Shirley Bussey

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Shirley Nadene Bussey was born on March 13, 1941, in Warsaw, Missouri, the youngest of seven children to Rev. Damon B. Hudson and Clara (Sweeny) Hudson. She entered into rest on October 2, 2026, at her home in Neosho, surrounded by her family at the age of 85.

On March 12, 1960, Shirley and Ervin Ray Bussey were united in marriage and in 1962, were blessed with the birth of their son, Ricky Ray.

Shirley’s greatest joy in life was serving others, and she lived every day of her life doing so. She joyfully served her husband of sixty-six years, her son and later her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She would make beautiful spreads of food for her family and was warm and welcoming, with the gift of hospitality. Anyone who walked into their home, any time of day or night, would be greeted with a warm smile and leave with a full belly. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, granny and aunt. For thirty-nine years, Fridays were reserved for her grandkids and later her great grands. She was always known as Grandma Bussey by all of the kids, friends who also enjoyed Friday slumber parties at the Bussey farm. And she was Miss Bussey to her beloved Sunday school kids.

Shirley worked for many years at Teledyne in Neosho and then in 1983, she and her husband established Bussey’s Painting and worked until her retirement.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Ervin; her son, Rick Bussey of Neosho; three grandchildren, Ashley Carpenter and husband, Matt of Neosho; Jessica Waters and husband, Ryan of Stella and Jon Bussey of Neosho; six great grandchildren, Madelyn Nadene, Cooper and Zebediah Carpenter; Savannah, Sadie and Sophia Waters and many nieces and nephews who she dearly cherished. She is preceded in death by her parents and six siblings, Ray, Charles, Noble, David, Mildred and Violet.

Shirley always said that she could not have made it a day without her Lord and Savior. She fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith. Her life and legacy will live on through the ones she poured her life into.

At Shirley's request the family will have a private interment in the Maness Cemetery, behind the family farm.