Thelma Bush

Thelma Marie Allen Bush departed this life on October 9, 2025 surrounded by her loved ones. Ms. Bush was born in Sapulpa, OK, on July 23, 1923, to the late Joe B. Allen and Tompa Cuerton Allen. Having lost her mother at a young age, she was raised by her stepmother, the late Leonne Smittick Allen.
Ms. Bush gave her life to the Lord at an early age and her legacy of love and being a witness for Christ was evident throughout her life. Thelma Bush was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, friend and neighbor who imparted great wisdom and principles. Throughout her life, she showed strength, care, passion, humility, empathy, and love for everyone.
She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Sapulpa, OK. She attended Lincoln University, located in Missouri, graduating with a degree in Psychology. After moving to Washington, DC, in 1959, she worked for the Department of Education and the Library of Congress. She married the late Frank Robert Bush in 1959, and they resided in Washington, DC. They had two children, Myrtis Francine Bush and Michael Joe Bush.
She loved sending cards to her sick friends and visiting them in the hospital. Ms. Bush collected candles and, in her lifetime, had over 2,000 from many parts of the country and the world. After retiring, she volunteered at the YWCA in Washington, DC. Ms. Bush was a member of the Goodwill Baptist Church in Washington DC, where she was an active member prior to becoming ill. She was also very active in her community. After moving to Hagerstown, MD, Ms. Bush continued to fellowship at several other churches.
She is survived by her: daughter, Myrtis Francine Scott (Tyrone) of Hagerstown, MD; five grandchildren, Gregory Conerll Jackson (Jean) of Monrovia, MD, Richard Jackson (Shari) of Hagerstown, MD, Jeffrey Franklyn Jackson of Hagerstown, MD, Renee Alexander of California and Cheryl Brown (Winston) of North Carolina; 4 great grandchildren, Ariel Marie Jackson, Amari Richard Jackson, Alexis Jackson and Aaliyah Ferguson; goddaughter, Rebecca Knight; special granddaughter, Yessy Hendrix (Erik) of Frederick, MD; and a host of family and friends.
In addition to her parents, stepmother, and husband, she was preceded in death by her: son, Michael Joe Bush; and two stepchildren, Pearlie Mae Alexander and Donald Franklyn Bush.
Thelma Bush was a wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, friend and neighbor. Throughout her life, she showed strength, care, passion, humility, empathy, and love for everyone.