Carolyn "Buck" (Tatum) Bethea

Carolyn Tatum Bethea

Carolyn “Buck” Tatum Bethea passed away peacefully the morning of August 17, 2022, at the Columbia Presbyterian Community, Lexington, South Carolina, after a brief hospitalization.

Born November 30, 1925, in Tatum, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Elizabeth Croom Tatum and John Lee Tatum.

She attended Peace and Winthrop Colleges before marrying her lifelong friend Charles “Chuck” Julian Bethea in 1944. They celebrated 72 years of marriage before his death in 2015. After having four children, she continued her education at St. Andrews Presbyterian College and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1964. She taught in Marlboro County Schools for 17 years.

A quote published in 2003 when she was named Woman of the Year by the Junior Charity League of Marlboro County expressed her essence. “She is an encourager, a listener, and a mentor. She has been a mother, teacher, and spiritual leader. Her children have indeed called her blessed as their lives have reflected her influence. In addition to her own children, she has touched many lives in her years as a teacher, both in public schools and in her church.” She lived her life in gratitude and love.

She was a lifelong member of Main Street United Methodist Church, McColl, where she served as President of the UMW, taught Sunday School and Bible Schools, served as Chairman of the Administrative Board and Council of Ministries, and served as a member of the Board of Trustees, UMC, Marion District.

She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma for over 50 years and served as President of the Carlisle Book Club and the Geddie Cole Center. She remained active in civic endeavors until her move to Columbia Presbyterian Community in December of 2019.

Mrs. Bethea was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Julian Bethea, a daughter, Carolyn Bethea Hubbard, a son, John Tatum Bethea, a grandson William Breeden Bethea, and a sister, Elizabeth Tatum Flinsch.

To cherish her memory, she leaves behind a son, Charles Julian Bethea, Jr. (Frances) of Marion, S.C.; Elizabeth Bethea Taylor (Jimmy) of Columbia, S.C.; a son-in-law, Reginald H. Hubbard (Beth) of Darlington, S.C.; a daughter-in-law, Loren W. Bethea of Summerville, S.C.; a daughter-in-law, Amy M. Deaton (Paul), Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; nine grandchildren; Charles T. Bethea (Debbie), Marietta, G.A.; Elizabeth H. Jeffords (Carter), Columbia, S.C.; Catherine T. Trosclair (Erik), Marietta, G.A.; Alan H. Hubbard (Elizabeth), Hartsville, S.C.; James (Jack) B. Taylor (Laurel), Beaufort, N.C.; John (Tate) T. Bethea (Lexi), Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; James McAlpine Bethea, Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; Carolyn (Carrie) B. Gilliam (Tyler), Sunset, S.C.; Zachary T. Bethea (Uly), Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; and 15 great-grandchildren.

A graveside Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 21, 2022, at 2 o’clock, in the Bethea Family Cemetery at Adamsville Crossroads, S.C. Visitation will be held at the Bethea Family Homeplace immediately following the service.

The family would like to extend sincere appreciation to the staff of the Columbia Presbyterian Community for the love and care given to Mrs. Bethea and her family. Memorials may be made to the Geddie Cole Center, P.O. Box 306, McColl, S.C. 29570.

Online condolences may be made to www.rogersofmccoll.com.

Rogers Funeral Home is honored to assist the Bethea family.

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