Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

December 8, 2024 

Doris Gantt Bethune, age 92, passed away peacefully in Charlotte on December 8, 2024. Born February 3, 1932, in Mount Holly, NC she was the only child of Eva Mae Wilkinson and Ross Eugene Gantt. Doris was valedictorian of her class at Mount Holly High School in 1949 and later earned Phi Beta Kappa honors from Woman’s College of Greensboro (UNCG) where she graduated with a BS degree in chemistry in 1953.

In April of 1954, Doris married Thomas Reese Bethune, Jr., the love of her life, and shortly thereafter began her career as a chemist for the NC Department of Agriculture in Raleigh. She also worked as an Engineering Research Assistant at State College (NCSU) before she and Tom moved to Charlotte in 1957. Over the next 67 years, Doris made an invaluable impact on her family and community, raising four daughters, teaching chemistry at Harding High School and Eastway Junior High and serving in many volunteer roles. A longtime member of Providence United Methodist Church, she was active in the Christian Home Class, Circle 6, Disciple classes and UMAR fundraisers. She also was involved with Charity League, Lansdowne Garden Club and UNCG’s alumnae group.

Doris had a thirst for knowledge and could talk with anyone on almost any subject! She loved reading, traveling and playing the piano. She also enjoyed playing bridge and golf with longtime friends and neighbors. Nothing was more important to Doris than her family. She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Always quick to offer support, wisdom and an abundance of love, she was her daughters’ greatest cheerleader. Her fondest memories were of time spent with family, particularly the annual beach trips with Tom, their girls and their families.

Doris was preceded in death by her loving husband of 59 years. She is survived by daughters, Sherry Bethune Andrews (Dan) of Nashville, Laura Bethune Edmundson (Haywood) of Winston-Salem, Sarah Bethune Stichter (Scott) of Tampa and Susan Bethune Bilon (Steve) of Charlotte; grandchildren, Sarah Andrews Benton (Clark), Margaret Andrews, Haywood Edmundson, Thomas Edmundson (Arina), Mason and Reese Stichter, Brittain and Ross Bilon; and great grandchildren William and Mary Margaret Benton.

A memorial service will be held on January 3, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Providence United Methodist Church, Charlotte, N.C. with visitation following the service. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the Stewart Health Center of the Cypress of Charlotte and the Levine & Dickson Hospice House for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Providence United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.