Mother Evelyn Hope Tyson Bethea

November 18, 1921 - February 21, 2022

Mother Evelyn Hope Tyson Bethea was born in Pitt County on November 18, 1921, to the late Jarvis and Lula Tyson Sr. She departed this life on Monday, February 21, 2022, at the age of 100. Mother Bethea gave her life to the Lord at an early age at Arthur Chapel U.A.F.W.B. Church under the leadership of Reverend W.L. Blow. She was very active in the church, serving on numerous committees including the Usher Board for the more than 60 years, the Home Mission Committee, Pastor Aide Committee, and served as the president of the #2 Choir. She was consecrated as a Mother on December 9th, 1979, and was the eldest mother of the church. Mother Bethea served faithfully until her health failed. She loved the Lord, her family, and her church family. ​On November 18th, 2021, Mayor P.J. Connelly, proclaimed that this day will be EVELYN BETHEA DAY in celebration of her 100th birthday in the city of Greenville, N.C. The proclamation recognized her for being a woman of faith that spent years devoting her time, energy, and service to the mission of the church, a supportive mother to her children, and the values she taught of the importance of treating people the way you want to be treated, as well as trusting in the Lord. ​Mother Bethea was preceded in death by her late husband, Eugene Bethea, one son, Willie Tyson, five brothers and four sisters. She leaves to cherish her precious memories one son, Jessie Lee Tyson of the home; four daughters, Evelyn Tyson of Farmville, NC, Phyllis Bethea, Mable Godley, and Beatrice White (William O’connell) all of Greenville, NC; one daughter-in-law, Leatha Tyson of Macclesfield, NC; one son-in-law, Bobby Ray Godley of Greenville, NC, and one step-son, Ceasar Freeman of Grenville, NC; 18 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren and a hosts of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mother Bethea was loved by many, and her sweet spirit drew countless people to adopt her as a second Mom. Her godchildren are Michael Wilkes, Connie Brown, Jo-Esther Council, Geraldine Perkins, Teresa Green, Bertha Gay, Betty Langley, and Linda Barrett. A very special thanks to Cherry Parker, Health Care Aide, that provided Mom personal care services for the last 2 years. Thank you so very much for taking extraordinary care of our loved one. May God continue to richly bless you.