Joseph Marcellus Bethly, 35, of Chesapeake, departed this life Sunday, Dec. 21, 2003, in Maryview Hospital.

He was predeceased by his mother, Betty Bethly.

Joseph was a member of the Potter’s House Church, in Suffolk where he went faithfully.

He was also a former employee of Marine Hydraulic Inc. (MHI) in Norfolk for 13 years.

He leaves to cherish his memory a wife, Vertlene Thorpe Bethly, one son, Jo Waan Bethly; two daughters, Porschia Outlaw and Verticia Thorpe; three brothers, Calvin Bethly, William Bethly and De Angelo Davis; one sister, Kin Davis; one step-mother, Shirley Davis; five sisters-in-law, Meredith Butts (Michael), Regina Stevens (Kenny), Elder Brenda Thorpe Parrish (Steve), Elder Brenda Thorpe Parrish (Steve), Sylvia Thorpe (Oscar), and Ada Thorpe Bassham (George); one brother-in-law, Buddy Thorpe (Pamela); and a father-in-law and mother-in-law, Sylvester and Vertley Thorpe.

All funeral arrangements are being handled by Nicholson-Cummings Funeral Home in Portsmouth and are still pending.

Family and friends will assemble at 119 Allard Road in Portsmouth.