Janet Irene Hicks Bethune

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and long-time school counselor, Janet Hicks Bethune passed away on October 2, 2025, at the age of 78.
Born August 22, 1947, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Janet was the daughter of Thomas Westray Hicks and Marian Ralphs Hicks. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Richard "Dick" Fulton Bethune, and their two children: Caroline Bethune Trahan (Brad) and Richard K. Bethune (Julia), both of Raleigh. She was the proud "Jiggy" to four grandchildren: Elliott (7), Emma (5), Carter (3), and Lilly (4). She is also survived by her sisters, Carolyn Hicks Baggett (Fred) and Marian Penny Hicks, as well as a wide circle of extended family and dear friends she cherished deeply.
Janet loved her hometown of Rocky Mount and also spent magical childhood summers with her "California cousins" and her namesake, her treasured "Aunt Janet." She was a devoted camper and later counselor at Camp Seafarer, which sparked her lifelong love of mentoring young people.
She was educated at Rocky Mount Senior High School, St. Mary's School in Raleigh, and earned both her undergraduate and master's degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill. A proud Tar Heel and Southern lady, Janet made her debut at the North Carolina Terpsichorean Club in 1966. In 1971, she married Dick Bethune in what became a love story built on laughter, faith, dancing, and a deep, abiding friendship. They simply adored each other.
Together, Janet and Dick built a warm and loving home in Rocky Mount and Topsail Beach, where they welcomed family and friends with open arms and big meals. Janet raised her children with intention and love, focusing her energy on their growth, education, and joy. Her imaginary stories in carpool were legendary, each one uniquely magical. She believed in homemade meals, green vegetables, and instilling values like gratitude, compassion, and perseverance. She also loved gardening always with gloves on to protect her signature Cajun Shrimp nails.
Janet was a sharp dresser, a force of nature, and someone who loved to see things grow, especially people. Janet served 33 years as a school counselor at Edwards Junior High in Rocky Mount, where she touched thousands of young lives. Longtime principal Wayne Doll laughed and said, "Although I was her boss, she was the actual boss." A keystone of the school community, she built trust and connection through personal relationships, compassion, and professionalism. She pioneered many student support programs and continued to mentor her students long after they left junior high, writing college and scholarship recommendations and offering guidance whenever it was needed. One former student said, "Mrs. Bethune advocated for me. She saw that I could achieve more if given the chance. I give her credit for where I am today." Janet's care for her students went far beyond the classroom. She had a gift for seeing what others might miss and the heart to act on it.
Janet was deeply devoted to her community. A long-time member of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, she served through Meals on Wheels, visited the homebound, and always had time for a neighbor in need. She loved her neighborhood and the close group on her street, where she built lasting friendships, created countless memories, and was surrounded by neighbors who became like family.
Whether at Almond's Drug Store, Imperial Cleaners, or Braswell Library, Janet seemed to know everyone and everyone knew Janet. Her longtime neighbor and friend picked up takeout last week and the restaurant owner said, "I'm heartbroken. Janet was my best friend."
Janet received the Distinguished Alumnae Award from St. Mary's School in 2007 and was active in promoting education and leadership for young women. She was also active in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), promoting scholarships and student excellence at local high schools. Even in retirement, she remained deeply involved in causes that mattered to her.
Janet's children remember her as a loving, hard-working mother who believed in the power of education, empathy, and action. When they were going through tough times, she would say: "Take the focus off yourself and pour that energy into helping someone else. It will make you feel better."
She loved life. Whether it was shag dancing at the beach, planning a California getaway, or singing along to a favorite tune, Janet was always ready to connect and celebrate.
Her greatest joy in recent years was being "Jiggy" to her grandchildren and caring for her beloved husband, Dick. She took pride in supporting him every day and never stopped giving her love and energy to the people around her. She often said, "Life is for the living" and so we will carry on honoring her by living fully, loving fiercely, and helping others.
Janet will be missed by many and forgotten by none. Her spirit lives on in her husband, children, grandchildren, and the countless lives she touched.
A Celebration of Janet's Life will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 231 N Church St, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. A reception will follow the service until 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in her honor to Meals on Wheels of Rocky Mount, PO Box 7611, 153 N. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. https://mowrmt.org/
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.