CAROLYN JEAN BETHEA

Carolyn Jean "CJ" Bethea was the fifth child born on March 17, 1958, in Chicago, Illinois to her late parents, Jack and Velma D. Sterling. The family later relocated back to Mendenhall, Mississippi to the Dry Ridge Community where she attended Mendenhall High School. Carolyn married Percy L. Bethea in 1976 and to that union two daughters were born; they later divorced. Carolyn moved back to Chicago, Illinois and lived there for 10 years, before moving back to Mendenhall, Mississippi in December of 1989. Carolyn confessed her life to Christ, and she was an active member at the Greater Dry Ridge M. B. Church. Carolyn was part of the WIA and worked with the dining committee until her health failed. Carolyn truly loved her church family and she knew without a doubt they loved her as well.

Carolyn worked multiple jobs during her life. Two jobs that stood out were her employment at Hydro Aluminum in Puckett, Mississippi where she worked for many years; and at Williams Good Ole Days where she worked faithfully until her health failed. Carolyn was known for her great fashion, great parties, kind words of encouragement and generosity to others, the treats and baskets that she made and gave to the youth in the community, and let us not forget her amazing cooking skills. Carolyn touched so many lives and she never met a stranger. She was truly loved by the many people that she met. Carolyn had a nickname for everyone she knew!

Carolyn transitioned on March 7, 2019, at Forest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She leaves to cherish her memories: five children, Tomeka Bethea, Clinton, Mississippi, Maxie Nicole Bethea, Mendenhall, Mississippi, Precious (Derrick) Pulliam, Orem, Utah, Pierre Bethea, and Don (Danielle) Bethea, both of Magee, Mississippi; two brothers, Wilmon "Kitty" (Marilyn) Dampeer and Andrea (Glenda) Sterling, both of Mendenhall, Mississippi; two sisters, Charlene (James) Durr and Veronica (B J) Cook of Magee, Mississippi; one sister-in-law, Darlene Sterling of Los Angeles, California; 11 Grandchildren, C'Tiara (Lance), VaNeasha, Malik, Malia, Mekhi, Brayden, Brianna, Jaylen, Miles, Ayden, and Noelle; two Great-grandchildren, Lance III "Deuce" and Cade "CJ"; two uncles, Robert Dampeer and Willie Ray (Joyce) Dampeer; one special aunt, Bonnie Jean McCullum; three special cousins, Patricia Durr, Bertha Mae Hartwell, and Linda "Lynn" Dampeer; two special friends, Loretta "Pig" Covington and Marcella Weathersby; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Velma D. Sterling; one brother, Marshall Sterling; one sister, Diane Sterling; and one nephew, Wesley Lofton.