Mrs. Geneva A. Bethea, age 73 of Brooklyn, NY, peacefully departed this life on Friday, June 22, 2012 at Brooklyn Hospital Center, Brooklyn, NY.

Geneva, the sixth of nine children of the late Paul and Dora Rook Atkins, was born May 6, 1939 in Greensville County, Emporia, VA.

She received her education through the public schools of Greensville County.

She grew up in Greensville County and North Carolina.

At 18 years of age, she made her way to New York City and there she worked as a cook and domestic worker until she became ill.

She was very instrumental in the rearing of several nieces and nephews who she loved unconditionally as if they were her own.

In 1984, she met and married Thomas Bethea who preceded her in death after two years of marriage.

Treasured memories will remain with her sister: Thelma Atkins Jackson (Ray) of Brooklyn, NY; one brother: Tommy Washington of Emporia, VA; four sisters-in-law; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.

A Service of Reflection will be held on Friday, June 29, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. from the Memorial Chapel of Cofield Mortuary, Weldon, NC. Words of comfort will be delivered by Mrs. Bethea's Nephew, Dr. Jimmy Atkins.

Interment will follow in the Jerusalem Baptist Church Cemetery, Emporia, VA.

The Cofield Family and Staff extends their heartfelt sympathy and continued support to the Atkins Family during and after this period of bereavement.