Mary Louise Bethea was born in Dillon, SC to Shirley Bethea (Small) and Clyde “JW” Harley, who both preceded her in death. She attended school in Dillon, where she was known for her sharp wit and determination.

In 1986, Mary made the life-changing decision to move her children to New Jersey for a better life. She was always thinking about what was best for them.

Mary began her working years before her children were born as a seamstress and she could sew her butt off. Later, she worked for Creative Mail Concepts for a number of years and then at New Breed, before finishing her career in security at NC A&T. She retired in November 2019 on her own terms, with her trademark boldness.

Known for speaking her mind, she often left people laughing with her sharp humor and unforgettable one-liners. She was famous for her fussing, her funny cussing, and even giving people new names without meaning to.

Her life was simple, but beautiful. She enjoyed knitting, watching TV, talking with her family on the phone and living life without making a fuss. People were drawn to her wherever she went, and many would say, “We love Ms. Mary.”

Even in her sick bed, Mary found ways to make people laugh. She lived with joy, strength, and love reminding us all that happiness doesn’t come from what you have, but from how you live.

Mary raised three children: Anita Bethea-Herbert Courtney Bethea and Pecola Bethea who passed away too soon. After the death of her mother in 1989, she also stepped in and raised her baby sister Wanda as her own. She loved Wanda’s daughter, Nevaeh Jasmine, like the granddaughter she never had. Mary was the oldest of six siblings and leaves to cherish her memory: Mary Elizabeth Bethea (Bootsie), Stephen Small (Steve), Rosia Marie Weathers (Ree), Jermaine Allen Small, and Detisha Tiwana Small (Wanda); she also leaves behind nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends who loved her dearly.

Mary Louise Bethea’s legacy of strength, humor, and love will live on in all who knew her.

“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.”

— Habakkuk 3:17-19

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Service Chapel. The family will receive friends at the chapel from 3:30 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.