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Mary Busbee Obituary


Family-Placed Death Notice

BUSBEE, Mary Beth MARY BETH BUSBEE Former First Lady of Georgia, Mary Beth Busbee died on March 3, 2012. Born in Ruston, LA on Feb. 16, 1927, Mary Elizabeth Talbot was the sixth child of a country doctor. She graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in biological sciences, and did graduate work in the pathology department at Charity Hospital of Louisiana in New Orleans. After completing her studies, she came to Georgia to work as a medical technician at Athens General Hospital. She married George Busbee in 1949, when he was a law student at the University of Georgia. They moved to Albany, GA in 1952, where they resided until moving into the governor's mansion in 1975. Governor Busbee was the first Georgia governor to be elected to serve two consecutive four-year terms. Mrs. Busbee is the mother of Beth Kindt (John), Jan Curtis (Carlton), George Busbee, Jr. (Tammy), and Jeff Busbee (Kelly). She is predeceased by her parents, Dr. and Mrs. B.H. Talbot, four brothers, a sister, and her husband, who died on July 16, 2004. Survivors include 13 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Voted Albany's "Woman of the Year" in 1975, Mrs. Busbee was very active in numerous volunteer services, focusing on cultural and health-related efforts. A breast cancer survivor of 40 years, she was very active in the work of the American Cancer Society. After her husband became governor, she continued her involvement in this cause, producing a cookbook "Mary Beth's Sampler," which benefitted the Georgia Division of the American Cancer Society. In addition to serving as honorary chair of the Georgia Division of the American Cancer Society, Mrs. Busbee was instrumental in the establishment of the first Ronald McDonald House in Atlanta for young cancer patients. Her other community involvement included serving as honorary chair of the "Save the Fox" campaign, working with the Mothers' March Against Birth Defects, the Lung Association of Georgia, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. During the eight years that her husband served as governor, Mrs. Busbee actively promoted volunteerism throughout the state. Mrs. Busbee and her daughter, Jan, co-authored a cookbook, "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," in 1985, about entertaining at the governor's mansion. The book contains menus, recipes, and anecdotes about the many guests who were entertained at the mansion during the Busbee administration. In 1985, Governor and Mrs. Busbee were instrumental in starting a church which later became Parkway Baptist Church in Duluth, GA, where they lived after he left office in 1983. Initially meeting in the Busbees' living room, the church eventually moved to its current location in North Fulton County. The Busbees were active and beloved members of Parkway Baptist Church until their deaths. Funeral services will be held at Parkway Baptist Church on Monday, March 5, 2012 at 3 o'clock with Dr. James M. King officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Parkway Baptist Church (5975 State Bridge Road, Duluth, GA 30097), Peachtree Christian Hospice (3430 Duluth Park Lane, Duluth, GA 30096), or the American Cancer Society (6500 Sugarloaf Parkway, Suite 260, Duluth, GA 30097.) Online condolences may be expressed at www.crowellbrothers.com. Arrangements by Crowell Brothers Peachtree Chapel Funeral Home, 5051 Peachtree Ind. Blvd., Norcross, GA 30092, (770) 448-5757.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution from Mar. 4 to Mar. 5, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
for Mary Busbee

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Dear Beth, Jan Buz & Jeff,
My mom, Betty Osher, asked me to find Mary Beth. I was so sorry to learn of her recent passing. Please accept condolences from all of the Osher clan, Betty and daughters Sandy, Jan, Sue and Laurie. We had so much fun in Albany as your neighbors. Love to you all, Jan

April 19, 2012

Beth, Jan, Buz, Jeff
My thoughts and prayers are with you all in the death of your mother. I think back at the many family gatherings, whether 4th of July or Thanksgiving, with all of our parents present as well as Mae and Grandpa. We miss them all. I miss being with you all. So sorry I was on ER call this weekend. Love you all.

Wes Turton

March 6, 2012

Deepest sympathy to all of you as you grieve the loss of your mother - one of the most gracious ladies we have ever had the joy of meeting and knowing. She was a class act and brought such grace, charm and beauty to the Governor's Mansion - along with your fantastic father - they were such a team with great leadership in Georgia. They were geniune!!! We knew them while they were devoted members at Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church in Atlanta while Governor and First Lady! Fantastic Memories! May God continue to bless you!

Your Atlanta Friends

March 5, 2012

Beth, Jan, Buzz and Jeff,
We loved both your parents and all the Busbee clan. I am so sorry to hear of Mary Beth's passing. She was a dear, sweet person, a loyal spouse and a wonderful mom and grandmother.
You are in my thoughts and prayers

Sonny Deriso

March 5, 2012

My thoughts are with you during this most difficult time ( 1 Cor 15: 22 ).
M Harris, Conyers, GA

March 5, 2012

Our prayers and love go to Jan, Beth, Jeff and Buzz and family of Mary Beth... Your Mom and Dad both were such good friends to John and I. We had a lot of laughs together. I just found out about her death... If we can help you all in anyway, please do let us know.. She was a very strong lady, and I loved her very much. Yes, I shall never forget the church services in her living room... We started small ,but it grew... You could not find a lady who loved her Lord, her husband, and children more that Mary Beth.
Love,
Gloria & John Rhodes
Comer, Georgia

Dr. and Mrs. John Rhodes

March 5, 2012

Sending my deepest sympathy to you at this time. Mary Beth was such a gracious lady. She and I became friends after she and Governor Busbee moved to Gwinnett County. I was working there as the Extension Home Economist.......she helped me with a series of classes on leadership. A wonderful example!! Later our paths crossed at functions honoring former governors.

God's love, mercy and amazing grace be with you!! He is watching!!

Mrs. Herman E.(Lynda) Talmadge, Sr.

March 5, 2012

Beth, Jan, Buzz and Jeff
I was sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. Mrs. Busbee was a wonderful example of a loving giving person. She was loved by Georgians across our state. I enjoyed the time I worked with them at the Mansion.
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Keith and Andrea Sorrells

Keith Sorrells

March 5, 2012

Mary Beth Busbee will be missed. When I think about my short time with her it always brings a smile to my face. Now the Lord is smiling as he brings her home.

Sheri Finch

March 5, 2012

I am so sorry for your lost. May you and your family rely on God in this time if grief.

March 5, 2012

Dear Beth, so sorry to read about your mom's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts.

Margo (Eden) Camann

March 5, 2012

So sorry for the family in the loss of such a true southern belle. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

David Gordon

March 5, 2012

May the precious memories of you love ones smile, laughter and the love you all shared, as well as reliance upon the God of comfort help to bring you a measure of peace and joy in the days to come.

With Sincere Sympathy,

M

March 5, 2012

What a beautiful and wonderful lady. She represented our state with grace and charm.
Roy and Marie Barnes

March 5, 2012

We are so sorry to hear about the lost of your loved one. We hope that fond memories will comfort you at this difficult time. You have our heart-felt sympathy.

Mary & Floyd Peterman

March 5, 2012

To the family: I knew both parents and they were wonderful servants of humankind.
I pray that the memories of the love you shared with your Mother and Dad will bring you comfort and peace.
May the loving hands of God support and strengthen you and may the peace of God surround you and bring you comfort and hope.

John C. Foster

March 5, 2012

My sympathy to the family in their loss. Mrs. Busbee was a charming and wonderful first lady. She was the epitome a beauty, grace and dignity. Her work with charities represented her giving self. She will be missed by Georgia and many throughout the nation.

William McElhannon

March 5, 2012

Truly sorry for your loss. May the words of Reveation 21:3,4 bring you comfort.

DP

March 5, 2012

Dear Family,
Your hearts are heavy with sadness now. May the Lord, our great comforter will give you peace in the days ahead. I met Mary Beth on two occasions and found her to be a lady with a sense of humor as well as a gentle spirit. She served our state well and will be missed.
Know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Be blessed

Joy

March 4, 2012

We are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for you all.

Tim and Ingrid Huggins

March 4, 2012

Jeff, I am sorry to hear the news about your mother.You are in my thoughts and prayers. I remember meeting her once at the G.M. during an event our fraternity was having there. Sincere sympathy from your pledge/fraternity brother.

Edward Loughlin

March 4, 2012

Mary Beth was a woman of true grace who enriched the lives of those who knew her. Deepest sympathy to her family.

Peter Banks

March 4, 2012

I always thought of Mrs. Busbee
as a true southern belle. She was a gracious first lady of Georgia.

mary collier

March 4, 2012

I am deeply sorry to hear of the lost of your dear loved one. Psalms 66:19 says: " Truly God has heard; He has paid attention to the voice of my prayer." God hears our prayers and feels our pain. God can give You the strength needed to endure.

Angela

March 4, 2012

Mary Beth was the epitome of Southern grace and class, a first lady in every way. Our lives were blessed and enriched by having known her and George. We know she is now with the Lord and reunited with George.

Jim n Brenda Beasley

March 4, 2012

With deepest sympathy to the Busbee family during your time of grief...Psalm 46:1...God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.

March 4, 2012

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