Jean Parker Rusak

Jean Parker Rusak was called home to Heaven on Thursday morning, August 25th, after a lengthy battle with breast cancer. She was surrounded by family & friends, as she was cared for at home with Hospice care.

Jean was born and raised in Sunbury, NC. She attended college Elon College 1952-53. While at Elon she played basketball and was part of the Elon Chorus which sang at Carnegie Hall in 1953. Singing at Carnegie Hall was a proud moment for a small-town girl from Sunbury, NC. During her college years she became a lifelong St Louis Cardinals Baseball fan.

After college, she moved to Richmond, VA and was hired at Seaboard Coastline in the secretarial pool. It was at this time she joined a bowling league and met her husband of 45 years, John J. Rusak, Jr. In 1981 her career took the family to Jacksonville, FL. In her time at the railroad, she made many lasting friendships of which lasted thru her entire life. She was a loyal employee of CSX Transportation for 42 years before retiring from the Benefits Department in 1995.

Jean loved to bowl, was active in raising two children, participated in school PTA, little league baseball & neighborhood activities. Jean was a faithful member of Lakewood United Methodist Church and Crossroads United Methodist Church. Jean’s favorite service in both churches was the “Baby Ministry,” which allowed her to care for the littlest members of the congregation. Mrs. Jean, as she was called, was also a member of the Anne Belote Bible Study class for over 20 years at Lakewood UMC.

Jean Parker Rusak was predeceased by husband, John J. Rusak, Jr. She is survived by her two children- Lisa Rusak and Waverly Rusak (Kimberly) and Grandchildren Andrew, Brooke, and Cole Rusak; as well as her late husband’s children whom she considered her own: Janice Rusak Kelvin (Richard), John J Rusak, III (Karen) and Jo Jeen M. Rusak. She also leaves behind 5 Grandchildren from her late husband and 11 Great Grandchildren.

Graveside Services will be on Tuesday, August 30th at 10am at Greenlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Community Hospice & Palliative Care or Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center in Jacksonville, FL

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GreenlawnJacksonville.com for the Rusak family.