ROGERS — Betty Jean Freeman Sutton

was born in Durant, Okla., on Aug. 15, 1931, the youngest child of Elsie and Benjamin Freeman in a family of six children (Wayne, Dayne, Frank, Eunice, and Gussie).

She attended Southeastern State College and later transferred to Central State University, now University of Central Oklahoma, after meeting the love of her life, Central State’s star quarterback, Howard Sutton.

They were married Dec. 26, 1952, and had their first son, Tom, in 1955, followed by Kevin in 1962. They moved to Rogers, where Howard became the basketball and football coach and principal for the high school, and Betty taught at Rogers High School, where her choirs won multiple statewide competitions and she directed three musicals, The Music Man, South Pacific and Hello, Dolly!, and later formed a performance group, the Rocking Sounds.

She earned a masters in music education from the University of Arkansas and became a beloved piano teacher in Rogers, building Carrousel Piano Studio in her backyard. Her piano instruction cultivated a love of music in countless young people, with her influence spanning three generations of Rogers’ youth. Betty composed and published numerous piano pieces.

She also was involved in the Miss Rogers Pageant and served as musical director for Rogers Little Theater. She was honored by Rogers Public Education Foundation with placement on the high school’s Wall of Distinction in 2015.

Betty was a gregarious, fun-loving person who lit up every room she entered with her standout outfits and her warm, bright smile. She was the center of attention at every party. Anyone who has ever met Betty has experienced her love for storytelling and impeccable comedic timing. She was a natural performer and entertainer, and continued to teach and perform piano concerts well into her 80s.

Following Howard’s retirement, Betty and Howard took every opportunity to travel internationally and embraced their love of adventure. They were married for 60 wonderful years. Above all else, Betty loved making friends and cherished her family.

She was preceded in death by husband Howard in 2013 and son Kevin in 1989. After Kevin’s death, she helped establish the first support group for the regional AIDS network in Rogers.

She is survived by son Thomas (Andrea) of Philadelphia; brother Gerald Wayne (Frances) Freeman of Dallas; and granddaughters Kyra and Leah Sutton. She will be missed by countless friends, extended family, and former students. Her business, Carrousel Piano Studio, has served the Northwest Arkansas community for the past 40 years and is a testament to her enormous legacy.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Arkansas Public Theatre, Central United Methodist Church, or the National AIDS Memorial. Betty is in the care of Rollins Funeral Home, Rogers, Ark., and memories and condolences may be shared at www.rollinsfuneral.com .