Mary "Ann" Bush

Mary “Ann” Tenhet Bush passed away peacefully, at home, after a lengthy illness on Friday, March 28, 2025. She was 81 years old. Ann was born in Maben, MS on July 14, 1943, to Arthur Allen Tenhet and Ruby Edwards.

In 1961, Ann graduated from French Camp Academy located in French Camp, MS. She would often share stories of making bread from scratch and that she was on the basketball team. Ann would later marry her high school sweetheart, Neal. They celebrated 56 years of marriage before his passing in 2022. Ann began her career as a nurse in Starkville, MS and later retired from Ocean Springs Hospital as a unit clerk. She took a short hiatus from work to care for her children and would also care for other children in the neighborhood while their parents were at work. Ann was a longstanding member of Big Ridge Baptist Church where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, assisted in the nursery, and served on various committees. Her hobbies included reading, cooking, watching soccer, and spoiling her grandchildren.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Neal Edward Bush, Sr. and two sisters, Christine Dozier and Alice Perkins.

She is survived by her children, Neal Edward “Eddie” (Karen) Bush, Jr. and Joel (Jessica) Bush; grandchildren, Lori Anne (Kyle) Cheke, Samantha (Tyler) Taylor, Sarah Bush, Ethan Bush, and Xander Bush; great-grandchildren Charlie Cheke, Arabella Taylor, and Carmen Taylor; sister Angie Clower (John); and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Vital Caring Hospice team and the personal caregivers. Your love and support allowed Mom’s request to remain at home this past year a possibility.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Mary Ann Tenhet Bush to French Camp Academy, 1 Fine Pl., French Camp, MS 39745.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 911 Porter Avenue Ocean Springs, MS with visitation beginning at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Lemon Cemetery in Ocean Springs, MS.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Mary “Ann” Bush.