Joan Bush

On Monday, March 6, 2023, Joan Heath Bush, beloved mother of three and “Grandma Jo” to many grandchildren, great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild transitioned to Heaven at the age of 88, surrounded by loved ones.

Joan was the second child born to Katherine and Leonard Lynch of Marion County, Indiana. Joan met the love of her life, Paul Bush while working at Arkla Gas in Shreveport, Louisiana. They were happily married for over 40 years residing in Waskom, Texas. The love they shared served as true example of a godly marriage.

Joan met her Lord and Savior in 1966 at Ford Park Baptist Church. Her ministry began in her home. Her son Randy often would find her listening to sermons on reel-to-reel tapes. Joan’s countenance glowed reflecting the presence of the Holy Spirit. She encouraged her children to memorize scripture through BMA. Joan shared her love of the Lord with neighborhood children forming a Good News Club using her flannel board to convey the gospel message. Joan later served as the children’s and bus minister at her church and started a 24-hour prayer ministry. Her hunger for God’s Word continued as she studied to become a leader of Precepts In Depth Bible studies serving for many years at First Baptist Church in Waskom until she stepped aside in November of 2021. Her hope was that the Precept Bible studies would continue with someone new “carrying the torch”.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents Katherine and Lloyd Lynch, brothers Phil and Bob Heath and Paul’s daughter Dee Anne Bush, and her lifelong best friend, Esther Singletary.

Joan loved her family. It was her heart’s desire and fervent prayer that her children, grandchildren, great great-great grandchildren, family members and friends would come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord.

Rhonda often told her Mom she wanted her to live to be 100 here on Earth, so they could be together forever. However, The Lord called her home on Monday night. She now stands in the cloud of witnesses alongside Abraham, Moses and Paul cheering us on in our Christian walk.

She leaves behind her husband, Paul Bush (Waskom, TX), daughter Janet Eppler and husband Todd (Bossier City), son Randy Ransom and wife Mary, (Mahomet, Illinois) daughter Rhonda Lewis and husband Dalton (Shreveport, LA), grandchildren Lori Ezernack and husband Brandon (Stonewall, LA), Jillian Nunez and wife Molly (Diamondhead, MS), Krissy Spivey and husband Farrion (Zachary, LA), Rick Eppler (Bossier City, LA), Paul Honeycutt and wife Cynthia (Waskom, TX), Blake Ransom and wife Brittany (Champaign, IL), Jim Lewis (Shreveport, LA), Jonathan Lewis (Ft. Worth, TX) numerous bonus grandchildren, great grandchildren—Aiden, Alona, Ava, Chris, Elise, Hunter, Isla, Jennifer, Jim, Johnny, Jonathan, Jude, Julie, Kaylee, Liam, Lori, McKenzie, Megan, Taylor, Tony Via, Zoe, and great-great grandson Antonio.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 11, 2023, at First Baptist Church in Waskom, Texas followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00. Honorary Pallbearers will be Tony Bush, Chris Cherry, Todd Eppler, Brandon Ezernack, Paul Honeycutt, Dalton Lewis, Jim Lewis, Jonathan Lewis, and Blake Ransom.

The family would like to thank the church family at First Baptist Church Waskom for their love over the years, Joan’s Precept Bible study friends, Johnny Hick’s who weekly styled her hair and prayed with her, the Emergency Room and Critical Care Unit at Willis Knighton North, Dr. Alexander, Nurses: Bre, Jack and Will who went above and beyond in caring for our precious Joan in her last days. Special thanks to “Corky” Davis, M.D. for his care over the years.

Janet expressed, “God, I thank you that she was made in Your image and reflected Your love.”

Joan, Mom, Grandma Jo, thank you for your prayers, your Christian example, your servant’s heart, your mission mindedness, Bible study expertise, your sharing Jesus with us and others. We saw you.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Waskom, Texas, Gladstone Community Church, Shreveport, LA and The American Heart Association.