Mother Mae Frances Bethea

Obituary For Mother Mae Frances Bethea

Mother Mae Frances Bethea (82) passed on Thursday, May 25th, 2023, at McLeod Medical Center in Dillon, SC.

The family is receiving friends at 641 Highway 501 South, Latta, SC 29565.

Viewing of Mother Mae Frances Bethea will be Tuesday, May 30th, 2023, from 10:00AM-12:00PM. (Newtown)

Funeral Service for Mother Mae Frances Bethea will be Tuesday, May 30th, 2023, at New Memorial Temple of Christ at 1:00PM.

Burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery.

Mother Mae Frances Bethea obituary reads as follows:

It is with profound sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Mae Frances Bethea, often known as Mother Bethea, of Latta, SC. Mother Bethea took her first breath of life on April 21, 1941. At the age of 82, Mother Bethea breathed her last on May 25, 2023, at McLeod Hospital in Dillon, South Carolina.

Mother Bethea was preceded in death by her parents, Jonas and Lethea Lee; her children Lynn Dell Bethea (Melvin J Galloway), Florine Lee, Donald E. Lee, Russell H Bethea, John H. Bethea Jr, and her siblings Arbie Mae Baskin, Lannie Abram, Lethea Sims, and Sammy Lee.

Mother Bethea leaves behind to cherish her joyful spirit and infectious smile her daughters, Vanessa L. Graham (Jeffrey Graham) and Agnes better known as Nicky J. Bethea, ten grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, and a plethora of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss her vivacious personality and radiant smile.

Mother Bethea was well-loved by the members of her community and faithfully attended the Dillon County Council of Aging, where many there referred to her as a friend. Mae Frances Bethea joined New Memorial Temple of Christ of Dillon, SC, in the latter part of her life; this is where she gained her title of Mother Bethea. She was an active member of the Women's Department and passionate about her role as "Church Mother." Mother Bethea deeply loved her natural family and her spiritual family, especially her Pastor, Overseer Joseph Graham. Despite her reputation as a soft-spoken lady, Mother Bethea could sometimes be heard exclaiming "AMEN" during the pastor's Sunday sermons. Anyone who knew Mother Bethea well knew that she adored doing crossword puzzles, watching classic Westerns, and snacking on a bag of Cheetos above all else.

Sadness at her passing is balanced with joy in knowing she is at peace with "The God Master."