On Thursday, September 22, 2022, the Lord called the lovely spirit of Mother Nona Lea Bush home from a long journey to a home of glory.

She was born March 19, 1920, to the late Elisha and Georgia McRae. She attended school in Locust Bayou. Though she had no formal education, Mother Bush was very intelligent and strong woman. A woman of many gifts and talents, she could add on her fingers faster than her granddaughter could on a calculator and give the correct answer. She encouraged getting a good education but also stressed the importance of using “common sense”. One of her favorite sayings was, “Girl, you better use your head for more than a hat rack.” She was raised in a Christian home and confessed a hope in Christ at an early age.

Mother Bush first united with Harrell COGIC under the leadership of Elder Cook. After the church’s closing she united with Hampton COGIC which is now known as Greater Grace Hampton COGIC. She was a devoted member serving as president of the pastor’s aide and Church Mother. She worked in whatever capacity to make things run decently and in order.

Mother Bush enjoyed gardening, fishing, cooking, baking and canning. She could make the best apple pies, sweet potato pie, potato salad and dressing. She also loved to quilt and made so many beautiful quilts and would often share them with family and friends. Mother Bush had a love for people. Many times she would cook and clean for the sick and elderly.

Mother Bush worked for Pace Defense Company then later retired from the Hampton Nursing Home.

She united in holy matrimony to William H. Bush on December 25, 1937. To this union nine children were added. Three children preceded her in death: Clara Mae Bush, Ethel Dean Edington and Jo Ellen Bush. She leaves to cherish her memories a loving husband of 84 years, Deacon William H. Bush Sr. of Harrell; six children, Lois Teen Golden, Mary Catherine Stephens, and Rita Junior (Robert Lee), all of Harrell, Linda Roshell and William H. Bush Jr., of Milwaukee, Betty Tatum (Larry) of Banks; a granddaughter that she raised as her own, Patricia Bush of Harrell; one stepson, Earnest Lee Bush (Shirley) of Houston, Texas; 25 grandchildren; 59 great-grandchildren; 67 great-great-grandchildren; three great-great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews that looked to her as a mother; and many other relatives and friends.

Also preceding her in death are parents, Elisha and Georgia McRae; siblings, Ossie “Honey” Ware, Lee Artis McRae, Mazola ”SugarLee” Medlock, and Maryland McRae; grandchildren, Gail Ann Golden, Peter Golden; and great-grandchild, Wykeshia Edington.

Visitation will be at Mitchell Funeral Home in Arkadelphia on Friday, Sept. 30, from noon until 6 p.m. Funeral services will be on Saturday, October 1, at 1 p.m. at Hampton High School in Hampton. Burial and final resting place will be at St. Paul Cemetery in Hampton.