Mamie Leona Ford Bethany, 98, passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on May 3, 1928, in Blountville, Tennessee, Leona was the daughter of the late Elijah Ford and Virgie Ford.
She graduated as Valedictorian of the Holston High School Class of 1948, demonstrating the dedication and determination that would characterize her throughout her life.
On April 4, 1953, she married the love of her life, Charles Franklin Bethany, in Tennessee. Together, they were blessed with 73 years of marriage, sharing a life filled with love, faith, and unwavering devotion to one another.
After Charles was called into full-time ministry, they faithfully followed God's direction to Gaston, North Carolina, in the fall of 1968. For the next 58 years, they served the Lord side by side, leaving a lasting impact on their church, community, and all who knew them.
Leona's first job was at Jack's Jean Factory, where she sewed pockets onto jeans and coveralls, sparking a lifelong passion for sewing. An exceptionally gifted seamstress, she created countless handmade treasures for family, friends, and clients, sharing her talents with everyone around her. Sewing remained one of her greatest pleasures, and she continued her craft until just weeks before her passing.
Leona expressed her love for others through the gifts God gave her. She found great fulfillment in preparing home-cooked meals, pies, and homemade candies, using her kitchen as a place to care for and bless those she loved.
She also shared her faith through music, singing alto in a quartet and enjoying the fellowship of harmonizing with others. Whether through a meal from her kitchen, a handmade creation from her sewing room, or a song from her heart, Leona had a special gift for making people feel welcomed, cared for, and loved.
Along with her many talents, Leona had an adventurous spirit and a lifelong love of learning. She enjoyed traveling, exploring new places, and spending time with her family. Although she never obtained a driver's license, that never limited her sense of adventure or curiosity about the world around her. One of her favorite memories was riding a camel at the age of 90—a perfect reflection of her fearless spirit and willingness to embrace new experiences.
Leona also cherished her family heritage and was proud to be a first cousin of renowned country and gospel music legend Tennessee Ernie Ford.
Left to cherish Leona’s memory are her devoted husband of 73 years, Charles Franklin Bethany; her children, Howard Bethany (Rhonda), Charlotte Bradley (William), Dianna Gardner (Jeff), and Betty Shell; her grandchildren, Dennis, Rachel, Andrea, Chris, Charlie Earl, Laura, Paul, Sean, Lisa, Tyler, Alex, and Austin; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Vivianna, Ginger, Bradley, Autumn, Joseph, Wyatt, Elizabeth, Sawyer, Christian, Alice, Millie, Todd, Devin, Adam, Chloe, Kylie, Reagan, Ella, Claire, and Alexis.
In addition to her parents, Leona was preceded in death by her sisters, Pauline, Bettie Mae, Fannie Belle, and Eva June; her brothers, Charles, Junior, and Jimmie; and her beloved great-grandson, Liam.
Leona will be remembered for her steadfast faith, compassionate spirit, and the many ways she shared her love with others through service, music, cooking, and sewing. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her influence will continue to be felt in the countless lives she touched and in the cherished memories she leaves behind.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Gentiva Hospice for the compassionate care provided to Leona.
Special thanks to her nurses, Becky, Michelle, Bailey, and the wonderful on-call nurses for their kindness and dedicated care; to her devoted caregiver, Dozine Rooks, for her unwavering love, support, and prayers; and to her dear friend, Brenda Porter, for her faithful friendship and encouragement. Your compassion, kindness, and care will never be forgotten.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service from 12 pm to 1:45 pm at Wrenn Funeral Home, 1015 West 5th St, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870, on Monday, June 29, 2026. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 pm with Rev. Bradley Reider officiating. Burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Leona to Wrenn Funeral Home to assist with funeral expenses.
"Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." — Matthew 25:23 KJV