Tawana Bethea

Her younger years were spent growing up on Fort Belvoir Army Installation and right outside the base in Fairfax County, Virginia. She graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1984. She was so proud to be a Mount Vernon Major! In 1986, she began her career in the federal government where she remained over 38 years. Through her many years of service she achieved many awards, promotions and all her accolades. At the time of her death, Tawana Bethea was employed as the Chief of the DHA Human Capital Division in the J-1. She was passionate and proud about her federal government career in Human Resources, her exceptional work, her success, her “people” and the many lives she touched along the way. As she always said, “I paid the cost to be the boss!” Yes, she did.

On June 6, 1992 she was united in Holy Matrimony to Lionel Bethea. Three beautiful girls were a part of this union of over 20 years as was a very, very special grandson (a BOY finally!) and a NEW baby boy grandson on the way due this winter. Tawana’s family was her absolute pride and joy. She certainly excelled in her career but those three girls and that grandson were truly her life’s work. If you knew Tawana, you knew how much she loved and adored her three girls and her grandson, Kane.

Tawana was peacefully called to be with Our Father on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at home with her daughters, Kumiah and Kyla, and son-in-law Philco. She was surrounded by love and comfort as she departed this life on Earth and began her journey to eternal life. Tawana was known for her outgoing personality, kind and generous spirit, her whit, that sharp tongue, her beautiful soul, her exceptional style, and of course her food! She held many gatherings at her home where ALL were welcomed for a good time and a good meal. She was always the life of the party and a light in all the lives she touched and the many lives she was a part of. She left an everlasting impact on all of our lives. Anyone that knew her, loved her immensely, and she most definitely loved you all back.

Tawana was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, brother Tyrone R Bowers Sr., niece Elisa Bowers, grandson Kade Prescott, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends that surely met her at the gates when she made her GRAND entrance!

Tawana’s beautiful life will forever be remembered and cherished by her three daughters, Kumiah L. Melendez Goins (Philco), Kalia Bethea (Shelby), Kyla Bethea, and grandson Kanemichael. Tawana also leaves to cherish her memory Lionel Bethea, her brother Allen L. Bowers and sister-in-law Annette Bowers, sister-in-law Annette Black Bowers, sister Michelle Hyman and brother-in-law Carroll Hyman, sister Sonya Ruffin, sister Sylvia Brown, maternal uncle James A. Pittman, paternal uncle Allen Bowers, paternal aunt Loretta Bassett, nephews Michael Bowers, Jamie Bowers (Melissa), Tyrone Bowers Jr., Brandon Bowers (Aliese), Carroll P. Hyman (Jessica), Christopher Hyman, and niece Heather Bowers—and many great nieces and nephews, devoted cousins, extended family, coworkers (past and present), and lifelong friends whom she always made to feel like family.

Tawana would want us to remember her for the life she lived and lived well. Do not weep for her at her grave, for she is not there, she lives within all of us and shall wear her crown forever.

A visitation for Tawana will be held Friday, June 28, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Mullins and Thompson Funeral Service, Fredericksburg Chapel. Her celebration of life will begin at 10:30 AM, and her burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 3702 Loren Dr, Fredericksburg, VA.