Marileeta Melsaida Wallace-Bethell

Marileeta Melsaida Wallace-Bethell Age 84 Years of #52 Davis Street, Oakes Field, 
exchanged this life for eternity at the Princess Margaret Hospital on Thursday, August 25, 2022.

Marileeta was born at Duncan Town Ragged Island, on Wednesday, February 16, 1938. 
To Fredrick James and Evelyn Daisy Wallace welcomed into their home their second child. 
She was a beautiful daughter whom they would give the name Marileeta Melsaida. 
Both of her names came from Cuban friends her parents had made over the years. 
Back in the 1930's trade between the island nations of The Bahamas, Cuba and Haiti 
was very common. The main industries on the quaint island of Ragged Island at that 
time was island trade, boat building, salt farming and sponging.

Though a small island of Nine (9) square miles, the people of Ragged Island were and 
remain a very industrious and family-oriented people. In Marileeta's home, her father 
was a Seaman who traveled to the neighbouring countries and purchased fruits and 
vegetables and other goods for trade in New Providence. He took good care of his family 
and ensured that they were never in want. Her mother, Evelyn was a firm but caring mother. 
She took great pride in caring for her husband, Ten (10) daughters and One (1) son and their home.

In February 1954, Marileeta migrated to the Island of New Providence. On a visit to the 
Dentist in the city of Nassau she would be welcomed into the home of her father's eldest 
brother the late Philip "Pa" Wallace and his lovely wife the late Margarita "Ma/Mom" Wallace 
and their children. They immediately fell in love with her quiet and disciplined demeanor and 
treated her as one of their own. Their children loved and respected her too and to this day 
considered her to be their big sister. Pa and Mom Wallace asked Marileeta's father for 
permission to reside with them. Being the wise man that he was, Fredrick consulted 
with his wife who agreed to allow Marileeta to stay.

Marileeta received formal Secretarial training at the late Althea Mortimer Secretarial School 
on Meeting Street. At the Nassau Beach Hotel she trained as a Switchboard Operator under 
the guidance of the late Althea Tinker. Marileeta loved to read and paid close attention to world 
events this enabled her to become well-versed on many subjects of local and international importance.

In March of 1959 she would meet a handsome, debonair, Christian gentlemen by the name of 
Maxwell Francis Bethell who would first befriend her, court her, introduce her to the 
Seventh-day Adventist faith and capture her heart. This lovely couple would be married 
on Wednesday 30th September, 1959. Six (6) months after their first initial meeting just as 
Maxwell had predicted the day they first met. Their marriage was one of great love and like 
their parents, they were a very God-fearing couple of strong Faith. Marileeta became the 
CEO of the Bethell's Home and Family Care with her husband taking the role of provider 
and protector very seriously. He was the sole breadwinner for his family and Marileeta 
embraced her life as a Stay-at-Home Mother to her Six (6) children. 
Fifty (50) golden years of marital bliss they would share together. Separated only by 
Maxwell's death in 2010 they had a marriage that exemplified what Christian Marriages 
should be about. Marileeta had a great love for family those related to her by blood, through 
marriage, and the many friends/adopted children who became family. She enjoyed traveling, 
telling others about her God, serving in various positions in her church including the 
Deaconess, Church Board, Choir and combined Seventh-day Adventist Church Choirs, 
and making new friends young and old wherever she went.

Marileeta thought her little country was the best country on planet earth. She was the true 
definition of a Proud Bahamian Woman. Her allegiance to her political party of choice was 
only surpassed by her love for her family, friends and most importantly God.

In December 2019 Marileeta began experiencing challenges with her health. 
She was hospitalized for two weeks and referred to several specialty clinics. 
In February 2020 she was diagnosed with advanced Stomach Cancer. 
One of the doctors expressed that she may live another Seven (7) months, 
but this news did not shake her faith and in fact only made her faith that much stronger. 
The doctors and nurses all admired her strength, tenacity, and faith despite her diagnosis, 
she always remained positive and found time to Give God Thanks whilst telling others how 
good her God is. After major surgery in March, 2020 Marileeta came out fighting like the 
champion she was. She left hospital and for the next two years was doing well. 
The month of August, 2022 would prove to be a very challenging month as her health 
began to decline. On the 16th August, 2022 Marileeta would be admitted to the 
Princess Margaret Hospital. Two days before her passing she would declare to her 
daughter that she loved her, and most importantly, she loved God. 
The doctors acknowledged that Marileeta was a strong woman and she fought 
as best as she could. The heavenly father looked down from above and agreed 
with what the doctors had said. God saw this his daughter Marileeta had fought a 
good battle and the battle was no longer hers to fight. May the legacy in her life and 
love live on in the hearts of all of those who had the privilege to grace her path.

Marileeta is preceded in death by her:
Husband of 50 Years: Maxwell Francis Bethell;
Daughter: Oreena Michelle Bethell;
Father: Fredrick Wallace;
Mother: Evelyn Munroe-Wallace;
Sister: Merton Wallace;
Nephews: Orman Rolle and Colyn Grant;
Niece: Marion Morris;
Father-in-law: Frederick Bethell;
Mother-in-law: Francis Campbell-Bethell;
Brothers-in-law: Bishop Craven Campbell, Lorenzo and Cyril Lloyd Bethell and Edward Rolle;
Sister-in-law: Carolyn Rolle;

The Radiance of this "Amethyst of A Gem" will always glow in the hearts of her:
Four Sons: Francis (Serena), Demetrius (De'Shannon), Ian (Melonie) and Peter Bethell;
One Daughter: Maxaleeta Swain (Kemeo);
Three Grandsons: Corrections Officer Shandon and Devonte' Bethell and 
Police Constable 4352 Alpheus Bevans V;
Six Granddaughters: Devonah, Azaria, Shantia, Breanna and DaNeha Bethell and Kemeia Swain;
Two Great Grandsons: Breon Bethell and Alpheus Bevans VI;
Three Great Granddaughters: Jaden Moncur, Destiny Adderley and Sarai Bethell;
One Brothers: Frederick Wallace;
Eight Sisters: Mildred, Margavine, Azonia, Sadiemae and Gloria Wallace, 
Dorothy Strachan, Lorna Major and Victoria Wright (Gerald);
Eighteen Nephews: Minister Frederick (Julie), Desmond (Krista), Valentino (Brandyt) 
and Daryl Wallace, Desi Lightbourne (Aldeira), Jace Sears, Caleb (Antoinette) and 
Sherwin Major (LaDonna), Usene Wright (Shirnae), Jimkardro Bethell, 
Craven Jr., Walton (Demetra) of Atlanta Georgia, Minister John, Minister Carlton (Josetta), 
Minister Jeffery and Pastor Javen Campbell of Florida, Elwood Rolle (Gwen) and Rollins Daniel Colebrooke;
Fifteen Nieces: Fredrica Victor (Hiram), Charmaine (David), Janae and Natalyia Wallace, 
Bridgette Kemp (Errol), Usma Wright, LaToya Moxey (Jeffrey Sr.), Minister Frances Smith (Rubin) 
of Florida, Joann Clarke (Ricky) of Atlanta Georgia, Sonya Johnson (Paxton), Minister Tonya and 
LaCresha Campbell of Florida, Racqueil Bethell, Annice Tucker (Foster) and Charlene Rolle;
Seven Sons Connected by Love: Dr. Nigel Lewis (Lorna), Colyn Major (Linda), 
Kirk Johnson (Marie), Reserve Superintendent Christopher Pennerman, Dr. Kevin Moss, 
Pastor Keane Adams (Amoy) and Dr. Carlton Chambers;
Six Daughters Connected by Love: Deborah Ingraham, V. Charisee Campbell-Rolle (Donald), 
Karen Moss, Karen Delancey, Jeniese Forbes (Prince) and Rhonda Chambers;
Two Adopted Grandsons: Lorrenzo Sr. (Tiffany) and Leonardo Morris (Laura);
Two Sisters-in-law: Sylvia Campbell of Hollywood Florida and Cynthia Wallace;
Godchildren: Ann Panza, Wilmore Munroe (Marilyn) and Kennard Campbell (Brenda);
Other Loving Family and Friends Including Munroe/Wallace Families: 
Merlene Dames (Denver), Delmeta Seymour, Cecil (Sherilyn), Bursil (Ethelyn), 
Winston (Glenys), Perry (Madge), and Maurice Wallace, Oralee Lampkin, Dr. Locksley, 
Alvin, Maria, Diane, Maria, Renee and Myrtle Munroe, Ricardo Newbold, Alfreda Hepburn, 
Wallis Carey (Lionel), Stephanie Duncanson (Blight) of Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, 
Enid Lockhart, Sheila Curling, Monica Armbrister, Marlene Miller, 
Marjorie Rahming (Elder Audley Sr.), Rowena Smith, Wendell Munnings, Bernadette Jennings 
and their families, the Late Eutherpie Wallace Descendants of the Late Marion Morris, 
Ethel Diah Wallace, Albert Wallace, Herbert (Evalena) and John Wallace (Verva), Roy, Tamar, 
Doreen, Christian, Harriette Munroe (Burton), Sarah Bridgewater (Harold), Gladys Storr, 
Roceta Miller (Percy) and their families, The Lockhart, Munroe, Wilsons, Curling, Bridgewater, 
Armbrister, Nesbitt, Maycock and Higgs families and the entire Ragged Island Community;
Bethell/Campbell Families: Maryann Ward (Dudley), Curlene Peterson, Francis Strachan, 
Princess Green, Mr. Sidney Bullard, Cleverson Bethell of Mastic Point Andros, Stancil, Ivan, 
Alfred and Amy Campbell, Hazel Cooper, Helena Clarke, Rita Mott, Melverne and Errol Johnson, 
Rodger (Emily) and Pastor Melvin Lewis (Constance), Vallie Sweeting, Bloneva and Branhilda Brown, 
Cassiemae, Frederick and Shirley Curry of Nicolls Town Andros,  Ruth Walkes, Elder Barry, 
Kirk, and Antoine Saunders, Bradman Evans, Missouri Sherman-Peters, Dr. Joseph Evans, 
Mellie Price, Cyril and Rose McMillian, Grace Carey-Toote, the Campbell, Colebrooke, 
Evans and Russell Families of North Andros; Children of the late Doris Lewis, Althea Pratt, 
Richard, Henry, Albert, Clarita and Austin Campbell, Elias Rolle, Manassah Barr Sr., 
Rebecca Johnson, Martha Murphy, Joseph and Clara Lewis, Vernice Wallace, Edison and 
Isabella Miller and their families;
Other Loving Friends Including: Evalina Musgrove, Patricia Sands, Dency Moss, 
Dr. Ruby Major, Keith and Mable Mason, Elizabeth Moses, Stella Romer, Ruth Walkes, 
Christine Cartwright, Betsy Deveaux-Mackey, Leona Sweeting (Bruce), Juanita Brown, 
Dr. John, Dr. Rhonda and NyAshia Carter, Marina Toote-Lockhart, Olga Roach, 
Jonathan and Osbourne Stuart, Mr. Winston "Tappy" Davis, Ruth Hamilton (Calford), 
Montrea Brown, Wesley Ingraham (Margot), Denise Spence, Godfrey Newry (Rosemary), 
Agatha Bevans, Quincy Nicolls (Perry), Portia Farrington, Anya Dorsette (Marcian), 
The McKenzie family, Terrance Thompson, Denise Mackey-Sullivan, Mrs. Delona, 
Jason Moncur, Evamae Rahming, Alexandria Roberts, Dr. Leonard Johnson (Denise), 
Pastor Paul Scavella, CMG (Joan), Pastor E. Dannie Clarke (Patrice), Pastor Howard and Sis Barr, 
Pastor Donahue Gordon (Patrice), Bro. Amos Flowers, Sis Paula Darville, Sis. Marjorie, Ellie, 
Dwayne, Sen. Hon. Nashell Adderley, Sis. Vestra Forbes, Bro. Arlington Woods (Judy), 
Bro. Kendal Curtis, Bro. and Sis Rufus Johnson, Bro. Anthony and Sis. Constance McKinney, 
Sis. Kathiann Antonio, Sis. Linda Deveaux, Bro. Leroy and Deloris Moncur, Bro. and Sis. Hughes, 
Pastor Larry and Cara Green, Sis. Denise Perrin, Sis. Quinshekka McKinney, DeAngella Wilson, 
Hon. Phillip "Brave" and Mrs. Ann Davis, Rt. Hon. Perry G. and Mrs. Bernadette Christie, 
Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin, Dr. Dante and Mrs. Cheryl Bazard, Mr. Neville and Mrs. Manita Wisdom, 
Lulamae Smith, Sen. Hon. Michael Halkitis, Alexis Simms, Michael Baker, Hon. Shenendon Cartwright, 
Tanna Maynard, Eden Zonicle, Albert Gaitor, Mrs. Pratt, Kaylan Green, Sean Alexander (Paulyann), 
Victor Moncayo (Yolanda), Mr. Paul Symonette, Sharnett and Roger and their families, 
Children of the Late Lorna Small, Rudolph and Naomi Miller, Carl and Jane Johnson, 
Christopher Francis Sr., and their families, Johnson Park SDA Church Family, 
The Seventh-day Adventist Church Community, Women's Branch of the Progressive Liberal Party, 
The Progressive Liberal Party, The Entire Oakes Field Community and a host of other 
Relatives and Friends too numerous to mention.
Special Thanks To: Dr. John Carter, Dr. Gemma Rolle, Dr. Locksley Munroe, Dr. Kevin Moss, 
Nursing Officer II Ruthimae Elliott, Nurse Gray, Female Surgical Ward II, Dr. Aranah-Minnis, 
PCA Moncur, Gynae Ward-Princess Margaret Hospital, Accident and Emergency Department 
Princess Margaret Hospital, and Emergency Medical Services.