Betty Jean Bethea

Betty Jean Bethea, 91, of Valdosta, peacefully passed away on the morning of March 1, 2025 at Fellowship Home Brookside. Born on March 2, 1934 in Birmingham, AL to the late John Comer Smith and Rochelle Edwards Smith, Mrs. Bethea was an acrobatic cheerleader in high school. She dedicated her talents as a secretary to the Hamilton County School District until the early 1980s, and to the Valdosta Mall until her retirement. A cherished member of Northside Baptist Church for over 40 years, Mrs. Bethea found joy in beach outings, reading, and a spirited game of Scrabble. Married to her late husband Harold for 69 years, Mrs. Bethea treasured moments spent with her loving family, notably her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Bethea is survived by her daughter Carol Brown (Riley), son Ken Bethea (Katrina), daughter Jeanie Bachrach (Michael); her grandchildren, Rebecca Meindl (Arnie), Riley Brown, III (Ashley), Kate Hutchinson (Jason), Jason Bethea (Katie), Erin Webster (Ian), Billy Bachrach (Erika), Rachel Rigoni (Adam), and Jacob Bachrach. She will be dearly missed by her great grandchildren, Brooke Meindl, Worth Brown, Wyatt Brown, Waylon Brown, Wesley Ann Brown, Amelia Webster, Judah Webster, Georgia Webster, Sara Rigoli, and Delilah Rigoli, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Harold Bethea, parents John Comer and Rochelle Smith, and brothers, Allen Smith, Stanley Smith, and Buck Smith.

A funeral service for Mrs. Bethea will be held at 2pm on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home with Dr. Robby Foster officiating. A private committal will be held at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1-2pm. Online condolences may be shared at www.mclanefuneralservices.com.

Carson McLane Funeral Home