VIRGINIA MAE BETHUNE died peacefully July 17, 2017 in Houston, TX. She was born to Clarence and Opal Shepherd July 6, 1928, in Purdy, Missouri. “Ginny” was licensed as a beautician and worked in her mother’s salon in Purdy. She married Lyle Bethune on June 12, 1946. After his graduation from the University of Arkansas in 1952, they moved to Houston and raised three sons. After years of teaching 4’s and 5’s in Sunday School, Virginia was licensed to teach kindergarten in the preschool of the First Baptist Church of Pearland, TX. After retiring, they moved to Kingwood, TX, where they were active in the First Baptist Church of Kingwood and then South Main Baptist Church of Houston, where she loved singing in the choir.

Virginia’s life was defined by faith, family, and friendships. She delighted in children, loved skiing, and dabbled in pottery and painting. Her three sons and their wives, seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren will miss her love and care. Where illness robbed her memory and identity, we trust the God of grace will remember her (Psa 136:23).

She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Lyle Bethune and by her son Wayne Bethune. She is survived by daughter-in-law Carmen Bethune of Splendora, TX; son Larry Bethune and wife Gina of Austin, TX; son Gary Bethune and wife Kathy of Coppell, TX; grandson Cary Bethune and wife Jaime and daughters Emma and Virginia of Conroe, TX; grandson Paul Bethune and daughter Alyssa of Porter, TX; granddaughter Kara and husband Kevin Buffington and daughter Georgia of Austin, TX; grandson Zachary Bethune and wife Christine of Charlottesville, VA; grandson Andrew Bethune and wife Megen of Austin, Texas; granddaughter Sara and husband Callan Mclaughlin and son Camden of Keller, TX; and granddaughter Rachel Bethune of Waco, TX.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers of Silverado and Grace Hospice for their care for Virginia the last several years.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Buckner.org.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 20, in the mausoleum of the Rosewood Funeral Home, 7900-8152 Rankin Road, Humble, TX.