On December 25th, 2020, Mrs. Gloria Jean Bethea Byrd entered into the presence of the Lord after a brief illness at McLeod Hospice House. Gloria was born March 9th, 1943 in Dillon, SC.
Gloria is preceded in death by her husband William M. Byrd, her parents J.C. and Edith Bethea and her brothers James R. Bethea and William J. Bethea.
Gloria was a true servant of God with a heart that desired to serve others first and herself last. She was an active member, in her lifetime, of the churches she served in as a choir member, Sunday school teacher to young children, GA leader to young girls and an active prayer warrior for all she knew. Gloria’s love for children was evident to all who knew her and she helped in caring for many children in the Florence community through her work in daycare with her last employment being the Emmanuel Baptist Church Daycare.
Gloria moved to Bethea Baptist Home several years ago in the independent living area and quickly became a worker and servant, as was her nature, delivering mail, church clerk and visiting and bringing joy to all who knew her. She loved to laugh, never complained, always had a smile on her face and she enjoyed life to the fullest. Gloria leaves behind a sister-in-law, Helen Bethea, 3 nieces, Debbie Meggs, Pam Bethea and Tammy Joy and 4 nephews Mike, Eric and Ronnie Bethea and Bill Clark, along with a host of great nieces and nephews and cousins. Gloria also leaves behind very dear friends, Windy Hobbs, Susan Green, Sharon Smith and Clarence Hamilton; who were as much family to her as her own and who loved, took care of and treasured Gloria as if she were their own also.
The family would like to thank all who have prayed for, supported and loved our dear Aunt Gloria and we are most grateful for the life she lived and the time we had and the love we shared with her. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bethea Baptist Home or McLeod Hospice House.
A graveside service, directed by Cain Calcutt Funeral Home, was held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 in the Florence Memorial Gardens Mausoleum Chapel, 3320 S. Cashua Dr., Florence, SC. The family will receive friends in the Mausoleum Chapel one hour prior to service.
