Musical Prelude.......................................................................................Luther Chambers Processional...........................................................................................Clergy and Family Opening Selection...........................................................................Pastor Marcus Jennings Scripture Reading Old Testament......................................................................Deacon Glenn Savage New Testament...............................................................Minister Oleatha Beathea Prayer of Comfort.........................................................................Deacon David Sheppard Musical Selection............................................................................Pastor Marcus Jennings Reflections.................................................................................................Shenique Bethea Caleb Lewis McKenzie Hudson Acknowledgments...............................................................................Shanita Eure Lewis Silent Reading of the Obituary Soft Music Musical Selection............................................................................Pastor Marcus Jennings Eulogy..................................................................................Bishop Dwight S. Riddick, Sr. Committal Recessional...............................................................................Clergy, Family, and Friends
Shirley Smith Bethea came to the end of her earthly journey on May 1, 2022, while surrounded by her loving family: daughter Sherry, granddaughters Shanita and Deidra, and grandson-in-law Adrian, whom she affectionately called “A.” Born on July 10, 1943, in Martin County, North Carolina, Shirley, affectionately called, Hollywood was the eldest child of the late Lee Isaac and Essie Smith. The family relocated to Newport News when Shirley was a young child. She received her formal education from the Newport News public school system and after graduating from high school, pursued a license in cosmetology from Madam Daniel’s School of Beauty Culture. She worked as a hair stylist in Newport News for over 30 years. Shirley also worked and retired from The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Shirley married her childhood sweetheart and love of her life, Calvin Foster Bethea, who preceded her in death. Two beautiful children were born from their union: Jeffery L. Bethea, who also predeceased her, and Sherry M. Bethea Eure-Cooper. As a true Proverbs 31-woman Shirley was a good wife and mother; clothed with both strength and dignity. In addition to what has already been shared about Shirley, here are a few things about her that are probably known by only family or a few close friends: •As was her nature in all things, Shirley quietly walked out her Christian faith by lovingly caring for her family without ever complaining. Even as her heath declined, she continued caring for parents, parents-in-law, and husband until they all passed. •Shirley’s gifted hands not only fed her family but catered many events making beautiful food platters for various events. •Shirley was a stylish dresser. And she ensured her family members were as sharp
as tacks, too. In addition to being smartly attired, she made sure the boys had fresh cuts and the girls had the most fashionable ‘dos.’ •Shirley refused to engage in strife or conflict. She remained easy-going, gentle, patient, and kind no matter what was going on around her. •She doted on her granddaughters and great grands, as well as her nephews and niece. She would often shop after her workday at NASA to pick up a little something for them she knew they would like. •Quiet and peaceable by nature, Shirley demonstrated her commitment to Jesus Christ and others through a lifetime of devoted service that was decorated by the ornaments of a meek and quiet spirit – which shone brightly behind the scenes. Left to deeply miss Shirley’s physical presence but always cherish her in their hearts are: Loving daughter, Sherry Bethea Eure-Cooper of Hampton, VA; treasured granddaughters: Shenique M. Bethea (Tiffany) of Charlette, NC, Kenya Bethea and Kia Bethea of Hampton, VA, Shanita Eure-Lewis (Adrian) of Newport News, VA, and Deidra Eure, M.S. of Hampton, VA. Adoring great grandchildren: Shekela Kovach “Kela B” (Mark) of Florida, Shekiya Jackson (Trivone) of Fayetteville, NC, Daiquan Bethea, Jah’keem Jackson, and Darius Dixon all of Fayetteville, NC, Sha’Dajah Dixon of Chesapeake, VA, Kennedy Bethea of Hampton, VA, Caleb and Christian Lewis of Newport News, VA, and McKenzie Hudson (affectionately known as “Kenzie girl”), Rishuad Powell of Hampton, VA, ; treasured great-great grandchildren Elijah Bethea, Emanuel Delancy & Elizabeth Boone of Florida; loving brother-in-law, Bradford M. Bethea, of The Villages, FL; devoted sister-in-law, Deidra L. Bethea of Newport News, VA; nephews and niece: Bradford M. Bethea II (Vivian) of Disputanta, VA, Christopher B. Bethea of Greenbelt, MD, and Crystal N. Bethea of Hampton VA; special sister in-law, Oleatha Everett Bethea of Chesapeake, VA; and a host of other family and friends.