Amanda Ernestine Jackson Rush

Amanda Ernestine Jackson Rush, 90, of Abingdon, Va., went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 29, 2017, at the Wellmont Hospice House in Bristol, Tenn. The daughter of Admiral Dewey Jackson and Maymie Goodson Jackson, she was born on April 14, 1927, in the Wallace Community of Bristol, Va.

Amanda was preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years, George Garland Rush, her parents, Dewey Jackson and Maymie Goodson Jackson and step-mother, Bertha Loulla Goodson Jackson, who raised her from the age of 18 months, following the death of her mother. She was also preceded in death by an infant brother, Walter Gene, two infant sisters, Pauline and Baby Girl, sister, Edith Jackson Hamilton and her husband, Homer Hamilton.

Left to cherish her memory is Amanda’s daughter, Pamela Rush Murray and her loyal son-in-law, whom she loved like a son, Michael “Tommy” Murray of Abingdon, Va. She is also survived by her brother, Marvin Charles Jackson and wife, Ruth, of Bristol, Va.; nephew, Billy Hamilton, and nieces, Debbie Saylor and Karen Eaton, along with her much loved Rush Family nieces and nephews.

Amanda is a former employee of Big Jack, Gray Hosiery and Monroe Calculating Company of Bristol, Va., where she served as a long-time associate until the plant’s closing in 1969. She and her husband were also the owner/operators of Rush Shoe Shop in Abingdon, Va., and Rush Farm of Bristol, Va. She retired from K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc. of Abingdon, Va., and fondly referred to Food City as the best place she ever worked.

Amanda was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, wife and mother. Her home was always open to those in need of a home cooked meal or a place to stay. She enjoyed working in her flower and vegetable gardens. She loved to nurture and watch things grow and liked sharing her vegetables with her family and friends. She was a wonderful, loving care giver for many years to her beloved husband, George.

The family will receive friends from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Friday, December 1, 2017, at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, Va. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 2, 2017, at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service where William “Bill” Neeley, Minister of New Hope Christian Church in Grundy, Va. will officiate. Burial services will follow at Forest Hills Memory Gardens on Lee Highway in Abingdon, Va. Pallbearers will be Steve Smith, Joe Fryar, Haskel Bledsoe, Jim Trail, Burk Murray, Tommy Hurd, Daniel Sluss, and Mike Howard. Honorary pallbearers will include Glen Baumgardner, Dr. Todd Nairn, Jerry Ratcliff, Don Ayers, Bill Stoots, and Garland Helbert.

The family would also like to thank Dr. Todd Nairn, Eleanor Hess, FNP, Emma, and the staff of Southwest Virginia Home Nursing Service for their wonderful, loving care. Thanks also to special friends and caregivers Cindy Coleman, Betty Brooks, Stella Blackwell, and Rose Taylor for their love and help in Amanda’s time of need.

Mother loved her flowers but was always willing to help others, so if you choose you may make a donation to Wellmont Hospice, 1 Medical Park Blvd., Bristol, TN 37620, or to Virginia Industries for the Blind, New Vision, 4504 Starkey Road, Suite 120, Roanoke, VA 24018.

Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register. The Rush family is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, Va. 24210, (276) 623-2700.