June 21, 2012, Mrs. Mary Florence Edwards Bethea passed away, surrounded by her family, after a long illness. Mary Florence was born in Fork, SC on October 25, 1922. She was the daughter of the late Colin and Flora Edwards. She served as the Postmaster of Fork Post Office for over 20 years. Mary Florence was an avid sports fan, cheering loudest for those Lake View Wild Gators and Carolina Gamecocks. She loved gardening, shopping, and most importantly, spoiling her grandchildren and being a loving mother.
The family accepted friends at Cooke’s Funeral Home of Lake View, SC on Saturday, June 23, 2012 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Services were held graveside at Lake View Cemetery on Sunday, June 24 at 4:00 pm.
Pall Bearers were Bill Ford, John Harlow, Jackie Hayes, Jewell McLaurin, Bo Bo Price, Kenny Rogers, Ray Rogers, Gary Williamson.
She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 46 years, David Kitt Bethea and a loving sister, Clara Mae Moore. She was survived by a sister, Isla Frances Ford, a daughter, Mary Kitt (Johnny) Best of Fork, SC, a son, David “Swift” (Eleanor) Bethea of Dillon, SC, 2 grandchildren, Melissa (Gary) Williamson and Bethea Best, both of Galivants Ferry, SC, 2 great grandchildren, Jacob and Reagan Williamson, both of Galivants Ferry, SC.
Also surviving Mrs. Mary Florence are 2 grandchildren, John (Cathie) Williams of Ogden, Utah and Kim (Clyde) Arnette of Fort Collins, Colorado, along with 2 great grandchildren, Alicia and Cade Arnette, also from Fort Collins, Colorado, many nieces and nephews, and many more special great nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank all the workers and nurses of Sunny Acres Nursing Home for their loving care and making her feel at home during her stay there.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.