Betty Mae Freeman

Betty Mae Freeman was born on January 11, 1942 to Alexander Rouse and Bettie Juanita Rouse in Fayetteville, North Carolina. She considered Philadelphia, Pennsylvania home, as the family moved to Philadelphia during her formative years.

In 1963, Betty met James W. Freeman, Sr. in Florida. They_were married on April 15,1963. They went on to have five children, Carmen, Juanita, Sandra, James and Kyrus. Betty had an incredible love for her children and wanted the best for them.

Betty was blessed with the ability to create beautiful clothes, sweaters, blankets, and quilts. She used this ability to teach others. Her legacy of creativity continues through her family and friends she taught or inspired to sew, knit, crochet, quilt, and needlepoint. Betty also established two home daycares where she cared for and nurtured many children as though they were her own.

More recently, Betty enjoyed her time at Bailey's Community Center, where she loved painting ceramics, participating in game nights, going on trips, and spending time with other "Social Seniors." Betty's community service has been recognized by Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, which awarded her an "Award of Recognition - Outstanding Volunteer Contribution" in 2013 and 2019.

Betty is survived by her children: Carmen A. Freeman, Juanita (Robert-deceased) Bordley, Sandra D. (Donald) Freeman­ Chatman, James W. (Geralene) Freeman, Jr., and Kyrus L. (Michele) Freeman; her grandchildren, Naquinda M. Freeman, Raymond T. Bordley, Darren E. Freeman, Asya R. Majied, Robert B. Bordley, Jr., Brooklynn J. Chatman, James T. Freeman, Alexandra A. Lee, and Kyrus L. Freeman, Jr.; her great grandchildren, Sierra C. Freeman, Seth K. Hill, Daniel T. Little, Kaziah K. Freeman, Emani S. Freeman-Spann, and Nima S. Burks; a great-great grandson Miles Q. L. Freeman; three brothers Frank Rouse, Lindon Rouse, and Gene Allen Rouse; two sisters Beverly J. Fernell and Sarah Powell; a sister-in-law Delores N. Rouse; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, all of whom love her very much.

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