Mrs. Shirley Ann Bethune, age 80, of Summerville, GA, passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at her residence.

Mrs. Bethune was born December 10, 1942, in Piedmont, AL, daughter of the late James and Carrie Bowling Blanks.  Prior to her retirement, she was employed with Southeastern Pathology.  Mrs. Bethune was known for her love for God, family, and country.  She taught Sunday School for 45 years.  Mrs. Bethune had a love of studying and teaching the Word of God, obtaining many certificates and achievements in Bible courses throughout her life.  She lived her life devoted to enhancing others' knowledge and relationship with the Lord.  In 1956, she married Doyle Bethune, and so began a love story that not even the most renowned in Hollywood could portray on a screen.  She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.  She was best known for her kind and gentle spirit, zeal for the Lord's work, and fierce commitment to her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Doyle Bethune; grandson, Justin Butler; brothers, Freddie Blanks, David Blanks, Vernon Blanks, Benny Blanks, Jerry Blanks, Clarence Blanks, and Harold Blanks; sisters, Lola Bloodsworth and Hazel Blanks.

Survivors include her children, Verlon (Sandra) Bethune, Dennis (Connie) Bethune, Donna (Alvin) Cordell, and Bridgett Bethune; brother, Jimmy Blanks; sisters, Mickey Reno, Linda (John) Cordell; grandchildren, Trace Bethune, Blake Bethune, Olivia McCaffrey, and Dixie Bethune; great-grandchildren, Hayden McCaffrey, Adalynn McCaffrey, Caroline McCaffrey, Keegan Bethune, and Lane Bethune.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, January 13, 2023, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Andy Hutchins and Miss Dixie Bethune officiating.  Interment will follow in Greenhills Memory Gardens.  Active pallbearers will be Trace Bethune, Blake Bethune, Sandy Reno, Geof Vandenberg, Alvin Cordell, and Kevin McCaffrey.  Honorary pallbearers will be the Ladies of Trion Heights Baptist Church, the Ladies of the Summerville Pentecostal Worship Center; special friends, Nancy Wilson, Diane Vernadoe, Imogene Tidmore, Marilyn Wood, Brenda Littlejohn, Becky Meadows, Betty McDonald, and Brenda Johnston.

Mrs. Bethune will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 12:00 Noon until the hour of service on Friday.