Betty Lou Freedman
Portsmouth - Betty Lou Thompson Freedman passed away at the home of her daughter, Susan, in Arizona on the 24th November. She was born on May 20, 1927 in Bladenboro, NC. Mrs. Freedman was a long time resident of Portsmouth, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her parents, Montgomery and Ila Jane Thompson; her husband, George I Freedman; and a grandson, Jonathan James Freedman. She was one of thirteen children, Carl, Annie, Thelma, William Clyde, Joseph, Thomas and David who preceded her in death and is survived by Callie, Robert (Bobby), Alice, and Jeannie. She is survived by her four children, daughters, Gayle and her husband Thomas Severn of Chesapeake, VA; Susan and her husband George Lewis of Arizona and Jan Freedman of Hampton VA; and son, Steven and his wife Gretchen Freedman of Chesapeake, VA; three grandchildren, Larry and Jeffrey Severn and Steven Freedman, Jr. and four great-children (Chad, Lexis, Dillon, and Trevor). She had over forty nieces and nephews and many great relatives.
She was a graduate of Deep Creek High School. She met her husband, a Portsmouth native, and was married in 1945. She was actively involved in the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA); a Girl Scout Leader and worked as a Playground Leader for Portsmouth Parks and Recreation. When her youngest started elementary school, she began her life in public service. Her Public Service roles included working in the City Treasurers Office, tutoring homebound children, substitute teaching, teaching first grade, and as an Outreach Worker in Maternal Heath at the Portsmouth Public Health Department.
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Mrs. Freedman was an active member of the United Methodist Church. She was a member of Pinners Point Methodist Church and later Broad Street United Methodist Church. She was a well-known Sunday School Teacher. She served in many other capacities such as her catering for socials and church functions. She had been Worthy Matron numerous times at of her beloved Tidal Wave No. 9, Order of the Eastern Star. Tidal Wave merged in 2006, and she became a member of Victory Chapter No. 140. Her good friend, Ms. Barbara Luck, was so very special in assisting her to support these Eastern Star activities. After retiring from the Public Health Service, she became a Master Gardener through the Suffolk Extension Office. She was often seen on the road side working on their many beautification projects and at the Suffolk Peanut Festival supporting their booth. She loved flowers and always had some type of garden no matter where she lived; she especially loved roses. Mrs. Freedman loved to travel both nationally and internationally. Her most memorable trips include a cross country train ride, a trip to Scotland, and a cruise through the Panama Canal.
She will be missed by her friends and family especially the residents at Heritage Apartments in Portsmouth.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to Suffolk Master Gardeners Association, P. O. Box 218, Suffolk, VA 23439 or Broad Street United Methodist Church, 300 Broad Street, Portsmouth, VA 23707.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the funeral service. Eastern Star Funeral Service will immediately follow the visitation. Funeral services will be held at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd., Portsmouth, VA at 1:00, Tuesday, December 2, 2014. The Rev. Lisa Blackmonson will officiate. Burial will follow in Olive Branch Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jan, my thoughts are with you. I have wonderful memories of your mother when I would visit at your house. She was always so sweet and kind. Paula Pearce Griffin, Virginia Beach
December 4, 2014
So saddened for the passing of Betty, we were in the Suffolk Master Gardener class in 1995 over the years we went on many field trips, Betty was one of the best rose pruner, and taught so many of the SMGA students the memory of her gifts to this Association will live on forever, she will be missed, knowing betty I' m sure she is in heaven teaching her classes in gardening, we live on forever in memory for the gardens we created while on this earth. Betty was a Lady she would help any one.Blessings to the family, Rita.
margaret [rita] Larocco
December 4, 2014
So, sorry to hear of Betty's passing. I have wonderful memories as a child visiting her home on Florida ave. I enjoyed playing with my extended family during those visits and getting to know my Freedman side. I wish I knew her better through out the years. My condolences to the family
Chrissy (Freedman) Moose
December 2, 2014
A very lovely, interesting, lively lady. When I worked at the Naval Hospital doing vital statistics, I would see her every day at the Health Department as I turned them in to her and she was always interested in me and my family and she loved to talk about genealogy. She did have the most beautiful roses at her home on Florida avenue. So glad to have known her. I am sorry for her passing.
Bonnie Freedman
December 2, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Sincere condolences, Joyce & Rick
December 1, 2014
I was a girl scout in your mother's troop for a few years and have many fond and wonderful memories of that time. What a wonderful lady she was to take her time with all of us girls! I know you will miss her terribly. My deepest sympathies to you all.
Julianne Butler Boone
December 1, 2014
My prayers are with the family. She is in he most wonderful place now.
David Hitchings
December 1, 2014
my condolences to the family she will be missed
Juanita Rea Newbill
November 30, 2014
Worked with Betty at the Portsmouth Health Department. She was a very gracious lady. Loved her cooking and open house fun.
Sorry for your loss.
Sharon Wright
November 30, 2014
I offer my condolences to the Freedman Family at this time of your great loss. May Peace be with you.
Gabbo Galbreath
November 30, 2014
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Sturtevant Funeral Home - Bennetts Creek Chapel2690 Bridge Road , Suffolk, VA 23435
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Sturtevant Funeral Home - Bennetts Creek Chapel2690 Bridge Road , Suffolk, VA 23435
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Sturtevant Funeral Home - Bennetts Creek Chapel2690 Bridge Road , Suffolk, VA 23435
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