Monteen Cameron Bethune Smith of Lynchburg, Virginia, died April 3, 2013. She was preceded in death by her husband, William H. Smith, by her son, William H. Smith, II, and by her brother, Marvin L. Bethune, Jr.
Monteen received her education at Queens College in Charlotte, North Carolina, the University of North Carolina, in Chapel Hill, and Pensacola College in Pensacola, Florida. She was also a member of the Lifelong Learning Society at Christopher Newport College in Newport News, Virginia.
Among her many interests was a love of music. She began singing at the age of four years on the Kingdom Scott Show over WPTF radio in Raleigh, North Carolina, and continued singing throughout her life. She sang with the Grass Roots Opera Company in Raleigh and the Peninsula Opera Company in Newport News, Virginia. Monteen was a member of several choirs including the Chancel Choir of First Presbyterian Church in Newport News and the Chancel Choir of First Presbyterian Church in Lynchburg, Virginia.
She was a charter member of Contact Peninsula Crisis Center in Newport News and was a volunteer counselor there for many years. She was a devoted volunteer docent at the Mariner’s Museum, also in Newport News. For forty years she was a member of James River Country Club where she enjoyed playing golf with her husband and many friends. Monteen was also interested in gardening and was a member of the Chesapeake Garden Club of Hampton/Newport News and the Ragged Robin Garden Club in Lynchburg. She held numerous offices in both organizations, including president.
Throughout her life, Monteen devoted much energy and time to her church. She served as Elder, Sunday School teacher, Bible moderator for her Circle, Christmas pageant organizer, Vacation Bible School teacher, member of the Communion Preparation Committee, Coordinating Team Board member and moderator, and choir member.
Monteen is survived by her daughter, Lisa S. Richards, and her husband, Jim, of Lynchburg; her daughter, Marcia S. Capelli, and her husband, Jeff, of Williamsburg; granddaughter, Michele E. R. Fredericks, and her husband Jonathan, of Clarksville, Tennessee; granddaughter, Laura M. Richards, and her fiancé, Drew Ramsey, of Roanoke; granddaughters, Heather A. Meade and Madison N. Meade, of Williamsburg; and a great-grandson, Greyson W. Fredericks.
She was grateful for her friends, their laughter, and the many adventures of travel she experienced during her lifetime. The family also wishes to express its gratitude to the many caregivers who helped make her comfortable in her final days.
A private graveside service for the family will be held in Newport News on Sunday, April 7th. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Lynchburg at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 8th. The family will receive friends following the church service in the church narthex. Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church in Lynchburg.
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Dear Lisa and Marcia:
I was so saddended to her of the death of your mother, Monteen. She and I were close buddies growing up in North Carolina. We played cowboys at Uncle Ray’s by putting a twine on a tobacco stick and then riding it, pretending it was a horse!! What an imagination.
Please accept my sincere condolences. She was a wonderful person and I know that you will both miss her.
I still remember our good times at the beach. Nothing like a good family reunion.
Love,
PA (1-361-548-6933C)
Paul A. Cameron Jr. has sent this Expressions of Sympathy card.