(Eleuthera, Bahamas) Philip Michael Bethel, aged 39, of Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, the youngest of son of Reverend Philip Bethel and Mrs. Yvonne Bethel passed away during the early morning hours of Tuesday, July 31, 2012. Michael, as he was known, was said to have been diagnosed with cancer just 7 weeks ago. He was seeking treatment at a medical facility in Florida and was surrounded by family members at the time of his passing.
The Bethel’s in 2009 suffered the untimely death of Michael’s older brother Gaius Cornelius Bethel who passed away on Monday June 22, 2009.
Rev. Philip Bethel (71) represented Central Eleuthera in the Bahamian Parliament for 25 years, up to his retirement in 1997. As one of the signatories on the Bahamas’ “Declaration of Independence,” he is an integral part of the history of The Bahamas. In May 2011 he renewed his vows with his wife on their 50th wedding Anniversary.
Michael Bethel, (left), cuts the ribbon for his parents, Rev. Philip Bethel and Mrs. Yvonne Bethel, during their special 50th anniversary celebration in 2011.
The couple were blessed with six children – two girls and four boys (Deborah, Tryphena, Herman, Luke, Gaius [deceased], and Michael [deceased] ).
At the tender age of 14, Rev. Bethel suffered the loss his father, Captain Herman Bethel, to cancer.
