.

Mrs. Katie Eleanor Wright Bethea  was born in Florence, South Carolina on December 24, 1923 to the late Charlie Wright and Nancy Harvin Wright. She departed this earthly life on January 22, 2024 at MUSC of Florence.

Mrs. Bethea received her education in the Florence County public schools. She was employed with Faith Nursing Home for many years period she was a faithful member of Trinity Baptist Church and was married to the late Samuel James Bethea, Sr. To this union, twelve children were born.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Bethea was preceded in death by her husband Mr. Samuel James Bethea as well as five children Albert Bethea, Samuel Bethea, Jr., Debra Bethea, Lucille Jackson and Robert Bethea: her brother Wilbur Wright, a sister Ella McCants, and four grandchildren, Denard Hunter, Dominic Bethea, Sr., Byron Bethea and Octavia Bethea.

Mrs. Bethea leaves to cherish her precious memories: six sons, Charles (Donna) Bethea, Donald (Mary) Bethea, Bert (Janie) Bethea, Frank Bethea, Bobby Bethea  and Ronnie birthday; one daughter, Cathy Bethea all of Florence, South Carolina; two sisters, Dora Lyde of Durham, North Carolina and Annie Mae McRae of Brooklyn, New York; a host of grandchildren, two of which she raised, Tiko Bethea and Willie Douglas; and two of which helped her during her illness Tabitha Bethea and Angela Bethea; a host of great grandchildren as well as great- great grandchildren; A special friend she loved dearly, Mrs. Mary Tutt; a host of many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.