Oreena Michelle Bethell

Oreena Michelle Bethell Age 57 years of #52 Davis Street, Oakes Field completed her 
earthly walk of this life and entered eternity, at the Princess Margaret Hospital on Friday, November 17, 2017.

She was born at Nassau, New Providence, the Bahamas on Tuesday, October 25, 1960. 
A healthy 7-pound baby girl with a head full of wooly, soft, jet black curls made her grand 
entrance into the world. She was a beautiful child with Rosy cheeks and a sparkle in her 
eyes and her arrival gave Maxwell and Marileeta Wallace-Bethell the honor of becoming 
first time parents. Her grandmother Evelyn gave her the name Oreena after a beautiful 
actress from her favorite television show and her mother gave her the name Michelle (Me-chelle). 
The Joy she brought into their lives was only comparable to the Love they showered her with. 
Her mother would give her the moniker "Shelly" which quickly caught on with family and friends. 
Shelly's birth also opened the door to grandparenthood for her Paternal Grandparents 
Frederick and Frances "Auntie Sissa" Campbell-Bethell and she was the second grandchild 
to her Maternal Grandparents, Fredrick and Evelyn Munroe-Wallace.  Her father had a 
special love in his heart for her as he did not have any sisters unlike her mother who was blessed with 9. 

As a child, Shelly was very quiet and respectful and was loved by all her family. She loved to 
play with her dolls and took great pride dressing them up and styling their hair. An activity 
that she would carry out on herself throughout her life. She was home schooled by her mother 
until she was equipped enough to enter the doors of Bahamas Academy Elementary.  
At Bahamas Academy, she would meet and make many friends, maintaining many of those 
friendships up to the very end. Her schoolmates always viewed her as a loving and joyful person. 
She was a caring classmate with an endearing personality.

At an early age she made the conscious decision to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal 
Savior. A vow to worship, honor, be faithful and tell others of his love, grace and mercy, she took 
very seriously. She was baptized by Pastor Dr. Hugh Roach at Montague Beach along with her 
two brothers Francis and Demetrius. Her two greatest loves were her heavenly father and her family. 

As a devoted child of the Heavenly King, she took great pride in giving service to his kingdom 
and to her church. Her love for children led her to accept a role in the Children's Department 
of Johnson Park Seventh-day Adventist Church, where for many years she served as a Sabbath 
School Teacher. The children loved Sis. Bethell or Sis. Michelle as some would affectionately 
call her. She eventually moved upstairs from the Children's Department to the Early teen class 
where the young people embraced her and appreciated her. She listened to them and always had 
a scripture or an encouraging word to share with them.  She took part in the church's youth 
department as a Master Guide in the Pathfinder Club. Shelly served as a Deaconess from the age 
of 16 and she remained true and faithful to her God. Under the guidance of the Late Sis. Colebrooke 
of Grants Town, Seventh-day Adventist Church, Shelly became a Bible worker volunteering to go 
door-to-door and corner to corner to study and share God's message of love, hope and peace with 
everyone she met. Along with ushering, bible working was something Shelly did for many years.  
Her last role which she served with pride was as her Sabbath School Class Secretary.

Having a passion for knowledge, and the belief that Education is an important key to a successful 
life, Michelle throughout the years successfully completed many courses some locally, some 
internationally and some online. Some of the courses she completed included a Certificate in 
Corporate Management, Diploma in EU Public Procurement, Fundamentals of Incoterms, 
Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) at Oakwood College, Huntsville, Alabama, Microsoft 
Office Specialist to name a few. Michelle was one of the first Bahamians to earn her CPS 
Certification which made her family very proud. A well-rounded individual, she enjoyed 
learning more about the things that interested her and becoming certified in those things 
was a top priority. Michelle was successful in completing several Culinary Courses that 
included Gourmet Cooking I & II and Pastry Making at the University of The Bahamas. 
Flavor, fresh produce and presentation were key! Her creative side was not limited to just 
the Culinary Arts but she also had a passion for fashion and interior decorating; she learnt 
Garment and Drapery Making at JuJu Tailoring. As Michelle increased her knowledge, she 
would always ensure the knowledge she had attained was shared with others and encouraged 
everyone to continue to seek after higher learning.    

Michelle was a very industrious young woman, always kept herself busy whether at home or 
on the job.  She was a good organizer who enjoyed bringing order to chaos.  She started her 
career as a Typist/Clerk at the Ministry of Works. In 1985 she accepted employment with the 
National Insurance Board and over the course of time would serve as a Secretary in the Contributions, 
Legal and Pension Departments. Michelle took great pride in her work and her ability to serve the 
customer with the utmost respect, confidentiality and accuracy was paramount to her. In 1998 she 
joined the law firm of Devard B. Williams & Co. as an Office Manager where she remained until 2005. 
Michelle joined the Office Administration team of Bamboo Shack in 2005. She later joined the 
Kerzner International Development Project Team where she served as an Administrative Assistant. 
Once that project came to an end she was offered the position of Office Administrator at Palm Tree 
Partners Ltd. in 2008. After her fathers' passing in September, 2010 Michelle made the decision to 
take some time off to assist her mother at home and began working part time as an Office Administrator 
in her brothers' small businesses.

Mid-August 2017, Michelle was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Breast Cancer.  
Even in sickness she remained faithful in her relationship with Christ. She would often 
be found reading her bible, watching Christian programs or listening to Christian songs 
when visitors came to see her in hospital in Florida. The doctors and nurses there found 
it a pleasure to assist her. They often talked about how pleasant and thoughtful she was 
to them. She returned home to the Bahamas by Air Ambulance and was brought to the 
Princess Margaret Hospital. As her condition began to deteriorate, and pain became intense, 
she was grateful to have her family and loved ones around her. She took the time to thank 
them and the doctors and nurses who cared for her for all that they had done. In the early 
hours of Friday 17th November 2017 Oreena Michelle Bethell took her last breath.

Shelly genuinely loved people. It was next to impossible to meet her and forget her. Her 
personality was one that made even the shyest person feel comfortable and warm up to her. 
She knew how to show love to everyone she met. She was kind, helpful and encouraging to 
everyone who had the privilege of crossing her path. She had strong Christian values and led 
an exemplary life one that her parents and family were proud of.  Shelly was a Gift from God 
one that will be cherished long after she has been separated from us. 

We have that hope that if we walk in the path of the Lord we shall be reunited with Shelly once again.

Oreena is preceded in death by her:
Father: Maxwell Francis Bethell;
Grandparents: Frederick and Francis Campbell-Bethell, Fredrick and Evelyn Munroe-Wallace;
Uncles: Bishop Craven Campbell and Lorenzo Bethell;
Aunt: Merton Wallace;

The Radiance of this "Opal of A Gem" will always glow in the hearts of her:
Mother: Marileeta Melsaida Wallace-Bethell;
Four Brothers: Francis, Demetrius, Peter and Ian Bethell;
One Sister: Maxaleeta Bethell-Swain;
Four Adopted Brothers: Albert Gaitor, Kirk Johnson, ASP Christopher Pennerman and Terrance Thompson;
Four Adopted Sisters: Shirley Longley, V. Charisee Campbell, Arnett Nairn and Jenase Forbes;
Three Nephews: Shandon and Devonte' Bethell and Alpheus Bevans;
Five Nieces: Devonah, Azaria, Shantia and Brianna Bethell and Kemeia Swain;
Two Grandnieces: Jaden Moncur and Destiny Adderley;
Four Uncles: Cyril Lloyd Bethell, Frederick Wallace, Gerald Wright and Edward Rolle;
Eleven Aunts: Mildred, Margavine, Azonia, Sadiemae, Gloria and Cynthia Wallace, Dorothy Strachan, 
Lorna Major, Victoria Wright, Slyvia Campbell of Hollywood Florida and Carolyn Rolle;
One Brother-in-law: Kemeo Swain;
Four Sisters-in-law: Melonie, De'Shannon, Serena and Shanette Bethell;
Cousins: Marion Morris, Desi Lightbourne, Fredrica Victor (Hiram), Montgomery (Julie), 
Desmond (Krista), Charmaine (David), Daryl, Valentino, Janae and Natalyia Wallace, 
Caleb (Antoinette) and Sherwin Major (LaDonna), Jace Sears, Usma and Usene Wright (Shirnae), 
Bridgette Kemp (Errol), Rollins Colebrooke, LaToya Moxey (Jeffrey Sr.), Racqueil and Jimkardro Bethell, 
Children Of The Late Bishop Craven Campbell Of The United States of America, Annice Tucker (Foster), 
Elwood and Charlene Rolle and their families;
Godchildren: Ricky Mackey, Kentington Sands, Channing Spence, Deleon Miller-Johnson, 
DeAngelo Thompson, Jeremiah Dorsett and NyAshia Carter;
Other loving family and friends including: Munroe/Wallace Families: Mr. D'Glanville Panza, 
Mr. Denver and Merlene Dames, Mrs. Delmeta Seymour, Mr. Cecil and Mrs. Sherilyn, Mr. Bursil and 
Mrs. Ethelyn, Mr. Winston and Mrs. Glenys, Mr. Perry and Mrs. Madge, Mrs. Verva, Mr. Maurice Wallace, 
Ms. Oralee Lampkin, Ms. Diane and Mrs. Myrtle Munroe, Ms. Monica Armbrister, Mrs. Alfreda Hepburn, 
Mr. and Mrs. Vivian and Ms. Enid Lockhart and their families, Children of the Late Harriette and 
Christian Munroe, the Late Sarah Bridgewater, the Late Gladys Storr, the Late Percy and Roceta Miller 
and their families, The Lockhart, Munroe, Wilsons, Curling and Maycock families and the entire 
Ragged Island Community;
Bethell/Campbell Families Mr. Dudley and Mrs. Maryann Ward, Mrs. Curlene Peterson, 
Mrs. Francis Strachan, Mrs. Princess Green, Mr. Sidney Bullard, Mr. Cleverson Bethell of Mastic 
Point Andros, Mr. Stancil, Mr. Ivan, Mr. Austin, Mr. Alfred and Mrs. Amy Campbell and their families, 
Mrs. Hazel Cooper, Mr. Johnnie and Mrs. Helena Clarke, Ms. Rita Mott, Mrs. Melverne Johnson, 
Children of the late Althea Pratt, the late Martha Murphy, the late Richard, the late Henry and the 
Late Albert and Clarita Campbell, the Late Elias Rolle, the late Manassah Barr Sr., of Errol and the 
Late Rebecca Johnson and the late Vernice Wallace and their families, Mrs. Tricia Bethell, 
Miss Khara Ellison, Mrs. Helen Hall, Mr. Rodger and Mrs. Emily, Dr. Nigel and Mrs. Lorna, 
Pastor Melvin and Mrs. Constance and Mrs. Clara Lewis, Mrs. Vallie Sweeting, Mr. Edison Miller, 
Ms. Bloneva and Ms. Branhilda Brown, Mrs. Grace Toote, Mrs. Cassiemae Curry of Nicolls 
Town Andros, Mr. Frederick and Mrs. Shirley Curry, Ms. Missouri Sherman-Peters, Dr. Joseph Evans, 
Hon. Darrel Rolle, Mrs. Mellie Price, Mrs. Rose McMillian and their families, the Colebrooke, 
Evans and Russell Families of Andros;
Other loving friends including: Pastor Leonardo and Sis. Paulyn Rahming, Dr. Kevin and 
Mrs. Karen Moss, Drs. John Sr., Rhonda and Mr. John Carter Jr., Mrs. Patricia Sands, 
Mrs. Christine Cartwright, Ms. Betsy Deveaux, Mrs. Tanya Pratt, Mrs. Glendia Alexis, 
Mrs. Y. Denise Sullivan, Ms. DeLorna, Sis. Elizabeth Moses, Mr. Osbourne Stuart, 
Mrs. Agatha Bevans, Mr. Perry and Mrs. Quincy Nicolls, Mr. Devard Williams, Ms. Elaine Pinder, 
Mrs. Albertha Bartlett, Mrs. Sharon Stewart, Mrs. Daphne Adderley, Mr. Joe Buchanan, 
Mr. Wesley and Ms. Deborah Ingraham, Ms. Judy Williams, Bro. Colin and Sis. Linda Major, 
Ms. Denise Spence, Mrs. Lolita Smith-Dorsett, Ms. Lisa Collie, Mr. Godfrey and Mrs. Rosemary Newry, 
Ms. Kathy and Ms. Lilly Burrows, Mr. Carl and Mrs. Jane Johnson, Mrs. Evalina Musgrove, 
Ms. Portia Farrington, Mr. Bruce and Mrs. Leona Sweeting, Mr. Micky and Mrs. Juanita Brown, 
Mr. Jason Moncur, Ms. Evamae Rahming, Mr. Donald Rolle, Mr. Prince Forbes, Mr. Bradley and 
Nana Roberts, Mrs. Malincia Higgs, Mrs. Shellyn Ingraham, Dr. Hugh A. and Mrs. Olga Roach, 
Dr. Leonard and Mrs. Denise Johnson, Pastor Paul and Mrs. Joan Scavella, Pastor E. Dannie and 
Mrs. Patrice Clarke, Pastor Howard and Sis. Barr, Pastor and Mrs. Keanne Adams, Pastor Larry and 
Mrs. Cara Green, Bro. Amos and Sis. Olga Flowers, Sis. Paula Darville, Sis. Marjorie Adderley, 
Sis. Vestra Forbes, Bro. Arlington and Sis Judy Woods, Bro. Keith and Sis. Mable Mason, 
Sis. Ivy Humes, Sis. Jackie Gibson, Bro. Stanley and Sis. Ruby Major, Bro. Kendal and Sis. Ruth Curtis, 
Sis. Dency Moss, Sis. Stella Romer, Sis. Ruth Walkes, Bro. and Sis. Rufus Johnson, Bro. Anthony and
 Sis. Constance McKinney, Bro. and Sis. Hughes, Sis. Denise Perrin, Sis. Quinshekka McKinney, 
Mr. Christopher Francis Sr., Mr. Winston "Tappy" Davis, Mr. Sharma and family, Mr. Calford and 
Mrs. Ruth Hamilton, 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, 
Mr. Paul Symonette, Ms. Amanda Forbes, Mrs. Beverley Johnson-Bethell, Mrs. Bernadette Johnson-Adderley, 
Mrs. Daphne Johnson-Adderley, Mr. Leonard Markland, Sharnett and Desna and their families, 
Children of the Late Lorna Small, the Late Rudolph and Naomi Miller and their families, Bahamas 
Academy Graduating Class of 1980, The Entire Oakes Field Community Family and a host of other 
Relatives and Friends too numerous to mention.
Special Thanks To: Ministry of Works, National Insurance Board, Devard Williams and Co., 
Bamboo Shack, Kerzner International Development, Palm Tree Partners Ltd., The Johnson Park 
Church and The Entire Seventh-Day Adventist Church Family, Women's Branch of the Progressive Liberal Party.