Bethea, Penny

Mrs. Bethea, 57, died Monday, November 29, 2010 at McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence. Born in Lumberton, NC, February 26, 1953, she was the daughter of Elgiereen Long Bethea and the late Foster Bass Bethea, Sr. She was a member of Latta Presbyterian Church, and was employed as Area Supervisor with the SC Vocation Rehabilitation of Horry Georgetown County. She was a 1971 graduate of Latta High School, received her bachelors degree from Fancis Marion College, and her masters from Websters University. She was Miss Francis Marion College for 1974-75, was the fraternity sweetheart for the Kappa Epsilon Gamma Fraternity, was a cheerleader for Francis Marion College, was a member of the Alpha Delta Sigma Sorority, and was secretary of her junior class. Mrs. Bethea was a pro shagger having taught shag and was a member of the Florence Shag Club. She enjoyed producing and performing in various musicals. She was a member of the Red Hats of Dillon County, past member of the McArthur Avenue Players, and was appointed by the Governor to the Governor’s Work Force Investment Board of Horry County. Survivors include her husband, Tom Lawrence of Latta; mother, Elgiereen Long Bethea of Latta; step-daughter, Morgan Elizabeth Lawrence of Conway; brother, Foster Bethea, Jr. (Carolyn) of Myrtle Beach; sister, Tara (Nader) Khalil of Dillon; nieces, Anna & Lea Foster Khalil. Services for Penny Bethea will be held 3:00 p.m. Thursday at Latta Presbyterian Church with burial in Magnolia Cemetery. Visitation will be held 7-9 p.m. Wednesday at Cooper Funeral Home.