Mrs. Shirley Bethea

Mrs. 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 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.

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 Bethea (known as “Kela B”), 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”), of Hampton, VA; a 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.

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