from Springfield, Missouri. Her eight grandchildren were the love of her life: Carrie (Hankins) Marcantonio and husband, Todd of Kansas City, Missouri, Emily (Hankins) Enescu and husband, Gabriel of Woodbridge, California, Paul Hankins of Springfield, Missouri, Kelsey Hornback of Clinton, Mississippi, Ben Hornback of Branson, Missouri, Nick Hornback of Springfield, Missouri, Clayton Hornback of Point Lookout, Missouri, and Kyle Hornback of Nixa, Missouri. She adored her only great-grandchild, nine-month old Gabi Enescu, who brought special joy to her the last few months of her life. Survivors also include her beloved sister, Alyce Cooper and husband, Lavon of Minnesota; brother-in-law Bill Howell of Rogersville, Missouri; and a host of nieces, nephews and countless treasured friends. Frieda had a servant’s heart and served her community and State throughout her life. Missouri State Teachers’ Association, College of the Ozarks, and Springfield and Missouri Retired Teachers Associations are among the organizations which benefited from her vision and leadership. Frieda also loved her church and served many years as the Battlefield United Methodist Church treasurer. A Springfield Public School teacher and principal for forty years, Frieda believed that every child who crossed the threshold of the school was a person of worth and deserved the very best from her and her staff. During her career in education, she served as principal at Weaver, Wilder and Field elementary schools. In 1992, Frieda’s efforts on behalf of Missouri’s children were rewarded when she was nominated by her peers and won the prestigious award of National Distinguished Principal from Missouri. A trip to Washington D.C. and being honored by the President of the United States for excellence in educational leadership was a highlight of her career. Frieda always said she wanted her flowers while she was living. Friends and family honored that request; flowers often adorned her home or office as a token of love and respect for her. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Battlefield United Methodist Church, College of the Ozarks, or the Springfield Public Schools Foundation. A celebration of Frieda’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2009, at South Haven Baptist Church, 2353 S. Campbell, Springfield, Missouri, at 11 a.m., with Rev. Winston Burton officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the Celebration from 9 to 11 a.m., at the church. Burial will follow the Celebration in Maple Park Cemetery. Frieda leaves a legacy of integrity, grace, love, compassion and caring that lives on in all those whose lives she touched. Those of us who had the good fortune to call her mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, aunt, great-grandmother, teacher, principal, or friend are blessed, indeed.