In December, we said goodbye

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December wasn’t nearly the giggle I would have liked for it to be.

While some issues are still pending, at least one item was completed with an unmistakable finality.

My grandmother went to her reward.

 BETHESDA ELEANORA W. POINTS

(April 10th, 1924 – November 26th, 2009)

Retired Detroit Public School Educator, mother of former State Representative David S. Points, retired Detroit Police Sergeant Isaac B. Points IV and Detroit Public School teacher Sharyl P. Chatman, Sr. has passed. Bethesda Westfield Points made her transition on the early morning of Thursday, November 26, 2009.

Besthesda Eleanora Westfield Points was born the eldest of two daughters to Dennis Westfield and Bertha Bryant Westfield on April 10, 1924 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She matriculated through the Pittsburgh Public School System. Upon completing high school, she attended Fisk University and graduated from Duquesne University, where she earned an Bachelors of Arts in Education. Several years later, she also obtained a Masters of Arts in Education from Wayne State University.

 In 1947, Bethesda met and soon wed Isaac Benjamin Points III. From this union, five children were born: Sharyl Dennise, Isaac Benjamin IV, Audrienne Lee Bertha, David Stephen, and Michael Gamaliel. Their growing family moved from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Chicago, Illinois, and finally resided in Detroit, Michigan. Bethesda enjoyed a teaching career that spanned over forty years in the Pittsburgh and Detroit Public School Systems. She was a long-standing, active member of Scott United Methodist Church in Detroit, Michigan, where she contributed her time and talents as president of United Methodist Women, and member of the choir and 3C’s, among other activities.

In addition, Bethesda was an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority for over sixty years. She was also a committed member of Top Ladies of Distinction – Renaissance Chapter. She was affectionately known as “Beth” to her friends and family. She truly enjoyed traveling, playing bridge, playing the piano, sewing, reading and volunteering her time. She was an especially doting grandmother and great-grandmother. Bethesda seldom missed birthdays, graduations, or milestones for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

 Beth is preceded in death by her parents, Dennis and Bertha Westfield; husband, Isaac B. Points III (c.1967); daughter, Audrienne Points Carter (c.1994); and sister, Mattie Ivola Westfield Crew (c.2005). Those she leaves behind to cherish her memory include: four children, Sharyl P. Chatman, Isaac B. Points IV, David S. Points, Michael G. Points; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

–Text courtesy of the family and Detroit Media.com