Bette Cardozo King Freeman

Bette Cardozo King Freeman, a former teacher of the Washington D.C. Public School System, died on Friday, April 5, 2024. She was surrounded by love and care at home, and passed away from natural causes. She was 89 years old. 

She was born on December 11, 1934 in Birmingham, Alabama to Lorenzo Houston King and Edith Cardozo King. After continuous moves with her family to Atlanta, Chicago, Baltimore, and Washington, Bette settled in the D.C. Metropolitan area to attend Howard University, where she majored in drama. After graduation, she furthered her education at D.C. Teachers College, and worked as a speech pathologist in the District from 1960 until her retirement in 1994. 

Early in her career, she met and married the love of her life, John Wendell Freeman, a special education teacher. They were married on November 30, 1967, in Fairfax, Virginia, and remained a happy couple for 37 years. For years after her retirement, Bette could be seen in her garden, tending her flowers and vegetables, which were her pride and joy. 

She was predeceased by her husband, Wendell and her brother, Lorenzo “Sonny” H. King, Jr. She is survived by her son, Damon Freeman; her daughter, Mignon Freeman and husband, Charles; stepdaughter Melanie Freeman; and two grandchildren, Wesley and Andrew King. Services will be held privately at this time.