Obituary of Franklin L. Bethune

Franklin Lloyd Bethune (poppy) Sunrise: December 14, 1946 Sunset: November 18, 2009 Mr. Franklin L Bethune was born to the late Mr. Victor Bethune and Mrs. Adina Waldron on December 14, 1946 in Kingston, Jamaica. Franklin fought a long battle with diabetes related organ failure for many years. He departed this life on November 18, 2009 to answer God's call. Franklin had a true love with craftiness for making designer pocketbooks and designer shoes. He had a strong love for music, especially Bob Marley. Franklin loved to joke and have fun with his family and friends. He met and married Mrs. Marion E. Smith, they shared a wonderful 18 years together, raising their family. They were inseparable, when you saw one, you saw the other. Franklin's health started to deteriorate about two years ago. He was a dialysis patient for the past year. He met many people during his treatments. He was determined to still live his life more abundantly even when his vital organs began to fail. Franklin fought a good fight even when his battle seemed lost. Franklin was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. Franklin has been called home to rest, we all loved him dearly, but God loved him the best. The life of Franklin will be remembered and celebrated by his surviving wife, Mrs. Marion Smith Bethune, and his five sons: Wayne Bethune of Jamaica, Jerome Smith of the Bronx, Samuel Smith of the Bronx, Andrew Bethune of Yonkers, Qalieak West of Yonkers; one daughter Kay Bethune of Jamaica; one daughter-in-law, Tenisha Smith of the Bronx; seven grandchildren, Shakeemah Dixon of the Bronx, IZ Jaray Bethune of Yonkers, Amaya Smith of the Bronx, Jahsiah Bethune of Yonkers and Japaris, Jontae, Jakwan and JaQuis Smith all of the Bronx, and four more grandchildren in Jamaica.