Frances Bush

1942 - 2025

Frances Bush
01/18/1942 - 09/23/2025
On September 23, 2025, Frances Juanita McCullough Bush returned home to reunite with her mother, father, brothers, and other beloved family members. Frances was born in Austin, TX, on January 18, 1942, to Benjamin Franklin McCullough and Mabel Cornelia Kittredge McCullough.

She was the youngest of three children and accustomed to facing challenges and adversity, which started at an early age. At the age of 13 years old, Frances's beloved father passed away, and she started working to help her mother. Frances's unwavering determination and resilience propelled her through her academic pursuits and subsequent professional endeavors over the next four decades.

Frances attended Austin High School. Upon graduating high school, she pursued and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education from The University of Texas at Austin. At the University of Texas at Austin, Frances was in a classroom near the UT Tower when the school's infamous 1966 mass shooting transpired. Despite the tragedies and misfortunes she witnessed in her life, Frances's constant belief in people and humanity remained steadfast. After completing her undergraduate degree, she continued her academic journey at Southwest Texas State University, where she obtained a Master of Education Degree with a Major in Secondary Education and a Minor in History-Political Science. While simultaneously working and raising a family, she continued to pursue her education following her master's degree. Despite completing her formal education, Frances continued to nurture a lifelong dedication to continuous learning.

Frances devoted her life to the service of others. She was a leader, mentor, educator, mother, grandmother, and cherished friend to many. It was while working one of her first jobs that Frances met her husband, Ronald Roscoe Bush, with whom she had two children, a daughter and son Bradley Barrett Bush. Despite a demanding work schedule characterized by extended hours, late nights, and weekends, Frances consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication to her children and extended that same level of care, compassion, and attention to all others. Family activities and holidays were always exceptionally special due to the love she brought to every aspect of her life.

Frances commenced her career in education in Corpus Christi and later relocated back to Austin, where she held various positions, including as a history teacher, Dean of Girls, and Associate Principal at Crockett High School. Frances then assumed the role of Principal at Porter Middle School, where she served for nearly two decades. Following Porter Middle School, Frances transitioned to Austin Independent School District Administration, where she continued her service. Frances dedicated 36 years to the Austin Independent School District alone.

Frances exemplified the qualities of a true servant leader. She consistently prioritized the needs and service of others above her own. Her authenticity, dependability, open-mindedness, and fairness were evident in her leadership style. By leading by example and embodying her values, Frances inspired others and acted as a responsible steward of the teams she worked with and the young minds she helped shape. Her steadfast commitment to integrity, compassion, empathy, equality, generosity, honesty, humility, kindness, and perseverance, among other values, was a driving force behind her success. She consistently made herself available to offer guidance and support, or simply to lend an empathetic ear.

Frances found joy in traveling, watching sports, and taking care of her cats and dogs when she was not working. On Saturdays, she could be found wearing her burnt orange attire and supporting her Texas Longhorns. On Sundays, she would be cheering for and supporting her Dallas Cowboys. During basketball season, she rarely missed a game of her favorite San Antonio Spurs. Frances possessed a profound passion for travel and learning, and regardless of her destination or the individuals she encountered, she invariably treated each individual that she met along her journeys with respect.

Frances's life was profoundly guided by her unwavering love and belief in the inherent goodness of everyone. Her enduring affection for all individuals and things instilled in her the conviction that brighter days are always within reach. However, Frances's commitment extended beyond mere belief; she embodied the adage frequently attributed to President Abraham Lincoln: "The best way to predict the future is to create it."

The passing of Frances leaves an indelible void in the hearts of many, extinguishing a guiding beacon of light and love that provided solace and support to countless individuals throughout her remarkable 83-year life. However, her legacy extends beyond her physical life and encompasses the countless teachers and students she mentored and counseled over the years. Many of these individuals have carried forward with her leadership by example philosophy and personal values.

She will be deeply missed by many, and her children patiently anticipate the moment when her warm and beautiful smile greets them on the other side when they are reunited. We will miss you everyday until then Mom! We love you!

Frances is survived by her daughter; her son, Bradley Barrett Bush, and Bradley's wife, Natalia Victoria Bush. Frances is also survived by her grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Cherrye McCullough; her nieces and nephews; her best friend of forty years, Margaret Cain; and her dog, Jasmine Rose Bush.

A memorial will be held on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish Lake Travis located at 411 Ranch Road 620 South, Lakeway, Texas 78734. All are cordially invited to attend the service.

Those wishing to make a financial donation in lieu of flowers may do so to the American Heart Association.