The Life, Love and Legacy of Vivian Cooke Bethea

“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue……Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:25-26, 30

Such are the words to describe the grace, beauty and love of our wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend Vivian Cooke Bethea. Born on August 23, 1920 in Aulander, NC to Bertha Evans and Luther Morris, Vivian’s life was filled with love, happiness and joy. She exhibited these characteristics to everyone she met and she enjoyed life to the fullest. After completing her formal education in North Carolina, Vivian and her family moved to Portsmouth, Virginia.

Soon afterwards, Vivian accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of First Baptist Church, South Portsmouth under the pastorate of the late Rev. A.B. Bingham. Vivian served in several ministries at First Baptist to include the Gospel Choir and the Female Usher Board. Vivian also participated in and enjoyed attending the Gospel Choir Union that featured gospel choirs from Portsmouth and Chesapeake churches.

Known to be witty, fun-loving, full of wisdom, “Ms. Vivian” as she was called by some, enjoyed being around her family, especially the young people. She would give words of wisdom and sometimes correction in such a way that only you could accept and appreciate in a loving and caring manner. She was an encourager to many people, she loved music, especially her old school classics and her favorite song was “Step in the name of Love/ We did it for Love” because she always said “whatever you do, do it for love.” God blessed her to enjoy 99 years of life and like Frank Sinatra “she did it her way!”

On Sunday, December 8, 2019, Vivian transitioned from labor to reward and received eternal peace and rest from her Heavenly Father. She leaves to celebrate her life, love and legacy two children – Antionette (Barry) Hayes and Andre’ Cooke. Four grandchildren – Andre’ Bethea, JaNisa Cooke, Malcolm Hayes and Addison Aber. Two great-grandchildren – Xavier and Destiny. In addition, she leaves to remember her precious soul, her sisters – Erma McDonald and Jeanette C. Brabson; several nieces and nephews including a special, devoted niece – Vanessa Alston; a loving and caring daughter in law – Rev. Dr. Lenora Cooke; special friends – Kyle and Floyd White, Katherine Brooks, Joyce Wingate, Phillip Gee and Queen Lassiter and her beloved church family. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Joseph Dillard.

“Oh, I want to see Him. Look upon His face. There to sing forever of His saving grace. On the streets of glory, let me lift my voice. Cares all past, home at last, ever to rejoice.”