Mrs. Betty Lois Bethea

     Betty Lois, Bet, Daughter, Sister, Mother, Wife, Grandmother, Auntie, Cousin, Friend.  No matter what you called her or how you knew her, she always greeted you with a smile and her presence was known.  

     Betty Lois Swan Bethea was born 82 years ago to the late Bonnie Mae Swan Bethea and Robert Manning.  She answered the Master’s call in the comfort of her home on Saturday, February 22nd.  Betty Lois married Pat Bethea Sr., November 22, 1961.  They were married for over 51 years until his death along with other family members who preceded her in death.  Step father: Troy Bethea, Sr., 2 sisters: Carolyn and Mary Lois, 1 brother: John Willie, 3 grandchildren: Nyeshia, Toledo and Jay and 4 nephews: Stomp, Mackie, Pooh & Corie.

     Bet, as she was often called, attended public school as a young child and then she ventured off into the workforce at Converse after starting a family.  She worked at Converse for nearly 20 years where she made a lot of lasting friendships.  Bet left Converse and spent the rest of work days working on the farmland (as the driver) for Larry Sampson (Rosalyn) and his nephew Terry who were just like her family.  Bet also spent many early days and late evenings working at Bethea’s Grocery owned by her late husband until he passed away.  

    At a young age, she joined Rosehill Baptist Church where she served on various ministries as the Kitchen Manager, Usher, Senior Choir, Pastor’s Aide President, Financial Secretary, Graveyard Committee and Youth Sunday School Teacher.  But being a servant of the “Most High” was her greatest joy.  Bet was known for her sewing and baking desserts for church functions and family gatherings.  She was a wonderful mother who was always there when we needed her the most, offering support, wisdom, and love in abundance. She loved her grandchildren and spent lots of time with them.  Even as her health failed, she always made sure her family knew that she loved them.  

     Bet was the oldest of 12 siblings, a friend to many, was a cherished member of the Rowland community leaving behind a legacy of kindness and strength to her children, daughter, Faye Delois (Charles) Thompson of Lumberton, sons-Robert Swan, Sr. and Pat Bethea Jr., both of Rowland and an adopted daughter, Joyce Ann Hunt, 2 grandsons she raised like sons, Willie Bethea & Ladamien Davis  of the home, 23 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren along with 8 sisters-Mary Catherine Bethea, Pattie Johnson, Janet Grice & Sylvia Bethea all of Fairmont, Doris Bethea of Durham, Patricia Gaddy & Shirley Burnette both of Charlotte, and Martha Ray Hunt of Fayetteville.  2 sister in laws-Mary Francis Moody & Elizabeth Page and 1 brother in law-Roger Bethea all of Fairmont. Special friend and shopping buddy Peggy Escobar & her Hair Stylist Michelle (James) Brown along with many other nieces and nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.  

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