Early morning on November 21, 2019 at Trellis Supportive Care, God called Cleveland L. Bethea from labor to reward after an extended illness.

Cleveland L. Bethea was born to Cleveland Bethea and the late Earlene Bethea in Forsyth County on October 12, 1957. He was educated in the Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County Schools and graduated from North Forsyth High School. During his early years he worked in his father's various family businesses.  He began his love for cars and car maintenance during that time. He also developed a passion and love for antique cars. Cleveland was formerly employed at Hayward Industries, Volvo Trucking, Roadway and prior to retiring from the trucking industry, he worked as a contract long distance truck driver transporting mail for the US Postal Service.

He had many passions including fishing, watching cowboy movies, attending antique car shows, attending drag races, landscaping and car detailing. He was the proud owner/operator of Vot Lawn Care/Auto Detailing business prior to health issues. Cleveland was an avid motorcyclist during his early years, competing in numerous drag racing competitions at Farmington Dragway and out -of -state competitions. He won numerous races and received recognition for his accomplishments in drag racing. He was a proud "Harley-Davidson" motorcyclist and loved riding his bike with friends over the years. Cleveland was a jack of many trades and loved do-it-yourself projects around the house.

Cleveland was affectionately called "VOT" by family and friends. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, friend and mentor. Vot was a Godly man who loved life, praying for others, studying his bible and watching television ministry.  He loved proclaiming the works of the Lord and was on an assignment encouraging others to accept Christ into their life.  He maintained a strong determining spirit to live life and "Trust God" during his extended illness.

He was preceded in death by his mother Earlene Bethea, several aunts, uncles and other relatives.

He is survived by "The Love of His Life" wife, Valeria Y. Bethea; a daughter, Nancy Shanetta Payne; two step-sons, Danny Greene and Derrick Greene; two grandsons, Jaymond Payne and Jayceon Payne Hunter; father, Cleveland Bethea; siblings, Debra A. Bethea, William C. Bethea and Kenneth L. Bethea; special devoted lifelong friends of over a 60-year brotherhood, Larry Haney, Bernard Jones, Lee Kimbrough, Calvin Higgins, Ronnie B. and Howard May; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and a community of friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00noon Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church with Dr. Alvin Armstead officiating.  Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12:00noon on Wednesday at the Church.