Dorothy Bethel

Dorothy Ann Bethel, of Hixson, passed away on Friday, Dec. 7, 2012. She was 80 years old.She was born in Miami, Fla., and was a graduate of Jackson High School where she met her husband to be in the high school band. They wed in 1950, a marriage which lasted 62 years.Dorothy was a member of Hixson First Baptist Church with many Sunday School friends and others who brightened her life during the past several years while somewhat homebound. She was well known for her oil paintings, having won numerous local and national awards and her landscapes and outstanding animal portraits were much sought after here and in Miami. Dorothy enjoyed life and inspired many.She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Eugene Burberry and Wilda Belle Burberry; a brother, Robert Burberry; and a sister, Arlene Maddox.Dorothy is survived by her husband, George Clayton Bethel; two sons, Gary Clayton Bethel and wife Joanna, of McDonald, Tenn., Kenneth Steven Bethel, of Sunrise, Fla., and a daughter, Pamela Lynn Ferguson and husband Mitchell Ferguson, of Chattanooga. She dearly loved her eight grandchildren, Katie, Wendy, Chris, Brittani, David, Megan, Lily and Cameron; and one great granddaughter, Kat.The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. today and noon to 1 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 10, at the North Chapel.Services for Dorothy will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday at the North Chapel with Pastor Terry Shannon officiating. Burial will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com