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Obituary For Ms. Mary Bethea
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.
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Condolences & Tributes
Add A CondolenceI never met Ms. Bethel, but after reading about her life I wish we had met. I love her personality. I'm sorry for your loss. May God give her family his peace. Philippians 4:7.
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I met Mary at Fairfield Apt. When we first met we act like we already knew other. We sat outside and would talk for hours. Mary taught me how to crochet, but she would say don't waste my time do it right, haha. I made pocketbooks and she done hats and scarfs we just talked while we crochet, we done more talking than crocheting. Mary loved fishing. First time we went together she said bait your own hook I said I don't touch worms but I like to fish, she said but oh no, if you gonna fish you bait your own, I took a fork that day she seen me and said what are doing, I said I'm putting a worm on the hook, she laughed so hard at me. I got the worm on the hook and caught the first fish. She said well I guess that worked. We had so much fun fishing. I seen a log I went to set down on it and a bunch of red ants was on it and Mary laughed so hard at me. Mary said Bonnie you ain't coming fishing with me know more lol but we did. When I first met Mary I also met Grace that lived at same place and we all three would walk the block, and just set outside even way in the night and just talk. One night Mary came up with us being the Golden Girls, I said to her well out of the three which one will I be, she laughed so hard and loud and said oh you will be Rose. We just laughed so hard, but that was Mary she always had something to say funny and always made us laugh. I miss her already, when I think of her and tear up,I end up just smiling because that's what she always made me feel. I'm sad that she's gone but my memories of us will live on. When I think of her I know I will smile and have tears at same time. I love you Mary, I know you knew that too. I thank God also that We got to see each other at Hospice, and you knew who I was and you could hear me speak. When you seen me and reached out your arms to hug me, I knew that you was happy to see me too and that maybe we both knew it was gonna be our last time together, when we hugged I know we both felt that we was saying our goodbyes, we still got two more days together and the last day I got to spend time with you alone and hold your hand and talk to you,I felt the peace between us.I miss you so much, with a smile I know you would say to me, it's ok Bonnie we will see each other again someday.
My condolences to you all. Ms. Mary was my dear friend. I met her at NC A&T where we worked security. She always knew how to turn a bad day into a day to remember. She was very well liked and very real. I feel blessed to have met her. The memories I we will stay with me forever.May She Rest in Paradise!!
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I pray that God brings you comfort, strength, and peace, and that you find moments of warmth in the love and memories you shared with her. Sending love, comfort, and prayers to you and the family.
To Detisha and Family
May you find comfort in the love that surrounds you and peace in the memories you hold dear
To Detisha and Family, There are no words that can truly ease the pain, but please know we are here for you and holding you in my heart." Your Hertz family
Praying for the Bethea Family From the Witherspoon Family 💔🌹💯😹🙏🧴🎭🧤👮🎧
May "the God of comfort grant the family and friends comfort during this time of distress" -- 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4. We love you, Anita❤️🙏. Your mom is at peace now, family.
Sorry for your loss
Your light was one that could never be dimmed. I've had you as a leader, teacher, shadow and older sister, now I'll need to forge my way without you physically, but I'll still have you in my heart always, and love you still, Shirl, Shawn, Andrea,Brad, Bianca and Ava Roberts🙏💌🕊
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
