Ronetta G. Bethel

Mrs. Ronetta G. Bethel peacefully departed this life on Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2010, at Southside Regional Medical Center, Petersburg, Va.

Mrs. Bethel was a native of Prince George, Va., and the daughter of the late Richard and Rosa Cook. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Bethel, and four brothers, Charles, William, Wilton and Matthew Cook.

She was a faithful member of the Jefferson Street Church of Christ, Petersburg, and a dedicated member of the Ladies Bible Class and Wednesday night Bible study.

Ronetta attended Virginia State College (now University), pursuing courses in business and sewing. Later she became well known as a seamtress for family, friends and others. It was her heart's delight to make tailored shirts for her son and beautiful dresses for her granddaughter, Donna, during her childhood days. Ronetta served as a dedicated food service manager at Fort Lee, Va., for 14 years before retiring and becoming a full-time homemaker.

Left to cherish her precious memories are: a loving and devoted son, William Claiborne, Petersburg; a loving and devoted daughter, Cecelia Johnson (Cleveland), Petersburg; stepsons, Charles Bethel (Letha), Miami,Winston Bethel (Shirley), Decataur, Ga.; grandchildren, Donna Johnson, Petersburg, Kevin Johnson, Hopewell, Khadija Bowen (Matthew), Bowie, Md., Sean Claiborne, Chicago, and Daryl, Columbus, Ohio; great-grandchildren, Gary and Marcus Hoosier, Petersburg, Haley and Xavier Bowen, Bowie, Md.; sister-in-law, Ida Cook, Petersburg; a host of nieces and nephews. to include Deborah Buford, Lynn and Sandra Cook, all of Petersburg, and Pamela McCoy, Charlotte, N.C.; a cousin, Ida Hall, Prince George.

Our family wishes to thank all of Ronetta's dedicated caregivers: Lillian Dennis, Emma Dennis, Katrina Batts, all of Petersburg, and Diane Thweatt, Waverly, and the professional medical staff of Southside Regional Medical Center, Petersburg. Our family also wishes to thank her many neighbors and friends, the Jefferson Street Church of Christ Church family and the many members of area Churches of Christ.

A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2011, at the Arlington Road Church of Christ, Hopewell. Brother Michael Cook will eulogize. The interment will be held in Memorial Gardens, Prince George. The family and friends are asked to assemble at noon at 923 Cool Spring Drive, Petersburg. Prior to the service the family will also be receiving at the above residence.

Services are entrusted to the staff of William N. Bland and Son Funeral Home, Petersburg. You may visit our website for more information and to give condolences, www.blandenterprisesinc.com.