Sevene Bartley

Freda “Sevene” Bartley

February 20, 1947 – December 20, 2024

Freda “Sevene” Bartley was born to Helen McDonald Akard and O.C. Tex Akard in Kingsport, Tennessee. She is survived by her loving husband, Rick, of their home; her daughter, Devon Nixon, and son-in-law, James Nixon, of Cameron, Missouri; and her twin brother, Gene Akard, of Dallas, Texas. Sevene was also cherished by her brothers-in-law, Larry Bartley (Katie) of Tulsa and Mike Bartley (Debbie) of Muskogee, Oklahoma. Her life was enriched by her beloved pets: Layla, Muffin, Peaches, Buddy, and Bosco.

Sevene met her future husband, Rick, in Nashville, Tennessee, where he had moved for his first job after college. At the time, Sevene had already established herself in Nashville, working in the music business, including roles at a radio station, singing both solo and with a band, and serving as a legal secretary. After their marriage, they relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma in the mid-1970s, where they welcomed their daughter, Devon, in 1982. During her time in Tulsa and through moving to Montgomery, AL(1992), Paola, KS(1997) and finally settling in her favorite home and neighborhood in Overland Park, KS(2004), Sevene embraced the role of a full-time homemaker, though she continued to engage in part-time work at a florist, a cooking school, a kitchen retail shop, a landscaping nursery, and an insurance agency. She was also a dedicated philanthropist, known for her skills in organizing events, fundraising, and her mastery in party planning and decoration.

Her interests were diverse; she enjoyed reading, watching movies, playing golf, traveling, attending church services, and savoring good food and wine. Sevene had a passion for the beach and cherished moments spent with family. She spent many years hosting neighborhood holiday breakfasts with homemade biscuits and gravy. Her travels were extensive, taking her to the rivers of Europe, the Baltic, and the Mediterranean with Viking Cruises, California’s wine country, multiple trips to Hawaii, Las Vegas, New York City, Myrtle Beach, Key West, and annually to Hilton Head and the Lake of the Ozarks. She loved traveling with friends from New Hampshire, Montgomery, Alabama, and Tulsa and enjoyed happy hours with friends from Overland Park and Kansas City.

Sevene Bartley’s life was a testament to her love for family, her community, and her zest for living each moment to the fullest. Her legacy will continue to inspire all who knew her.

We would like to give our gratitude to the Church of the Resurrection small group, pastors, and her care team, as well as close friends who visited and called throughout her illness.

A Celebration of Sevene’s Life will be held at The Venue 4800 W. 135th St, Leawood, KS 66209 on Saturday January 25, 2025 from 1 pm to 4 pm with special comments at 1:30pm.