Nancy Reese Bush

Madison - Nancy Reese Bush, age 86, died peacefully surrounded by family on January 29, 2026, at St. Catherine's Village in Madison, Mississippi. Nancy was born in Houston, Texas, on April 22, 1939, to Nan Carter and S. Gordon Reese. She was raised in New Orleans, and she attended St. Martin's Episcopal School where her quick wit and sharp humor earned her the title of "Wittiest" from her classmates. Nancy later attended the University of Mississippi, majoring in education and was a member of Chi Omega sorority.

While at Ole Miss, in typical Nancy fashion, she founded and served as President of the "Slaughter Board"-an exclusive and informal organization (not to be confused with Mortar Board honor society) that humorously required one "F" for membership. During her college years, she met Don, the love of her life. Together they cheered Ole Miss on to many victories including the National Championship in 1960. Nancy and Don were married in 1961 at St. George's Episcopal Church in New Orleans. It began a dedicated partnership that spanned 64 years.

She was a devoted wife, a wonderful mother, a caring friend to so many. Nancy was lovingly known as "Nini" to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a role she cherished deeply. She was very loving and supportive of family and friends; often sending a caring card or handwritten note for all of life's events.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Nan and Gordon Reese; her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Lew Carter and Mr. and Mrs. Sylvanus Reese.

She is survived by her beloved husband Don; daughters Beth Irish (Bill) and Susan Goodman (Alan); grandchildren Indie Christensen (Wesley), Mallory Mills (Harris), Jenny Shaw (Ryan), and Chase Goodman (Sara); and great-grandchildren Cora, Jackson, Andrew, Luke, Mila, and Charlie. She is also survived by her brother, S. Gordon Reese Jr. (Lola); nephew S. Gordon Reese III; nieces Leigh Sower and Amy Barger; her double first cousin, Michael Reese III; and numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins, all of whom she held close to her heart.

Nancy and Don were faithful members of St. James' Episcopal Church. She was actively involved in her community, proudly serving as Ole Miss Alumni Recruitment Chairman for Hinds County, and participating in the Junior League of Jackson, the Mississippi Arts Festival and the Antique Club of Jackson. In their earlier years, she and Don also enjoyed their dance clubs, Candle Wasters and Dawn Breakers.

The family gratefully acknowledges Nancy's loving physician, Dr. Lyssa Weatherly, and the compassionate staff at St. Catherine's Village and Gentiva Hospice for their exceptional care and kindness.

One of Nancy's favorite quotes brings comfort to the family during this time: "If there ever comes a day when we can't be together, keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever."- Winnie the Pooh

Funeral services will be held at St. James' Episcopal Church in Jackson, Mississippi on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with a private interment at the St. James' columbarium following the service. Visitation will be held in Fowler Hall at St. James' from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Mustard Seed or St. James' Episcopal Church.