Barbara Jo Rushing

Barbara Jo Rushing, age 81, of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2024, at the Green House Cottages of Southern Hills in Rison, AR. Born December 2, 1942, in Pine Bluff, AR, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Doris Goldman Petty of Pine Bluff, AR. She graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1960.
In her early years, Barbara was a trailblazer, becoming the first woman to run a bread route for Wonder Bread in Pine Bluff. Later, she dedicated almost 30 years to The Mad Butcher (later County Market), retiring as a Front-End Manager and Scanner Coordinator. Her coworkers became lifelong friends, and she continued to spend time with them long after her retirement.
She was a loving mother, grandmother, and a devout animal lover. She had an infectious smile and a very generous soul. She always had a joyful spirit, even on her worst days. Barbara loved to support her children and grandchildren in all their activities, especially baseball! She never missed a game.
She is survived by her brother, David Petty, and his wife Tammy of Pine Bluff; nephew Jeff Petty and his wife Amber of Vilonia; children, Donald Heath Peters of Pine Bluff, Larry Rushing and his wife Diana of Pine Bluff, Micheal Rushing and his wife Genie of Hot Springs, Amanda Rushing of Little Rock, Patrick Rushing and his wife Crystal of Sheridan, and Doug Rushing of Pine Bluff; grandchildren, Tyler Heath Peters and his wife Elizabeth, Trevor Heath Peters, Kalabe Haynes, Malory Rushing, Kayla Earnest, Madison Rushing, and Lanie Elizabeth Lopez, Anna Grace Weeks; five great-grandchildren and two great-nieces.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 9, 2024 in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson and Son with Celebrant Marty Shell officiating. Interment will follow in Fitzhugh Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday morning from 9:30 a.m. until service time at Robinson's.
Online register: www.RobinsonFuller.com