Carol Jo Bush

Carol Jo “Jodi” Smith Bush, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2025, in Houston, Texas, at the age of 74. Born on September 14, 1950, in Houston, she spent her life sharing warmth, kindness, and creativity with everyone around her.

Jodi is survived by her devoted children: son Brian Michael Bush and his wife Erica O’Brien Bush, and daughter Jennifer Bush Doubrava and husband, Chad Doubrava. She was a proud and loving grandmother to five granddaughters—Alexandra, Micaela, Kaitlyn, Samantha, and Darcy, who brought her endless joy and to whom she was affectionately known for her unconditional love and generous spirit. She is also survived by her sister Marilyn Larison, many beloved nieces and nephews, and her dear friend Sarah Peters, who played a vital part in her care these last several months.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael E. Bush; her parents, Walter B. and Juanita Smith; her sister, Linda Smith; and her brother, Ronald McKown.

Jodi was a dedicated 35-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star at Humble Chapter #415, where she served as Worthy Matron four times and held numerous other offices. Her leadership, faith, and devotion to service left a lasting impact on her fellow members and the community.

A woman of many talents and passions, Jodi found great joy in travel, cooking, baking, sewing, and music. She played the autoharp, hammered dulcimer, and piano, filling her home with beautiful melodies. She loved card and board games and treasured every moment spent with her granddaughters, creating memories that will be cherished forever.

Services will be held at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX, 77039, where family and friends will gather to honor and celebrate her life on May 23, 2025. Visitation will be held from 1:30-2:30 PM. The funeral service will be held at 2:30 PM, followed by the committal service from 3:30-4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to Girl Power 2 Cure or the Rett Syndrome Research Trust, causes close to her heart.

Jodi will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of love, strength, and compassion will live on in the lives she touched.