Lottie Bethune

Lottie Bethune was born in Camden, South Carolina on May 6th, 1941. She is the daughter of the late Johnnie and Bessie Smith. She was the eldest of sixteen children.

Lottie attended Kirkland Elementary School Camden, South Carolina. She later attended Jackson High School. Lottie fellowshipped at Saint Peters United Methodist Church, where she attended Sunday School and sang in the choir. Her first solo was You Can't Hurry God. It was there, that Lottie accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. In 1958, Lottie moved to Paterson NJ where she lived with her aunt, Margaret Smith. She worked at her aunt's dry cleaners as a clerk, for many years. Lottie also worked as a home health aide for 6 years. Lottie enjoyed helping people and furthered that passion by working as a teacher's aide for two years, at Friendship Corner.

Lottie was a member of the Golden Ladies and the grandparents' association. Lottie was also a founding member of Serenity Baptist Church Paterson, under the leadership of Pastor Worthem. During her tenure, she sang in the choir, with the Serenity Aires, was a member of the Helping Hands, and served as the President of the Missionary Board.

Lottie truly loved the Lord, and attested to the fact that the Lord had been good to her. Lottie's motto was if I can help somebody, then my living shall not be in vain.

On Sunday, August 10th, 2025, Lottie departed this life.

Lottie was preceded in death by her husband; Mitchell Bethune, son; Ronnie Bethune, siblings; Johnnie Smith, David Smith, Daniel Smith, Randolph Smith, twin sister; Laura Belle Adamson, Beulah May Dye, Carrie Drakeford, Margaret Rutledge, and one (bonus sister-best friend); Lela Jones.

Left to cherish fond memories are her sons; Edward (Florian) Bethune, Michael (Tanya) Bethune, Morris (Dorcia) Bethune, Darrell (Regennia) Bethune, one daughter; Naomi Bethune, siblings; Dorothy Townsend, Bessie Lee Sanders, Deloris (Edward) Dixon, Michael (Betty) Smith, Otis (Sharon) Smith, Larry Smith, and Legrant Smith, goddaughters; Beverly Foxworth, Evelyn Williams, Joyce Ison, and Clarinda Risher, fourteen grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, two best friends; Lee Ollie Smith, and Geraldine McCollum. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.