Myrtle Bethume Cameron

Homegoing Celebration

Myrtle Bethune Johnston Cameron

In my distress I cried unto the Lord and he heard me.
Psalms 120:1

"Lord, help me!" Myrtle Bethune Johnston Cameron was born in Albany, Georgia to the late Rev. Thomas Clifford and Iola (White) Johnston on September 14, 1922. She attended the Opelika City Schools and gradu-ated from East Street High School. She excelled in math and language and worked for a short time at her for-mer high school teaching Math and French.

Seeking a better life, she migrated to New York City to join her older siblings, eventually settling in Brooklyn. She took a job as a bookbinder and it was there that she met and married her husband, the late Lewis Lee Cameron. Myrtle was an accomplished seamstress and often made clothing for her children simply from a de-scription. She remained at home while raising her six children. Myrtle often helped with her nieces and neph-ews while their parents worked--many of whom affectionately thought of her as their second mom.

Quiet and introspective by nature, Myrtle was a source of strength with the heart of a servant. She loved God and therefore loved His people; always offering assistance when she saw a need. She would make clothing, prepare taxes and provide assistance for neighbors, family and friends. She loved having people around her and derived great pleasure in the impromptu family gatherings at her home in Brooklyn.

When her children were older, Myrtle took a job at Macy's Herald Square on 34th Street in New York City. She loved her work and knew every inch of the store. After 17 years of service, Myrtle moved back to her family home at 1413 South Street in Opelika, Alabama where she helped care for her mother until the time of her passing. Myrtle united with her beloved Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. George McCulloh. She served as a Missionary and was active in the church and in Opelika community and civic organizations.

Prior to moving to the Albany area in 2011 where she lived with her daughter, Dorinda Davis, Myrtle lived briefly in Greenville, South Carolina where she was assisted by her daughter, Jacalyn Williams. Even though she was unable to get around as she had in the past, Myrtle continued to love the companionship of young and old. She had a smile that would light up the room and a heart that make you feel special. Later she moved to the Van Rensselaer Manor in North Greenbush, NY where she remained until she was called home.

Myrtle was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Thomas and Iola Johnston, 3 brothers Thaddeus Clifford, John Benjamin, William Decker, a sister Mary Eliza King, and a special friend Roosevelt Hines. Among those who will cherish her memory are her sons, Alvin Lewis Camerion (Bessie) of Baldwin Harbor, NY, Andrew Wil-liam Cameron (Sylvia) of San Antonio, Texas; her daughters, Dorinda Anita Davis of E. Greenbush, NY, Jaca-lyn Demarshia Williams of Greenville, SC, Jocelyn Demarshia Seabrooks of Brooklyn, NY, and Myrtle Michele Barrett(Brian) of Charlotte, SC. She is survived by her one sister Portia Ruth Wilson of St. Albans, NY, and two brothers, Jeremiah Wycliff Johnston (Margaret) of Palm Harbor, Florida and Mordecai Lincoln Johnston (Thelma) of Opelika, Alabama, 12 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, a host of nieces and nephews and her extended family of "children" from Albany, NY.