Penelope Senter Bethune

Mrs. Penelope Ann Senter Bethune, 82, of Lillington passed away on Thursday, September 5th at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Harnett County, the daughter of the late John Aaron Senter and Vida Lee Peed Senter. In addition to her parents, Penelope was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin “Mel” Lester Bethune II, daughter, Ann Mewborn, sisters, Mary Frances Kear and Lydia Langdon. She graduated from Lillington High School in 1960 and Meredith College in 1964. Penelope worked as a teacher at Lillington Middle School and Harnett Central Middle School for 20 years and was beloved by her students. She was a faithful member of Lillington Presbyterian Church for over 55 years, raising her children with a strong Christian upbringing. Penelope was a loving wife, an incredibly caring and supportive mother and grandmother.  She kept her faith and her family as her lifelong priority.  Penelope loved reading, family vacations and spending time with her grandchildren.

Penelope is survived by sons, Les Bethune (Ginger) of Atlanta, GA, John Bethune (Jennifer) of Lillington, NC, Scott Bethune (Hollis) of High Point, NC; son-in-law, John Mewborn of Lillington, NC; grandchildren, Mel Bethune (Kayla), Reed Bethune, Grey Bethune (Courtney), Willie Bethune, Will Bethune, Walker Bethune, Jake Bethune, Cameron Mewborn and Jay Mewborn; step grandchildren, Walker and Lexi; step great granddaughter, Oakley; brother, David Senter (Deborah) of Raleigh; sisters, Ida Carol Wilson of Clinton, NC and Susan Worrell (Steve) of Lillington, NC; nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 4:00-6:00 PM on Sunday, September 8th at O’Quinn-Peebles-Phillips Funeral Home in Lillington. A funeral service will be held on Monday, September 9th at 11:00 AM at Lillington Presbyterian Church with Rev. Barrett Payne officiating. Burial will follow in the Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery in Bunnlevel.

Memorials may be made to Lillington Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 245, Lillington, NC 27546.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Penelope Senter Bethune, please visit our floral store.