Betty Bethune

Obituary for Betty L. Bethune Betty L. Bethune, affectionately known as “Betty Boop,” age 89, of Hamden, Connecticut, answered the Master’s call and transitioned from earthly labor to eternal reward on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Yale New Haven Hospital. She was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to the late William and Myrtle Bush. Betty received her education in the Bridgeport school system. On April 4, 1955, she was united in holy matrimony to the late James E. Bethune, Sr., and from that union seven children were born. At an early age, Betty was introduced to the Lord. She was baptized in Jesus’ Name and received the gift of the Holy Ghost, and she faithfully walked in the truth she had been taught. She later worshiped at Faith Deliverance Pentecostal Tabernacle Church under the leadership of Pastor Emma E. Snowden. In 1969, she moved from Bridgeport to New Haven, Connecticut, where she built a life marked by hard work, love for family, and steadfast faith. She was employed by Ogden Security, Yale New Haven Hospital, and Yale University, where she served faithfully for many years until her retirement. After moving to New Haven, Betty united with St. James Holiness Church under the leadership of the late Bishop Arlester Coward and Eldress Mildred Coward. There she worked in the vineyard of the Lord—serving on the ministerial staff, teaching children’s Sunday School, laboring on the cleaning committee, and making herself available wherever she saw a need in the house of God. She gave her all—relentless in her efforts, tenacious in her pursuit, and unwavering in her faith, no matter what came her way. One of her favorite sayings was: “Loose here, satan, in the Name of Jesus!” Betty loved God’s people and she loved souls. She would witness to whomever crossed her path; and even when some did not want to hear it, she spoke the truth boldly and would still place a card in their hand, inviting them to the ministry. She remained faithful and submitted to this ministry until the Lord called her son, Apostle Moses T. Bethune, into pastoral ministry. She later attended and graduated from Mt. Calvary Seminary School and Yale Divinity School. Betty was a devoted member of New Destiny Tabernacle Church (formerly known as Grace & Truth Apostolic Church) from its inception, where she served as the Shepherd Mother until the Lord called her home. She Leaves to Cherish Her Loving Memory three daughters: Gloria Bethune of Meriden, CT; Glenda White of Hamden, CT; and Brenda Moore of New Haven, CT; Four sons: James (Marquenetta) Bethune of Douglasville, GA; Louis Bethune of Concord, NC; Dale (Trena) Bethune of Meriden, CT; and Moses (Patricia) Bethune of Hamden, CT; Two siblings: one brother, Gerald A. Bush of Meriden, CT, and one sister, Helen Belle of Bridgeport, CT; Twenty-two grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and one goddaughter, Victoria Levine of North Carolina and a host of loving nieces, nephews, spiritual children and grandchildren, extended family, and friends. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, William and Myrtle Bush; eight brothers: Leroy West, William Bush, Frances Bush, Robert Bush, Milton Bush, Clarence Bush, Richard Bush, and Jerry Bush; and five sisters: Alice West, Myrtle Parmlee, Mae Buster, Betty Bush II, and Shirley Bush. Missing You (Poem) Your tenderness and loving ways still get us through our lonely days. The picture carries in our minds with love that stands the test of time. You helped us find our walking shoes and taught us lessons we still use. Each time we think of you, we smile; we know we’ll see you after a while. Well done, thou good and faithful servant. May her legacy live on in our hearts forever, and may the love, kindness, wisdom, and faith she shared continue to strengthen generations to come. Acknowledgment & Thanks The family of Betty L. Bethune would like to express their sincere gratitude for all acts of kindness shown through prayers, calls, visits, cards, flowers, and every expression of love during this time of bereavement. May God bless each of you.

Betty Bethune

November 4, 1936 - August 19, 2026