Emmie Cleo Bussey

A public visitation from 1:00-2:00PM and then will proceed with the funeral services at 2:00PM at The Sanctuary with Reverend Mark Joyner officiating, 4584 Cox Road, Evans, GA 30809 (706-364-8284), after which graveside services will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park. Ms. Bussey was born at home on April 18, 1920 to Eddie Glover and Idonia Elizabeth Bryan in Trenton, South Carolina. Known most of her life as “Little Cleo” she was raised in the Baptist church, and learned to read the Bible at an early age. As a child, she would read the Bible to an elderly woman named Mama Rose, who always told Cleo that “God is gonna bless you, child,” and He surely did! Cleo lived a life filled with love, and the light of the Lord shown through her in everything she did, every word she spoke, and with every person she met, for the rest of her life. At the age of 15 years, she was swept off her feet by a dashing 17 year old mailman, Fred C. Bussey, who later married her and whisked her off to the big city of Augusta, Georgia. Fred became an electrician and he and Cleo traveled up and down the East coast of the United States from Niagara Falls, NY to New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Along the way they had four children. Little Cleo lived life on the GO. As a matter of fact, she loved getting about so much, one of her nick names was “Cle-go!” Cleo had a passion for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ every day, through her words and her actions. She never met a stranger she did not befriend. Her sweet smile and bright blue eyes greeted every person with joy, hope, love, and an open, caring heart. She was very “special” and made you feel special too. Besides being a home maker, she also worked at North Augusta Restaurant in the 1970’s, and at Murray Biscuit Company in the 1980’s. She is preceded in death by her husband, Fred, of 43 years. They had four children: Fred R. Bussey (Faye); William W. Bussey, deceased (Lamonda); Doris L. Montgomery (Charles H., deceased); Sallie Rueggeberg (Frederick). Ms. Bussey is survived by ten grandchildren (Rick Bussey (Peggy), Dr. David Bussey (Patrica), Scott Bussey (Bonnie), Michael Montgomery, Julie Montgomery (Mike), Laura Johnson (Derek), Bryan Bussey (Brandy), J. Erin McNeill (Todd), Jason Rueggeberg (Victoria), and Jeremy Rueggeberg. In addition, she had seventeen great grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren. Special appreciation is expressed for the deep caring, love, and devotion of Heartland Hospice, Piney Grove Baptist Church, and Dr. Andrew VanAlstein and his staff. In lieu of flowers, please mail donations in her name to: Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund, 153 Davis Road, Augusta, GA 30907 (706-860-7344) Jud C. Hickey Center for Alzheimer’s Care, 1901 Central Avenue, Augusta, GA 30904 (706-738-5039) Team Stinkykiss, 2655 Beaver Creek Lane, Aiken, SC 29803 (teamskrescue@gmail.com)