Bethany Ann Lyman

Bethany Ann Lyman, age 77, of Newport died Thursday, November 9, 2017 at home in Newport. Bethany was born May 1, 1940 in Cranston, RI. She is the daughter of the late Lewis and the late Harriet (Foskey) Waterman. Bethany was a long-time member of Alcoholics Anonymous and was sober for 53 years. She was a tireless advocate of sobriety for people who suffered from the disease of addiction, and when anyone, anywhere reached out their hand for help with addiction, she was there. In addition, Bethany's career included working with not only people with substance abuse, but also with the homeless population and with children.Bethany was a single mother of five children and one foster son. Her dedication, love, and devotion to her children, and often her children's friends who needed help and support, was legendary. In addition to her parents, Bethany is predeceased by her siblings Lewis E. Waterman, Richard E. Waterman, Susan Waterman, and Bruce A. Waterman.She is survived by her children Walter M. Renshaw of Putnam, CT; Clifford J. Renshaw and his wife Tracie of Putnam, CT; Sharon L. Lyman Correia and her husband Timothy of Tiverton, RI; Stacey L. Platt of Newport, RI; William E. Lyman and his wife Karey of Middletown, RI; and Kevin J. McCarthy of Stamford, CT; her grandchildren Christopher, Nick, Erica, Kori, Jared, Tyler, Cody, Jake, Ryan, Madison, Zachary, Brandon, Benjamin, and Nicholas; and ten great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Linda Warner and her husband John of Brooklyn, CT; her brother David Waterman of Melbourne, FL; and her brother William E. Waterman of Newport, RI. Her family would also like to give special recognition to her caregiver Shannon Matoes for her continuous dedication, support, and true care for Bethany.A Celebration of Bethany's Life will be held on Saturday December 2nd at St. Paul's United Methodist Church 12 Marlborough Street Newport RI, beginning at 1pm.