Vera Estelle (Bigham) Bush

Estelle Bigham Bush, 91, passed away on December 8 at the Forest Manor Rehabilitation Pavilion. She was born to A.C. (Shorty) and Brookalee Bigham on February 12, 1934 in Tuscaloosa County. Estelle lived a rich and full life focused on enjoying her family and serving others. The family later moved to Winfield where she graduated from the Winfield High School in 1952. Shortly thereafter she went to the Gulf States Paper Corporation where she worked for twenty-five years. At the age of thirty-eight she married James Richard Bush and was happily wed until his death in 1978. Throughout the seventies she and James owned and operated the Bush’s Shoe Store in downtown Northport.

Estelle was a long-time member of the Five Points Baptist Church where she faithfully served for over seventy years. She loved her God and lived every day of her life for him. Estelle was committed to her church where she busied herself singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School, serving on various committees and being involved in the many ministries of that church. She always had a smile for everyone and had a true servant’s heart as she always focused on other’s needs more than her own.

Estelle is preceded in death by her husband, James Richard Bush, her parents, A. C. (Shorty) and Brookalee Bigham, brother, Billy Roy Bigham, and step-daughter, Nellie Johnson. She is survived by her sister, Margaret Ann Gray (Billy) of Northport, nephews, Steve Bigham (Lori) of Coker and Ken Bigham (Susan) of Palmetto, Florida, sister-in-law, Deloma Bigham of Foley, three great-nephews and two great-nieces, three great-great nephews and four great-great nieces, step-daughter, Donna Bush French, step-sons, James Brady Bush and Donnald Ray Johnson and several step-grandchildren and one step-great-great grandchild.

Her nieces and nephews called her Aunt Telle because when they were little, they had trouble coming out with the whole name and her step-children lovingly referred to her as Little Mama because of her petite stature.

Estelle was surely one of the Lord Jesus Christ’s most faithful followers living for him every day of her life doing all she could to make life good for the people she was around. The love of Christ freely flowed through her sweet, sweet spirit and loving concern for others. We will all miss her but rejoice in the knowledge that she is reunited with her loved ones and is eternally enjoying the presence of her Lord.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Monday, December 15, 2025, at the Five Points Baptist Church in Northport with Billy Gray, John Brooks and Larry Morrison officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM and the service will follow at 12:00 PM. The committal service will take place at Memory Hill Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Steve Bigham, John Robert Bigham, Anthony Ellis, Jeff Lang, Brad Tucker, Robby Lavender, Ken Bigham, Josh Bigham and Jackson Bigham.

Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things God hath prepared for them that love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9