Rozell "Marie" Morgan

Rozell “Marie” Morgan was born to Margie Burks on October 8th, 1950 in Sherman, Texas. She was the eldest of 6 children- three sisters and three brothers. During her teenage years, Rozell moved to Portland, OR with her grandparents Charlie Bell Morgan and Brisco Morgan, whom she affectionately called “mother” and “daddy”. It was in her grandparents home where she felt the most love, learned about the goodness of the Lord, and developed her skills to become a caretaker.

While attending Jefferson High School, Rozell met Kenneth Bethune Sr and immediately fell in love. From their union they conceived four beautiful children, Sharell Bethune, Nicole Bethune, James Carl Bethune, and Kenneth Asone Bethune. The four of them were her pride and joy and she made sure that everyone knew; she never let challenges stand in the way of her becoming the best version of herself for her children. In fact, Marie made it her life’s work to re-dedicate her life to Christ and to ensure that she spent her time celebrating every milestone with her family.

As a young woman, Rozell worked as a caretaker helping those with disabilities in multiple care facilities. She wanted to ensure that her clients had enjoyed life to the fullest, and would often take them on outings to explore the city. Marie was selfless, and always wanted to give to others, no matter her own circumstances. She opened her home to many, graciously gave to strangers, and even spent her final year advocating for those in need.

Family gatherings were very important to Marie. She was truly the life of the party and enjoyed dancing, singing, and enjoying a good meal. She would often call each member of the family to delegate which dish she wanted them to bring or “make for her”. She loved her grandchildren, and would show up to every event, game, performance and graduation. She was “granny”. The one who made them laugh, showed them old school dances, and called to check in no matter the day or time. Most importantly for her, she never missed a birthday and always had Kohl’s cash on hand for a gift.

As a devout member of the Church of Christ she served in the Women’s Choir, attended Wednesday night Bible Study, and would often stand to share her testimony in order to encourage others. Her love for the Lord was infectious, and she would always remind others to keep God first in all that you do. She wouldn’t miss a week without calling to ask you to “Come to Church on Sunday”. She alongside her mother Margie Burks, poured into their church family and set out to spread the word to all who would listen. She made sure to praise God for not only what he did but for who he was.

Rozell is preceded in death by her husband Kenneth Bethune Sr. of Portland, OR. Rozell leaves to celebrate her legacy four children- Sharell Bethune of Portland, OR; Nicole Bethune of Portland, OR, James Bethune of Vancouver, WA, and Kenneth Bethune of Portland, OR. Son in Law Jesse Talton, Daughter in Law Nichelle Bethune, and a Daughter in Love Kiesha Dykestra. She leaves to carry out her legacy 11 grandchildren; Brittnie Marcell, Rayana Jefferson, JayVaughn Bethune, Ramone Bethune, Nikyle Bethune, James Bethune Jr, Neah Bethune, Kenny Bethune Jr., Kirk Bethune, Malachi Bethune, and Nyla Bethune and 1 great-grandchild Ramiyah Bethune. She will forever be remembered and missed by many sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, favorite cousins, friends and her church family.

John 14: 2-3 "My Father’s house has many rooms... I am going there to prepare a place for you... I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am".

A visitation will be held at Ross Hollywood Chapel & Killingsworth St. John’s Lombard Little Chapel of the Chimes, located at 4733 NE Thompson St, Portland, OR 97213, on March 4, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The Homegoing Celebration is scheduled for March 5, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Mallory Avenue Church of Christ, 3908 NE Mallory Ave, Portland, OR 97212.

A Graveside Service will take place on March 5, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm at Finley-Sunset Hills Mortuary & Sunset Hills Memorial Park, 6801 SW Sunset Hwy, Portland, OR 97225.