Obituary of John Edward Bethea

John Edward Bethea, 61, of Utica, NY, was called home on March 30, 2023 after a brief illness with his family by his side. John was born on September 4, 1961 in Brooklyn, NY to the late James M. Gunn and Dora E. Bethea. The second of five children. Raised and educated in New York City, John learned at an early age the importance of faith and independence. After graduation in the 1990’s, John began his life’s journey with a move to Albany, NY. Not finding the foundation and stability he was seeking, he continued his journey to Utica, NY. This would become “home”. From that moment forward, life began to change in all the positive directions. In 1994, John met his love and future wife, Amy Hansberry at a dance party. May 5, 1999 wedded for eternal bliss, Amy was so proud and happy to become Mrs. John (Amy) Bethea. John spent the last 18 years of his thoughtful life working for Wal-Mart in North Utica, for which he shared a great appreciation with his co-workers. He touched many a life with his smile, helpfulness and kind deeds. A hardworking man who always had some wisdom in a joke while making you smile at the same time. Through all the ups and downs of life they always were the strength of one another. Being a “mans” man, John happily took the responsibility of becoming the father of six children as his own. With those six children came the grands who affectionately called him “Poppy”. John would call family meetings every Thursday to keep order in the home. He taught love and structure and believed that it would build the character of all for their futures. Friday’s would be soul music playing with friends over and cards being slammed on the table with plenty of trash talking and laughter illuminating throughout the home. On Sunday’s John and Amy would get in the kitchen and make soul food meals that would put you to sleep. When asked what the secret was to their cooking, John would say, “You gotta put love in it” and that he DID! John would light up the room when he entered it with his contagious smile, witty humor and his gift for gab as he would call it. Always sharply dressed, smelling good and clean to the “T”. The hat must match the shoes! To cherish his memories are his wife, Amy; daughters; Nicole, Lashonda and Lea; sons; Robert, Stefon and Tyron; sisters; Gail Miles and Tammy Smith; brother Mark A. Bethea; special aunt Sarah; mentor and best friend, Charles Butler; twenty-seven grandchildren and one great grand; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and many friends. John is predeceased by his parents John M. Gunn and Dora E. Bethea; brother Marcellus and nephew Jamel. The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at Utica Rehabilitation Center; a special “thank you” to the Wal-Mart family and to all those who have reached out during our time of grief.