The 50th Bethea Family Reunion  (1918-2016) celebrating 98 years was held on Saturday, June 18 and 19.
Every descendant of “English” John Bethea, whether named Bethea or not, including husbands, wives, and children were invited to attend.
On June 18, family members met for a Saturday night supper at Shuler’s BBQ in the Cyrpress room. They enjoyed bluegrass music as well as fellowship.
On Sunday, they met at Dothan Church. The Sunday morning service featured Bill W. Hall, Jr., author of “English” John Bethea’s Homeplace, Gates County, NC. This extensive report was commissioned by Dr. Charles F. Bethea and is an extensive study into the location of the homeplace established after John Bethea arrived in America.
A group photograph was taken to commemorate the occasion, and a catered lunch was held.
The executive committee includes A.W. Bethea, Jr., A.V. Bethea, III, T.C. Bethea, Jr., Edward E. Bethea, John Curtis, Lesa Bethea Desser, N.B. Cooper, Jr., Joy Bethea Cutler, Jane B. Rogers, Pauline R. Scott, Timothy B. Cooper, R.L. McLaurin, III, D.H. Shine, Frances B. Rogers, Chris Bethea, and Gene Bethea.
Historians are Chairperson Larry Owen, Edward E. Bethea, and Lesa Bethea Desser.
Officers are Thomas C. Bethea, Jr., President;  A.W. Bethea, Jr., Vice-President; Frances B. Rogers, Secretary; and Edward E. Bethea, Treasurer.
The Memorial Committee includes Chairperson Bonnie B. Weeks, Joy Bethea Cutler, and Rose Merry Bethea.
The Music Committee is Chairperson A.W. Bethea, Jr.
The Reception Committee is Chairperson D.H. Shine, N.B. Cooper, Jr., Rose Merry Bethea, Mrs. Wallace Jordan, and A.V. Bethea, III.
The Registration Committee is Wendy Carey, Mrs. Pat Phillips, Mrs. Robert Hill, R.L. McLaurin III, Carl Oscheig, and Lucille B. Whedbee.
The Church and Grounds Committee is Chairperson Tinker Allen, Preston Bethea, Bud Bethea, and Pauline R. Scott.
The next reunion is Father’s Day weekend 2018.