Francis Alexander Bethel Jr.

Francis Alexander Bethel, Jr., went to Heaven on May 8, 2018, joining his beloved wife of 57 years, Edith. He was born in Reidsville, North Carolina, on June 12, 1931, to the union of Francis A. Bethel, Sr. and Mabel (Johnson) Bethel. From the age of three, Francis lived with his grandparents, Isaac and Mamie Neal Johnson, in Reidsville. A strong bond was formed with his grandparents, aunts, and uncles (the Ike Boys). At the age of 12, Francis went to live with his mother and stepfather, Anderson Heron. During his early years, he worked on his grandfather’s tobacco farm, was a paperboy, a golf caddy, and a dietary aid at a hospital in Winston Salem, North Carolina. After graduation from Carver High School, Francis attended Winston Salem Teacher’s College, now Winston Salem State University. He left college to join the Air Force, and was stationed at Dover Air Force Base in 1952. He served four years active duty and eighteen months as a Civil Service Load Master. He was employed by the DuPont Company for 25 years and retired from the Chestnut Run Plant in Wilmington, Delaware. Never one to be idle, Francis worked as a janitor at the Methodist Peninsula Delaware Conference for 13 years. He often worked two jobs for many years to support his family. In 1955, Francis and Edith Hovington were married by his pastor, Reverend J. H. Williams. He and Edith had a strong work ethic and emphasized family values. They stressed the importance of education. While providing for his family, Francis attended Delaware State College (now University) and Adelphi Business School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Francis was a kind, caring man who was always willing to help others and would share his advice. He believed in “Telling it like it was.” He enjoyed cooking, maintaining his flowers and yard, and spending time with family, friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edith, his parents, and sister, Doris Heron. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted children, Shereatha Baines (Tyrone) of Durham, NC, Gwenevere Bethel Griffin, and Francis Bethel, III (Debbie) from Dover, DE; brother, Wallace Heron (Audrey Pitts) of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Tyrone Baines II (Courtney) of Alpharetta, GA, Tonita Brooks (Darrell) of Smyrna, GA, David Griffin, Renee Griffin, and Deandra Hilts of Dover, DE; sister-in-law, Frances Crawford of Dover, DE; five great-grandchildren; Union Baptist Church Family; neighbors for 62 years, Mrs. Thelma Brown & Family, Mr. Alphonso Miles & Family, Mr. Donald Landry & Family and Mrs. Frances Lamb & Family; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Lovingly Submitted, The Family To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Francis Alexander Bethel Jr., please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Francis Alexander Bethel Jr.

June 12, 1931 - May 8, 2018