Clara Mae Bethea

Clara Mae Bethea was born to the late Clarence and Tommie Jane Bethea on November 30, 1938 in Marlboro, South Carolina where she received her education.

On Monday, July 24, 2023 God called one of his angels home.

At an early age, Clara Mae was introduced to the Christian faith and joined Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church where she served as an usher and sang on the choir.

Clara Mae moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as a teenager. She commuted to New York from Philadelphia to work as a housekeeper before settling in Philadelphia.

She found her passion as a caretaker for the children in the neighborhood and committed most of her time volunteering at the school. Clara Mae also participated in community aid by distributing food to families. She was affectionately know for her talent in cooking and baking.

Awaiting at the pearly gates welcoming Clara Mae preceded her in death is her loving grandson Jamil, one sister Hannah, and three brothers, Clarence Jr., Thomas and Calvin.

Clara Mae leaves to cherish her four children: Alfred, Carolyn, Shelley, and Roosevelt; eight grandchildren, Jakeia, Jacob, Simone, Jamal, Courtney, Jennifer, Nasir and Brooklyn; eighteen great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren; siblings, David (Silvia) Bethea of Vacaville, CA, John Bethea, of Latta, SC, Charles Bethea, Prentiss Bethea, Robert Bethea, Mary Kollock, Jerry Bethea, Annie Ruth (Timothy) Peterkin, Jimmy Witherspoon, and Michael Bethea, all of Bennettsville, SC, Louise (Anthony) Ward of Suisun City, CA, Steven Bethea of Cibolo, TX, and one sister in law Rosa Bethea of Cheraw, SC, along with a host nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She also holds a special bond with her sister of love Jeanette Rogers.

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