Bethel Rebecca Andrus

"Grace was in all her steps. Heaven in her eye. In every gesture, dignity and love." John Milton To those who knew Bethel Andrus, those words will ever ring true. While our hearts are broken, there has surely been rejoicing on those streets of gold these past several days. Heaven is a sweeter place with her voice in its' choir. Bethel Rebecca Andrus, 87, was born February 18, 1928 in Vicksburg, Mississippi and passed from this life to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 10, 2015 in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She was married to her sweetheart, Leon Andrus for 59 years before he preceded her in death nigh unto 12 years ago. Bethel was a charter member of First Pentecostal Church of Lake Charles close to 70 years. Church was her heart and soul. Her greatest victories were won on her knees, and her prayers will forever envelop her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Taking care of others was her passion, whether children, family, or friends. "Aunt Beck," as many lovingly referred to her, was a beloved grandmother, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. She also loved to cook. Her family will forever remember her shrimp stew, cornbread dressing, fresh banana cakes, and sweet potato pies. Words cannot convey how much she will be missed by all who knew and loved her. In addition to her beloved husband, Leon Andrus, she is preceded in death by her parents, Rev. A.D. and Bessie Varnado; and her sisters, Martha Andrus and Ruth Varnado. Those left to carry on her legacy are three children, Hazel Andrus Harrell and husband Rev. Dr. John Harrell, Bridge City, Texas; Rev. Dr. Leon Royce Andrus, Jr. and wife Glenda, Milford, Delaware; and Janet Andrus Donahue and husband Rev. John A. Donahue, Moss Bluff; eight grandchildren, Dr. Jahnette Wilson and husband Scotty and Derryl Harrell and wife Dana, both of the Woodlands, Texas; Cherie Makosky and husband Rev. Greg Makosky, Dr. Shiloh Andrus, Angela Carrington and husband Rev. Dr. Timothy Carrington, Rev. Joel Andrus and Shenea, all of Milford, Delaware; John Adam Donahue and wife Heather, Friendswood, Texas and Amanda Shearer and husband Mark, Moss Bluff, Louisiana; eleven great grandchildren, Nolan, Halle, and Lilia Shearer, Ariel Donahue, Dylan, Daniel, and Derick Harrell, Gregory and Garrison Makosky, and Benjamin and Maiyah Carrington; one brother, David Varnado and wife Thyra, Moss Bluff, Louisiana; two sisters, Mary Britt, Brookhaven, Mississippi and Rev. Dr. Janet Trout and husband Rev. Wayne, Dover, Delaware; devoted caregivers, Sherry Anderson, Stephanie Brock, and Jammie Collins as well as a host of nieces, nephews and extended and church family. Visitation will be at the First Pentecostal Church of Lake Charles, 320 Bunker Rd. Lake Charles, Louisiana, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Monday November 16, 2015. A Funeral Service to celebrate her life will begin at 6:00 PM Monday with the Rev. Jeffery Ralston officiating. A private burial will be on Tuesday at Magnolia Cemetery in Ragley, Louisiana where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved Leon. Those serving as pallbearers will be Derryl Harrel, John Adam Donahue, Joel Andrus, Scotty Wilson, Tim Carrington, Gregory Makosky, Mark Shearer and Jamie Andrus. Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy, David, Gary, Kenny, Randy, Scott and Duane Andrus.