CHARLIE BELLINGER BETHEA

Charlie Cecelia Bellinger Bethea was the second child born to Harry and Elise Bellinger on March 31, 1948 in San Antonio, Texas. She was affectionately known as “Sugamomma”. Charlie was baptized as a child at St. Philips’ Episcopal Church. She attended Cuney Elementary, Douglas Jr. High, and Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio, Texas where she served as a member of the Lasso Pep Squad. After graduating in 1966, she attended the University of Houston and graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy.

She had an infectious smile and a zest for life, which made her memorable to all who came in contact with her. Charlie would talk to anyone and once you met her, you would never forget her. She was well known for helping any and everybody.

Charlie met and married Elvin L. Bethea and from that union a beautiful daughter, Brittany E. Bethea and a handsome son, Damon C. Bethea were born. Brittany and Damon were absolutely loved and adored by their mother. As a committed mother, she worked extremely hard to provide her children with the very best and managed to balance demands of family and career. Charlie was a loving mother and embraced her children’s friends as her own.

She worked as a Pharmacist and served as Director of Pharmacy for 25 years with the Harris County Hospital District. She also worked part-time as a Pharmacist for Walgreens. She served as a member of the Texas State Board of Pharmacy for almost 6 years and was appointed as the President of the board during a few of those years by former Texas Governor Ann Richards.
Charlie was very active in civic affairs and hosted several fundraising campaigns for politicians. She was President of and CEO of Bellinger-7 Films, Inc. and the Executive Producer of the film Resurrection: The J.R. Story, produced in 2005. Charlie owned the movie rights to the Ballad of Camp Logan, the story of the first racial riots in Houston in 1917. 

She enjoyed celebrating her life and the lives of others. In her spare time, Charlie enjoyed watching MSNBC and listening to old R&B music. She absolutely loved spending time with family and friends.

Charlie was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Elise Bellinger; her sister, Patricia Bellinger Charlton and her brother, Valmo “Lil Man” Bellinger. She leaves to cherish fond memories her daughter, Dr. Brittany Bethea; her son, Damon Bethea; a daughter-in-law, Kay Bethea; cherished grandchildren, Devin Bethea, Kayne Simpson, Zaylan Phillips, Dylan Bethea, Sydney Jefferson Bethea, Aaliyah Bethea, Ari Bethea, Anushka Bethea, Abigail Bethea, Annie Dell Bethea, and Amelia Bethea; niece, Danielle Charlton; nephew, Anthony “Spocky” Bellinger; great niece, Jade Montalbo; great nephews, Patrick Bellinger, Joshua and Isaiah Washington and a host of other relatives and friends