Esther Bethea

Queen Esther Mann Bethea was born on June 27th, 1931 in Scranton, North Carolina to the late James Casey & Dora Mann. At an early age she joined Zion Temple Baptist Church. Upon graduating from O.A. Peay High School in Swanquarter, NC she moved to New York City where she met & wed the late Rev. Barney Bethea, Jr. in 1950. She did private duty nursing and worked at Grace Plaza Nursing Home in Great Neck, Long Island, NY where she retired. In 2011 she moved to Birmingham, Alabama where she resided until her departure to her heavenly home. Queen Esther enjoyed her days going on trips in the motorhome and being around Birmingham, Alabama's motorcycle scene as well as going to the casinos. She leaves to cherish in her precious memory her children: Anita (Robert) of Queens, New York, Barney, II of Los Angeles, California, Ladee (Gary) of Birmingham, Alabama and Michael of Queens, New York; 7 grandchildren, Charles, Michelle, Andre, Equan, Kaleek (Tselane), Daisjanae & Jalen; 2 great grandsons, Kaleek Jr & Charles Jr.; 1 sister, Ida Mae of Bronx, New York; 1 sister-in-law, Lillie of Albany, New York; 1 brother-in-law, Willie of Greensboro, North Carolina and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives & friends. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Doral (Ronnie) and brothers, James Mann & William Bryant.