BIANCA BETTIS FREEMAN 1943 – 2019
Bianca lived by the credo of “Random Acts of Kindness,” filling her life and the lives of others with spontaneous, out-of-the blue gestures of encouragement and appreciation. She was happiest when she knew she had contributed to the happiness of her friends, students, coworkers, and her family. Her many kindnesses were returned a thousand-fold during her extended confinement. Of special significance were the friendships of former teaching colleagues Susan Pitts, who visited frequently and shared movie day every week regularly, and of Linda Combs, who read hundreds of books to her. A remarkable factor in giving quality to her life during the past 23 years was the devoted nursing and companionship of her sister-in-law Betty Freeman Grant.
A graduate of Rhodes College (Bachelor of Arts in English) and of Memphis State University (Master of Arts in English), Bianca taught at LaMoyne-Owens Junior College, Bluefield State College, Livingstone College, Fort Valley State College, Southern Union State Community College (adjunct faculty), and Springwood School. Also, for seven years she was employed by Gateway Books and Cards, a chain of 73 stores, as Vice-President in charge of operations.
Bianca is remembered by her many Springwood students for her passion for learning and teaching and for her “tough love.” In recognition of her exemplary representation of scholarship, character, leadership, and service, Bianca was in 2001 honored by Springwood School’s naming its chapter of the National Honor Society for her. She had previously been presented “The Outstanding Service Award.” During her years at Springwood, Bianca, in addition to teaching duties, was advisor to the student newspaper, The Prowler; advisor to the school’s chapter of the National Honor Society; chair of the reaccreditation committee; junior high basketball coach; coordinator of the AISA State Drama Festival; and was named AISA Teacher of the Year in 1991.
Her passing was exactly one week after the death of her devoted husband of nearly 50 years, Dale Freeman. She is survived by two brothers, William Taylor Bettis of Franklin, Tennessee, and Steven Bettis of Casa Grande, Arizona; two sisters-in-law, Betty Freeman Grant, of the home, and Shirley Scarlette of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; nephew Isaac Bettis of Juneau, Alaska; nephews-in-law Wayne Grant (Kathy) of Kaysville, Utah, Keith Freeman of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; nieces-in-law Mitzi Mortensen (Marlo) of Broomfield, Colorado, Lisa Settle and Judy Bowles of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Christie Freeman of Jersey City, New Jersey; and numerous grand and great nieces and nephews.
A private memorial service was held by the family on Sunday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Dale and Bianca Freeman Scholarship at Springwood School, 1814 Cherry Dr., Lanett, AL, 36863, and/or to Chattahoochee Hospice, 6 Medical Park, Valley, AL, 36854.
Alabama Funeral Homes and Cremation Centers of Camp Hill, Alabama is handling arrangements.