Leola "Muh" Bethea- Arthur

THE LIFE OF MOTHER-DEACONESS LEOLA "MUH" BETHEA-ARTHUR

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth."

PSALMS 121:1-2

LIFE REFLECTIONS Leola was a woman of courage, strength, and strong faith, who embraced life with hard work, and devotion to God. She loved her family and friends and her love was demonstrated effortlessly. On November 26, 2022, our beloved mother, godmother, grandmother, aunt, sister, cousin, friend, and matriarch made her transition to be with her Heavenly Father, where she will experience peace forever. God saw that she had grown weary; therefore, He sent His angels to escort her to her eternal place of residence.

BORN WITH A PURPOSE Leola Bethea-Arthur, affectionately known as "Muh", was born November 22, 1934, in Claxton, GA (Evans County) to the late Frank Bethea and Lucille Davis Bethea. Leola accepted Christ at an early age and joined Greater Zachariah Missionary Baptist Church in the Halltown community of Glennville, GA. Her Christian faith allowed her to be grounded and navigate gracefully through life.

PREPARING FOR LIFE Leola's early education was in the segregated schools of Tattnall County in Glennville, GA. On August 9, 1952, Leola was joined in Holy Matrimony to the late Fletcher Arthur, Sr. Through the years, God blessed the two of them with a beautiful family. They were the biological parents of ten children. However, many people considered Leola their surrogate mother. As a young wife and mother, she helped provide for her family by working as a laborer and as a homemaker. She also worked in the sewing industry at a factory where her skills as a seamstress paid off. The happy family later moved their church membership to St. Thomas Missionary Baptist Church in Ludowici, GA where Fletcher Sr. was ordained and served as a deacon. She worked diligently in the church and did what was asked of her with love and dedication. Later, Leola became a member of First African Baptist Church in Glennville, upon which her hard work and dedication earned her the devout honor to serve as mother of the church. As a devoted servant of God and a church leader, she proudly served as president of the Women's Department of the Tattnall Missionary Baptist Association. For her outstanding leadership and dedication to service, she was also awarded the Outstanding Missions Award by the General Missionary Baptist Convention of GA, Inc.

THE ESSENCE OF A WOMAN Leola was an exceptional cook, baker, and seamstress. She enjoyed preparing dinners for family and friends, and always had a meal and dessert ready whenever anyone would stop by to visit. She shined in her role as homemaker and relished in her identity as a mother and wife. She always ensured that every child who crossed her threshold was safe, healthy, and happy. When Leola's children were young, the phrase "stay-at-home-mom" didn't exist. It was usual for women to stay home with the children while their husbands worked. But even by the standards of the era, Leola was an exceptional wife and mother; with firm discipline led by God, she provided a nurturing and loving home for her children. She taught them to put God first, do what is right, treat people with respect and kindness, and to look out for each other. She was very intentional about rearing her children to be close-knit and supportive of each other no matter what adversities may come; this was non-negotiable. Her special sayings to her children were: "Be loving, always do it right the first time, no matter what you do, do a good job, keep on living and you will see what I am talking about." Leola was more than happy to be the central figure in the lives of her children. Anyone who knew them, knew that she was a queen in their eyes, and this meant a lot to her. When the schools integrated, she served many years as the PTA president, and was a very active parent who was extremely invested in the lives of her children and their education. She also cared deeply for her family and neighbors. She did this not out of obligation, but because of who she was. She was always the first to offer help. Leola's love language was to fellowship over a hearty meal. She regularly opened her home to friends and family for meals and also to welcome new members of the community. She was kind-hearted, and a selfless person, often putting others before herself. She wanted her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to walk their own journey and most of all be saved. Leola used her wisdom, and exceptional oratorical skills to encourage, motivate, and comfort others. She truly embodied the spirit of a Proverbs 31 woman.

TIES THAT BIND Leola was preceded in death by: her devoted husband, Fletcher Arthur, Sr.; her siblings, Marie Presley, Cora Mae Sherman, Emmaretta Coley, Stella Bethea; a daughter and first-born, Juanita A. Jinks; a niece, Judy G. Berry, a granddaughter, Meagan A. Anderson; 2 great-grand infants, and 1 great-great grand infant. Leola leaves to cherish her legacy: 2 brothers, Waldo (Molly) Bethea and Theodore Bethea; children, Fletcher (Mary C.) Arthur, Jr., Jo Ann (Charles) Anderson, Brenda Arthur Thomas, Gwendolyn (Elijah 'Tommy' Sr.) Moore, Lucille Arthur Roberson, Ricky (Linda) Arthur Sr., Pamela (Herman) Lovett, Sharry (Rodney Sr.) Robbs, and Alisa Arthur; grandchildren, Donald (LeCreame), Derell (Jamie), Derrek (Tonja), Tashanda, Ashlee (Chris), Shanette (Morteza), Elijah 'Eli' Jr., Michelle, Kaila, Ricky 'RJ' Jr., Jeremy Sr. (Adriana), Shameika (Alphonzo), Justin (Alicia), Keshia (Kristopher), Rodney Jr. (Tasheda), Whitney, Tanisha (Alfred), Kara; bonus grandchildren, Carla, Brian, Tornesha, Mourice Jr., Latrice, Fallon, Desmond, Morissa, Garvari, Nikiesha and Jenelle. 50+ great-grandchildren, 14+ great-great grandchildren; 9 very dear "adopted" daughters, Patricia Hall-Shyder, Juliette Richardson, Luceria Luckey-Lovett, Valerie Luckey-Merritt, Janet Moore, Eubie Bryant, Willa Lewis, Audrey Pieters, Pammela Raines; close friends, Mrs. Sarah Berry, Mrs. Beatrice Smith, Mrs. Juanita Ashford, Mrs. Verna Luckey, Mrs. Novella King, and Mrs. Betty Berry. The host of nieces, nephews, cousins, caregivers and friends are abundant.