Freddie Powell is originally from Talbotton, Georgia. She earned her bachelor's degree in social sciences and social studies education from Fort Valley State University, her master's degree in education from Georgia State University, and her Doctor of Education from the University of of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee. She lives with her husband, Norman, and their three children in Dawson, Georgia.

Freddie currently serves as the a Georgia state senator, District 12. She was first elected in 2008 and is in her 9th term. She previously served as a member of the Georgia House of Representatives, District 151. She served two terms from 2005 to 2009.