Norma Rush's Obituary
Norma Virginia Rush, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2025, at the age of 80.
Born on February 12, 1945, in Harrisburg, Arkansas, Norma was the daughter of William and Rebecca Tillery. She was preceded in death by her parents, and by her beloved son, Eddie T. Rose II.
Norma’s life was one of service, devotion, and love. She attended Harding Academy High School and spent her life deeply rooted in her faith as a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Alongside her husband, she co-owned and operated Gary’s Market for over 40 years, building not only a successful business but also a cornerstone of her community.
She spent the first half of her life in Memphis, TN, and the latter half in Olive Branch, MS—two places she dearly loved. Norma had a passion for travel, exploring the world with a sense of joy and curiosity. She also had a giving heart, always finding ways to support others with kindness and generosity. A lifelong animal lover, she cherished her pets as part of her family.
Norma is survived by her loving husband, Gary Lee Rush; her children, Michelle Reneah Wood, Laura Lee Blackburn, April Hope McCord, and Gary Todd Rush; her grandchildren, Lauren Ashley White, James Wayne Wood, Jackson Tyler Wood, Brent McKinney Blackburn, Stephanie Lee Ostwinkle, and Mallory Hope Meadows; and her great-grandchildren, Roman Alexander White, Hannah Jane Wood, Emma Blackburn, Jackson Blackburn, Blake Blackburn, Ava Blackburn, Joanna Ostwinkle, Jake Ostwinkle, and Haisley Meadows.
Norma will be remembered for her warm spirit, unwavering faith, boundless love for her family, and her ability to make everyone feel like they mattered. Her legacy of compassion and devotion lives on in all who knew and loved her.
The family invites friends to gather Saturday April 26, 2025, for visitation from 5:00pm until 7:00pm with services the following day, Sunday April 27, 2025, beginning at 1:00pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home 5668 Poplar Ave Memphis, TN 38119
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